Neighborhood and Business Districts Manager

The Office of Economic Development works to shape a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving economy by increasing access to economic opportunities, reducing racial inequities, and supporting community-centered growth. We are seeking a forward-thinking, strategic, and outcomes-focused Neighborhoods and Business Districts Manager to advance a strategic shift in how the City makes investments and drives economic impact for neighborhood districts. This role sets citywide strategy, strengthens operational systems, directs district-level and cross-district investments, and develops timely policy solutions that respond to Seattle’s changing economic landscape. In this role, you will lead the Business Districts team that sits at a unique intersection of economic development, policy, district investment, budget strategy, and cross-departmental collaboration. It is a high-impact role for a leader who envisions the big picture, establishes data-driven goals to meet City priorities, operates cross-departmentally and across districts, and is a proactive, leading collaborator to drive sustained, long-term economic outcomes for Seattle’s business districts and local economy. Your top priorities

• Develop Seattle’s 2027 Business District Strategy based on economic research, citywide priorities, and analysis of district conditions.
• Lead the Business Improvement Area (BIA) formation initiative, including driving implementation and achieving milestones, establishing readiness and feasibility, investment approaches, governance, strategic frameworks, and stakeholder participation.
• Rebuild team operations to establish project management systems, KPI tracking, assignment frameworks, and district investment analysis.

As the Neighborhoods and Business Districts Manager, you will: Lead Team and Talent Management

• Supervise up to six staff across policy, advocacy, advisory, and program areas.
• Provide strategic assignments, performance management, coaching, and workflow leadership.
• Support recruitment efforts and ensure operational alignment across the team.

Develop and Implement Business District Strategies

• Use landscape analyses, needs assessments, and measurable indicators to identify opportunities and challenges across districts.
• Build strategic frameworks, produce recommendations and scenarios, and lead implementation planning.
• Transition the team from a grant-focused operating model to a comprehensive district investment and partnership approach including policy assesment and actions, facilitating multi-department collaborations, and special initiatives. .

Lead Business Improvement Area (BIA) Strategy

• Direct BIA exploration, formation, and growth efforts, including policy development and legislative coordination to unlock greater BIA potential to stimulate economic growth in business districts.
• Strengthen the City’s BIA landscape and network by establishing and driving key strategic priorities across BIAs that intersect with the City’s priorities. Internally, establish operational standards to measure and manage BIA partnerships, workflows, and outcomes, and set technical standards for staff development.

Oversee Programs, Contracts, and Fiscal Management

• Manage team budgets, district investment strategies, forecasting, compliance, and financial reporting.
• Oversee contract management systems and personally manage key contracts and consultants.
• Ensure district projects align with strategy, budgets, and measurable outcomes.

Cross-Departmental and Executive Coordination

• Represent OED in collaborations with departments such as Budget, Finance, DON, and Law.
• Provide briefings and strategic materials for City leadership including the Mayor’s Office and City Council.
• Prepare evaluations, legislative materials, investment reports, and other executive-level documentation.

Operational and Structural Leadership

• Establish new operating systems and tools that support project management, outcome tracking, and workflow coordination.
• Integrate or create systems that track improvements in district conditions year-over-year.
• Align team roles and assignments with classification, capacity, and strategic needs.

Please note: This job ad is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. We know no candidate will bring every qualification - and that’s not the expectation. A strong, inclusive economy is built by people with varied backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences. We value transferable skills, a growth mindset, nontraditional career paths, and demonstrated commitment to racial equity and social justice. If you’re excited about this role and bring a combination of the qualifications below, we want to hear from you. You’ll thrive in this role if you bring a mixture of the following: Progressively responsible experience and skills in:

• Team and people management

• Strategy development, implementation, and evaluation in economic development and/or business districts

• Policy development and implementation

• Project management and adoption of organizational systems and tools

• Program management, including scoping, scenario development, planning, execution, and evaluation

• Budget management, including forecasting, compliance, and investment modeling

• Cross-department collaboration and partner engagement with measurable outcomes

• KPI and goal development and performance tracking

• Managing complex operational dynamics and resolving conflicts across stakeholders

• Communicating effectively with executive stakeholders and diverse external partners

Ability to:

• Lead an organizational pivot and establish new structures and systems using change management techniques and tools.

• Center the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) as a guiding principle when shaping strategy, evaluating district conditions, and designing investment and policy frameworks

• Build trust, foster relationships, and navigate complex community and political dynamics with maturity, diplomacy, and cultural humility

• Identify and leverage City policy and operational tools to influence district outcomes

• Synthesize data, district insights, City priorities, and research into actionable strategy

• Plan and facilitate decision-making among City leadership and partners

• Balance long-term strategic planning with short-term operational needs

Tools and technical skills:

• Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams)
• Databases, survey tools, CRM systems, and project management platforms

This full-time, salaried position is classified as Manager 2, Exempt, and reports to the Division Director. This role is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Seattle and PROTEC17 – Strategic Advisors & Managers Unit. The full salary range for this classification is $56.77 - $84.88 per hour. Following a pay equity and budget analysis, the identified annual salary range for this role is $79.21 - $84.64/hour ($165,390.48 - $176,728.32, based on 2088 hours a year). 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 is available at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits Why work at the City of Seattle? At the City of Seattle, public service is more than a job—it’s a chance to shape the future and make a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone who works, lives, or plays in our city. With 12,000 employees across 40+ departments and 1,100 job titles, we are united by a common purpose: to create a Seattle that is vibrant and welcoming for all. Whatever your role, you’ll help power a forward-looking city that leads by example—inclusive, innovative, equitable, and community-focused—while joining a diverse team committed to solving challenges and making a lasting impact together. Join us in building a Seattle where everyone thrives. Application Process Here are some informational-only tips on applying and interviewing with us. In addition to completing the application fully by the posted deadline at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle, please attach:

• A cover letter describing why you want to do this work and your qualifications for the position
• A PDF of your current résumé summarizing the talent, experience, knowledge, and skills you would bring to this role Please note: The Office of Economic Development does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated tools to screen or evaluate applications. Every application is reviewed by a member of our hiring team to ensure an equitable and human-centered process. Pre-employment procedures: Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will have the opportunity to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation. Who may apply: This position is open to all individuals whose experience, skills, and abilities align with the qualifications 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, or gender identity. The City encourages people of all backgrounds—including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience—to apply. Hiring Timeline: We anticipate conducting interviews and a skills assessment at the end of October. The target start date is November 18, 2026. Language Premium Pay: Individuals selected to fill this position may be eligible to receive Language Premium Pay (SMC 4.20.360), which provides a $200 monthly stipend to qualified bilingual employees who are evaluated and assigned to provide direct in-language communication, interpretation, or translation services to the public on behalf of the City of Seattle. Accommodations and Questions: We strive to make our hiring process accessible to all. Individuals with disabilities will be provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive all benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact [email protected] with any questions or accommodation requests.