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Business Districts Advocate

City of Seattle
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The Office of Economic Development’s purpose is to shape the future of Seattle’s economy and make it more equitable, prosperous, and competitive. We do this work by leading projects and making investments that open up access to economic opportunities, reduce the racial wealth gap, and encourage innovation and growth. As part of this mission, our Only in Seattle team strives to build capacity in business districts as they deliver on their vision of vibrant neighborhoods and community ownership.

 

We are looking for two Business Districts Advocates, each of which will have a distinct body of work, including:

  • Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), which are funding mechanisms for business district revitalization and management. Local collaborators oversee and fund the maintenance, improvement, and promotion of their commercial district. The BIA Advocate will be a subject matter expert on City policies, state law, and successful practices to support under-resourced communities to explore and develop BIA proposals, conduct outreach, and pass BIA ordinances through the Mayor’s Office and City Council.
  • Retail Recruitment and Retention Program. The Business Retention Advocate will support business districts to understand their markets, implement retail market analyses and strategies, fill vacant spaces, and influence business mix. The ultimate impact of this program is to increase the access to and affordability of essential services throughout the city, from childcare centers to retail and restaurants, by breaking down systemic barriers that prevent these businesses from locating where they are most needed.

 

As the BIA Advocate, you will:

  • Develop and evaluate assessment structures based on the community’s particular property and business ownership conditions
  • Use your subject matter expertise in business district organizing and capacity building and economic development approaches to develop effective campaigns that organize community members to build consensus around their priorities and evaluate the potential of a BIA to address the needs
  • Shape policies and programs that improve the equitable health and vibrancy of neighborhoods, build the diversity and strength of local small businesses, and engage, organize, and support community collaborators doing the work, with an emphasis on BIAs as an important tool to achieve these goals
  • Support a set of neighborhood business districts to develop and implement visions and action plans and support projects, performing a variety of activities including administrative, developing project plans and budgets, providing technical assistance to community groups, businesses, and organizations, and evaluating program effectiveness
  • Manage grant contracts with the neighborhood organization and monitor progress, outcomes, and payments, including developing, monitoring, and guiding various recipients of grant funds and agency contracts to ensure their effectiveness
  • Conduct analysis and assessment of community assets, property data, interests, issues, and power dynamics
  • Apply your understanding algebraic formulas of assessment and how they relate to benefits received by different kinds of ratepayers

 

As the Business Retention Advocate, you will:

  • Apply your knowledge of economic development strategies for business district revitalization, business recruitment and retention, and nonprofit organizational capacity building
  • Support each district to implement strategies and outcomes for success in their individual recruitment and retention programs
  • Develop overarching strategies, tools, and coordination across neighborhoods to support the recruitment and retention of small businesses and the livability of neighborhoods across the city
  • Analyze, develop and recommend new policies as well as changes to existing policies that impact the affordability and vacancy of commercial space in business districts and impediments businesses and property owners face in opening and operating vacant spaces, which could include zoning, permitting, labor standards, public health and safety, project financing and leasing, how requirements overlap, and others
  • Work directly with community organizations, property owners, and business owners to discuss and advise on retail analyses, business recruitment, and use of commercial spaces
  • Work across OED programs, such as Seattle Restored, Business Community Ownership Fund, Small Business Navigation, and Commercial Affordability Assistance, integrating OED’s work to provide seamless services and support
  • Use your technical expertise in retail market analysis, demographic trends, commercial leasing, commercial space improvements, and/or assessment of small business financial health to oversee the work product and quality of work of technical consultants, conducting independent analysis and conveying the results of their work.

 

You will be successful in either of these roles with a combination of the following:

Experience:

  • Providing leadership and being accountable within community of color-led and focused organizations or efforts
  • Working in a business district, community organization, or supporting small businesses
  • Project management or support
  • Community building and outreach
  • Collaborating with various entities to develop and implement project plans
  • Representing your department at meetings and on interdepartmental teams, including preparing and delivering presentations
  • Directing the consultant selection process and coordinating consultant activities
  • Preparing a variety of written materials, including correspondence, reports, briefing papers, and legislation

Skills:

  • Communicating at all levels thoughtfully and effectively, including sensitive negotiations and consensus-building with community members
  • Cultivating and developing mutually respectful relationships based on trust and reliability
  • Fostering a collaborative approach to problem solving
  • Microsoft Office software, such as Excel, Word, MS Teams, and PowerPoint
  • Other software applications such as databases, survey tools, and customer relationship management

A commitment to:

  • Listening, creating space for diverse perspectives
  • The pursuit of inclusive and just outcomes
  • Applying racial equity and social justice principles
  • Working to eliminate structural racism in programs, processes, or policies

 

Qualifications

 

In addition to the qualities mentioned above, you will need to possess the below required qualifications (or a combination of education, training or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class):

  • Five years of experience in planning, organizing, coalition building, non-profit management, program management, community development, economic development, small business support, entrepreneurship, commercial real estate, commercial brokerage, commercial property management, retail recruitment, economic analysis, urban planning, project management, community organizing, or related experience

 

OR

  • Four years of experience in planning, organizing, coalition building, non-profit management, program management, community development, economic development, small business support, entrepreneurship, commercial real estate, commercial brokerage, commercial property management, retail recruitment, economic analysis, urban planning, project management, community organizing, or related experience
  • Associate Degree in Business or Public Administration, Urban Planning, Political Science, Real Estate, Finance, Economic Development, Community Development, or other related field

 

OR

  • Three years of experience in planning, organizing, coalition building, non-profit management, program management, community development, economic development, small business support, entrepreneurship, commercial real estate, commercial brokerage, commercial property management, retail recruitment, economic analysis, urban planning, project management, community organizing, or related experience
  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Public Administration, Urban Planning, Political Science, Real Estate, Finance, Economic Development, Community Development, or other related field

 

Additional Information

 

These positions are eligible for overtime and are classified as Community Development Specialist, Senior. The full pay range for these step progression positions is $52.20 - $60.83 hourly. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $52.20 hourly. Current City employees’ starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions.

 

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be expected to work in-office a minimum of two days a week. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and their supervisor. Moderate local travel and possible regional travel will be required, as well as occasional evening and weekend in-person meetings. 

 

First round interviews for this position are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, August 13 and/or Wednesday, August 14, with the second round taking place on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. All interviews will take place virtually using Microsoft Teams.

 

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 Lindsey King at Lindsey.King@seattle.gov to request accommodation.

 

We hope to have this position filled with a preferred start date of Wednesday, September 11, 2024 (this date is flexible based on the availability of the new employee).

 

Individuals selected to fill this position may be eligible to receive Language Premium Pay (SMC 4.20.360), which provides a $200.00 monthly stipend to qualified bilingual employees who are properly evaluated and assigned to provide direct communication in-language, interpretation, or translation services to the public on behalf of 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 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.

 

The City 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:

Please submit your application at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle/ no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. To be considered for this position, in addition to completing your application fully, please attach:

  • A PDF of your current resume which illustrates your related skills, experience, and abilities
  • Cover Letter explaining your interest in this opportunity with OED and your ability to perform in this role

This position is open to all applicants that meet the minimum qualifications. The department 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. OED 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. If you have questions, please contact Lindsey King at Lindsey.King@seattle.gov.