Equitable Contracting Advisor (SA1)

Full Job Description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking an Equitable Contracting Advisor (SA1) to lead our Equity in Contracting and Women and Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) programs.

This is a unique opportunity to drive systemic change by ensuring equitable access to public contracting opportunities and expanding supplier diversity across SPU’s procurement landscape.

In this high-impact role, you’ll shape and implement equity-centered initiatives, develop inclusive policies, and build strong partnerships with historically underrepresented communities.

You’ll also lead staff training, create accessible tools and resources, and represent SPU in citywide equity efforts.

If you're a collaborative leader with a deep commitment to racial and social equity, data-driven decision-making, and community engagement, we invite you to bring your vision and expertise to our team.

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 1.5 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
• 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

Program Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and manage SPU’s Equity in Contracting and WMBE programs
• Shape and implement equity-driven contracting initiatives aligned with SPU’s broader equity strategy
• Develop annual WMBE utilization goals and a strategic workplan
• Represent SPU on the City’s WMBE Interdepartmental Team (IDT)

Training, Tools & Communication

• Deliver training to SPU staff on WMBE goals, policies, and best practices
• Create accessible tools and guidance for internal teams and external vendors
• Design and execute communication strategies to promote equity in contracting
• Forecast and share upcoming contracting opportunities with stakeholders

Stakeholder Engagement & Outreach

• Build strong relationships with WMBE suppliers, community organizations, and City partners
• Organize and participate in events, workshops, and tradeshows to foster engagement
• Lead inclusive stakeholder sessions to gather input and share program updates
• Support Citywide efforts to deepen relationships with historically underrepresented communities

Policy, Data & Reporting

• Develop and refine equity-centered policies and procedures
• Build dashboards and reports to track program performance and outcomes
• Analyze trends, identify gaps, and recommend actionable solutions
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting, including quarterly WMBE reports and monthly O&M updates

Procurement & Compliance

• Collaborate on procurement planning and pre-solicitation engagement
• Manage subcontracting compliance to ensure inclusive participation
• Promote equitable access throughout SPU’s contracting processes

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.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

A bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Justice, Urban Planning, or a related field AND three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in public contracting, procurement, contract management, supplier diversity programs, equity initiatives, or community engagement focused on business and economic equity.

OR

Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in public contracting, procurement, supplier diversity programs, equity initiatives, or community engagement focused on business or economic equity.

Experience must include developing or implementing equity-focused initiatives engaging with diverse communities and business stakeholders, and communicating / reporting equity program outcomes.

Desired qualifications:

• Demonstrated success building trust with diverse communities and stakeholders, with experience managing equity-focused programs, WMBE initiatives, or supplier diversity programs, preferably in the public sector
• Proven ability to lead equity-focused programs and deliver measurable results, with expertise in policy development, data analysis, and building dashboards/metrics to track program performance and equity outcomes
• Strong facilitation, training, and cross-functional collaboration skills with demonstrated success engaging diverse stakeholders, delivering presentations, and planning/executing events, trainings, and outreach initiatives
• Excellent communication abilities with the capacity to convey complex ideas with clarity and empathy, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, data visualization tools, and procurement/compliance systems
• Strategic thinking and deep knowledge of racial equity frameworks, systemic barriers in public contracting, federal/state/local WMBE regulations, and best practices in process improvement

Additional Information

Workplace Schedule/Environment:

• Hybrid schedule with remote work flexibility (minimum 3 days/week in-office). Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.
• Work is performed both in an office environment and in a public setting.
• Collaborative, inclusive team environment

Application Requirement(s):

1. A complete NEOGOV/Government Jobs on-line application
2. Supplemental questionnaire responses
3. Attached Resume & Cover Letter describing your skills and experience in relation to this position.

~Candidates submitting an incomplete Application Packages will NOT be considered~

The salary range for this position is $108,325.44 - $162,488.16 annually This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records incompliance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SME 14.17.

Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

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.

Who may apply: 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 experience.

This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. 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.

If you have any questions, please contact Erika Monroe at erika.monroe@seattle.gov.

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web pagewww.seattle.gov/util/.