Safe & Thriving Communities Division Director

City of Seattle•Seattle, WA

About The Position

The City of Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) is seeking to hire an interim Division Director to lead its Safe and Thriving Communities (STC) Division. Community safety is a top priority for the City of Seattle, and STC invests in violence prevention and crime survivor support to strengthen community-led safety efforts. HSD has a mission to "connect people with resources and solutions during times of need so we can all live, learn, work and take part in strong, healthy communities." HSD is one of the largest investors to Seattle’s safety net, investing more than $89 million annually to community-based organizations that provide services to the most vulnerable neighborhoods and communities. The department's work involves planning, contracting to nearly 200 community agencies, and providing direct services. This position works in partnership with department staff, the Mayor's Office, other City and government departmental executives, community-based providers, and many other stakeholders to recommend strategies, implement programs, and direct a continuum of services to prevent violence and increase community safety. The Safe and Thriving Communities Division reports to the HSD Deputy Director. This position is an interim at-will placement and is expected to sunset after approximately 3 months with the possibility of extension. This opportunity is open until filled with the first review of resumes on October 16, 2026.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with technical expertise in human services, public administration, business, or related field or an equivalent amount of combined executive leadership experience and education.
Six (6) years of experience directing or leading human services programs in one of the following areas: public health approaches to community safety, social services, and/or the criminal legal system.
Work experience should also include building community consensus and demonstrated ability to work in partnership with stakeholders and constituents.
Four years of experience supervising staff in a management or executive role.
Experience and commitment to building and cultivating community relationships.
Demonstrated efforts that reduce racial disparities impacting the broader community.
An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in social work, human services, public administration, business, or related field (or an equivalent substitution of qualified experience as described in this job ad.)
Direct experience leading work in community safety efforts, violence prevention, and other related areas.
Two years of experience at the executive-level.
Experience working and communicating with elected officials, community-based organizations, and government agencies as well as navigating political, controversial, and contentious environments.
Skill in project design/management, and high level of people and process management skills including mediating between competing interests across multiple teams.
A well-developed understanding of equity and social justice principles and experience leading teams and/or implementing policies that integrate equity and social justice into program design and workplace culture.
Proven leadership skills – ability to successfully lead and guide others in a meaningful way during times of change, clear on identifying goals and measurable objectives, passionate about your work and the work of others you lead, develop trust with employees and business partners, and manage courageously.
Political awareness, including strategic management, effective communications, relationship building, ability to quickly analyze and synthesize complex information.
Excellent strategic writing ability and presentation skills, be quick and sound to problem-solve and respond to controversial questions in a political environment.
Strong acumen for business operations in the public and/or private sector.
Shows compassion, authenticity, self-awareness, and innovation to effectively lead and motivate staff and advocate for HSD and its work.
Demonstrates a high level of discretion, good judgment, and diplomacy and exhibits strong, cooperative working relationships with diverse groups of people.
Experience utilizing data to gauge trends, support program direction, monitor program effectiveness and outcomes.
Demonstrated ability to manage large complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
Knowledge of race and social justice principles and their application to this body of work.
Critical analysis and creative problem-solving skills.
Courage to rapidly resolve conflict.
Ability to communicate information succinctly in a compelling manner.
Ability to manage multiple competing priorities.

Responsibilities

Oversee operations for the STC division with a staff of 34 and a management team of 9.
Manage and enhance workforce development, team relations, and communications between cross-functional work groups.
Lead with adaptive problem-solving, balanced judgement, collaboration, and transparency.
Collaborate with service providers and community members to develop and provide direction on HSD’s continuum of violence prevention investments and survivor support direct services.
Provide direction for program policy development, planning, initiatives and implementation with a lens of racial equity, understanding of the current political landscape and in alignment with the department's strategic direction.
Present strategies and policy recommendations to the Department Director, Deputy Director, Mayor, City Council, and/or community groups.
Oversee the division’s investments, which includes 100+ contracts and agreements of over $34 million annually in community safety-related investments.
Responsible for meeting departmental policy, procedures and expectations, and mitigate audit findings.
Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with City departments, government entities, private sector agencies, community-based groups, human services advocacy groups, clients and others to develop program strategies and direction, and garner program support.
Model a commitment to eliminate inequity and racial disparities.
Supervise direct reports, evaluate staff performance, provide feedback, coaching and corrective support as needed.
Foster an environment that aligns with and supports the Director’s vision and direction.
Provide status on programs and critical issues to HSD Director, Deputy Director and others.
Collaborate with key City departmental leaders from the Mayor’s Office, Community Assisted Response and Engagement (CARE) Department, Seattle Police Department, and others on development of citywide efforts to prevent and intervene in violence, build infrastructure, and implement a comprehensive and coordinated plan to reduce violence.
Demonstrate flexible availability, including occasional evening and weekend work to meet organizational and operational needs.
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with high-profile stakeholders, including elected officials, government leaders, and community partners.