Workforce Development Advisor (SA1)

City of Seattle•Seattle, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Seattle Public Utilities is seeking a dedicated Workforce Development Advisor (SA1) to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will design and drive forward-thinking upskilling and workforce development initiatives that strengthen our organization and advance our strategic vision. The Workforce Development Advisor will spearhead our efforts to enhance employee skills, foster talent retention, and create pathways for career progression. This position is essential in ensuring SPU maintains a highly skilled workforce ready to meet current and future challenges. In this role, you will partner with departments across the City of Seattle, strengthening connections between City teams and our communities to create clear pathways to a wide range of employment opportunities. About Seattle Public Utilities (SPU): Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make. About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.6 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations. For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the: SPU Website SPU Workplace Expectations Strategic Business Plan SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities. We know work isn’t only about what you do, it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including: Hybrid work schedule opportunities Family-friendly and multicultural work environment Generous benefits package Free public transportation options City pension plan with employer/employee contributions Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Instructional Design, or closely related field
Three (3) years of professional experience in workforce development, talent management, organizational development, or human resources, preferably in a senior-level capacity
Experience must include demonstrated program development and implementation
Five (5) years of directly relevant professional experience in workforce development or training program management without a Bachelor's degree
Experience designing, implementing, and evaluating training or development programs
Demonstrated ability to conduct needs assessments and skills gap analyses
Experience developing program metrics and measuring program outcomes
Proficiency with learning management systems and data analysis tools
Knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated collaboration and interpersonal skills with cross-functional teams
Foundational understanding of program budget and resource management
Current Washington State driver's license or ability to obtain one prior to first day of appointment, required for occasional travel to community or program sites

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated success managing the full lifecycle of workforce development initiatives—from initial strategy, design, and implementation to evaluation and equity analysis—including experience developing inclusive learning programs, mentorship programs, and educational partnerships that serve diverse audiences.
Background in public sector, utility, educational, or non-profit environments, with a strong understanding of the operational complexities of large, highly structured organizations.
Proven ability to balance diverse stakeholder needs while building meaningful relationships through community outreach and engagement, particularly with diverse and underserved populations.
Proficiency in learning management systems (LMS), e-learning development, and data analysis to drive strategic decisions, optimize organizational learning, and manage complex project timelines.
Deep expertise in workforce development methodologies, adult learning principles, talent management strategies, and organizational development best practices to build innovative upskilling and professional pathway programs.
Strong track record of leading and collaborating with HR specialists, training coordinators, data analysts, and cross-functional teams to foster a culture of continuous learning.
Practical familiarity with relevant labor laws, public sector compliance requirements, and professional certification standards, combined with experience managing program budgets and resource allocation.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive Upskilling Development Program aligned with SPU's strategic goals
Conduct skills gap analyses and design targeted training initiatives
Establish program objectives, performance metrics, and manage program budget
Collaborate with senior management to align program objectives with business needs
Design and implement community outreach initiatives, including internships and apprenticeship programs
Develop and recommend policies related to workforce development
Analyze risks and benefits of proposed policies
Present and defend policy recommendations to senior management
Collaborate with legal and HR departments to ensure policy compliance
Apply workforce development methodologies and adult learning principles
Utilize data analysis, project management, and learning management systems
Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies in learning and development
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to team members
Collaborate with workforce development groups across City departments

Benefits

Hybrid work schedule opportunities
Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
Generous benefits package
Free public transportation options
City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
Growth potential and advancement opportunities
vacation
holiday
sick leave
medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents