Policy Advisor Lead

Position Description

The Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) is seeking a Policy Advisor Lead to join a dynamic team and play a pivotal role in the department’s strategic initiatives and communication efforts. This position supports the work of the SOCR Policy Division as well as advancing the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) the City’s long-term commitment to end racism and achieve racial equity in Seattle. The Policy Advisor Lead serves as an expert advisor and facilitates SOCR’s policy initiatives that advocate for structural change and advance civil rights protections grounded in the principles of racial equity and social justice.

The Policy division supports innovative, community-driven solutions that advance equity and race and social justice for all Seattle residents and community members. Our purpose is to support City decision-makers in ensuring civil rights protections through policy development and review. We advance Seattle’s commitment to social justice and ending institutional racism by creating capacity and space for communities most impacted, and those historically absent from, policy discussions. Our work includes research, community engagement, data sharing, evaluation, policy development and drafting legislation.

The Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) envisions a city of thriving and powerful communities that foster shared healing and belonging. The SOCR advances civil rights and removes barriers to equity by enforcing illegal discrimination laws in Employment, Housing, Public Places, Fair Contracting, Title VI, and ADA Title II in the City of Seattle. We also provide civil rights training and education, propose legislation and policies, oversee the City’s Race & Social Justice Initiative, and support four commissions. Our values are Compassion, Responsibility, Integrity, Imagination, and Belonging.

Job Responsibilities

Here Is More About What You Will Be Doing

• Work to eliminate institutional and structural racism and its intersections with other forms of oppression, including sexism, heterosexism, transphobia, classism, and ableism.
• Support the Policy Division’s implementation of the Policy Strategic Plan. Serve as an expert technical advisor to co-create and lead comprehensive analyses in the development of civil rights policies. Conduct research and analysis, evaluate proposed policy initiatives, and make recommendations with a racial equity and social justice lens.
• Lead SOCR work in updating and revising SOCR enforcement codes in partnership with the Enforcement Division, city department stakeholders and the City Attorney Office.
• Facilitate the department’s Legislative Team to identify new policies and amend existing codes to ensure the City of Seattle’s civil rights protections are current and effective. Assist in the development of civil rights legislation – including stakeholder engagement, drafting of legislation, and supporting rule making.
• Produce written products, including policy briefs, research memos, and presentations that concisely and clearly describe complex analyses and policy recommendations for a variety of audiences.
• Provide counsel, mentorship, and support to SOCR staff to develop and support an anti-racist organizational culture and application of a racial equity analysis to the division’s work.
  
  

Qualifications

The Policy Advisor Lead will have experience that reflects a commitment to organizing systems and structures to increase agency for prevented and persecuted communities. They have knowledge of, and work experience with, underserved communities and socio-economic diversity and are familiar with the workings of local government. To the work they bring experience in public policy development and the legislative process; an understanding of the dynamics of power and privilege in the protection of civil rights; and a commitment to accountability and transparency. They demonstrate an understanding of intersectional racial justice that includes gender justice, disability, justice and other intersectional considerations for the City of Seattle’s 18 protected classes. This knowledge and experience should be complemented by demonstrated ability in a combination of the following areas:

• Technical writing skills with the ability to leverage qualitative and quantitative data to produce compelling recommendations and reports to drive policy decisions.
• Convey complex information in a manner that informs diverse audiences through excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Engage stakeholders in a manner that reflects collaboration, partnership, and respect.
• Support and encourage an anti-racist organizational culture.
• Assist and mentor those engaged in equity and social justice work.
• Conduct analysis with a racial equity and social justice lens.
• Navigate a political environment and have difficult, respectful conversations with people of all identities and backgrounds.
• Authentically listen. Be humble and curious. Demonstrate empathy and self-awareness.
• Communicate at all levels tactfully and effectively.
• Leverage an agile, flexible, resourceful, and innovative mindset.
• Lead and mentor with transparency and approachability.
  
  

Additional Information

This full-time benefitted position is classified as a Strategic Advisor 2, Exempt in the City payroll system. It is exempt from the Civil Service System and FLSA (not eligible for overtime payment). The full salary range for this position is $109,620 to $164,492 annually ($52.50 - $78.78 hourly). The salary range for this individual role has been identified as $137,00 - $143,900 annually ($65.61- $68.92 hourly).

Individuals interested in this opportunity are encouraged to also consider the Policy Advisor and Senior Data Analyst position concurrently being recruited by the department. You must apply through the link in each of the job postings to be considered for each position.

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be expected to work in-office two days a week. Telework option is available three days a week under current City of Seattle policy. This position may need to work occasional evenings/weekends. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and their supervisor.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Pam Inch at Pam.Inch@seattle.gov to request accommodation.

Why work at the City of Seattle

The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

Benefits – The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Application Process

To be considered you must include a resume and cover letter with your application.? We encourage you to use your cover letter to discuss why you want to support the work of the RSJI and the team and your qualification for the position. Your resume should summarize the talent, experience, knowledge, and skills you bring to this leadership role.

Application material received by 4:00PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, will receive first consideration.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

If you have questions, please contact Pam Inch, Senior Executive Recruiter at Pam.Inch@seattle.gov.

Who may apply: This position is open to all individuals whose experience, skills and abilities are aligned with the qualifications as presented above. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.