K-12 Program Manager

Full Job Description

The City of Seattle wants every child to have the opportunity to succeed in their education. To achieve this goal, the Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) is seeking a K-12 Program Manager to manage the K-12 program, which is one of the 3 key programs within the Programs Division.

DEEL strives to embed the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative into its education objectives and seeks staff who value the importance of working together as a government and community to eliminate racial disparities and achieve racial equity.

Our core values of equity, results, stewardship, transparency, and collaboration guide our work, support our operations, and hold us accountable.

The K-12 Program Manager is accountable for the execution and implementation of DEEL’s investments and initiatives.

This position is responsible for managing the implementation of a complex, interconnected portfolio of K-12, Health and Safety, and Community investments, including partnerships with Seattle Public Schools, community-based organizations, and other intergovernmental agencies.

Requirements

Your top 3 priorities in this role will be:

Providing leadership, direction, and supervision for the K-12 Unit consisting of staff charged with the successful implementation of K-12 school, health and safety, and other community investments that contribute to the overall success of students.

This includes setting the vision for the K-12 unit and developing cascading goals that contribute to the overall success of this portfolio.

Regularly reviewing program data and outcomes, supporting school and CBO leaders in the implementation of effective data-driven practices and accountability structures, and initiating discussions and actions that lead to improved student outcomes and school-wide performance.

Providing guidance on presentations and defends policy recommendations to Programs Division Director, Department Executive decision makers, the Levy Oversight Committee.

Here’s more about what you’ll be doing:

1. Management and Operations

• Driving performance strategy for K-12, health, and safety investments
• Leading operational oversight of all K-12 contractual partnerships
• Shaping and executing contracts and monitoring systems that accelerate improvement
• Making high-impact, data-driven decisions on investment direction and resource allocation
• Strengthening organizational capacity through targeted staff development
• Delivering executive-level reports and policy briefs that guide leadership decisions
• Leading and developing a team of advisors and supervisors

2. Partnerships and Collaboration

• Providing strategic leadership to ensure partner success and accountability
• Advancing division-wide alignment to improve student outcomes
• Fostering cross-department collaboration to execute major priorities cohesively
• Building and influencing high-level relationships with school, district, regional, and community leaders

3. Strategy and Advisory

• Shaping division strategy and stewarding progress toward long-range goals
• Ensuring alignment with Levy ordinances, regulations, and investment policy
• Advising executive leadership and present high stakes policy recommendations
• Representing the department in major forums to advance outcomes for Seattle students

Major Projects:

• Expanding learning opportunities within the Community Schools model
• Standardizing monitoring across the unit
• Integrating health and safety into the Community Schools model

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.

Qualifications

You'll be prepared to take this role if you have a combination of the following:

Knowledge and Skills:

• Providing organizational leadership and administration, and focus, direction, and facilitation to multidisciplinary, cross-sector workgroups
• Building and leading teams through change
• Using qualitative and quantitative data to inform program implementation and policy decisions
• Driving academic results for students not yet meeting grade-level learning standards
• Managing projects and issues while maintaining excellent customer service
• Working with first-generation and racially/ethnically diverse student populations
• Working with organizational leaders, school principals, and education advocates to improve systems, practices, and student outcomes
• Convening and facilitating effective meetings and professional learning opportunities
• A passion for utilizing culturally responsive practices for working with students and families from historically underserved populations, including low socio-economic, immigrant, and/or emergent bilingual backgrounds

Additional Information

This full-time, salaried position is classified as a Manager 2, Exempt, and reports to the DEEL Program Division Director.

Salary: The full salary range for this position is $56.57 - $84.88 per hour. The annual salary for this position has been identified as $172,802.88 ($82.76 per hour based on 2088 hours).

Hiring Timeline: Interviews for this position are tentatively scheduled for April 27 – May 15, 2026 with an anticipated start date of Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

Accommodations: 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 Sandra Wong at sandra.wong@seattle.gov to request accommodation.

Working Schedule: This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. At this time, hybrid telework schedules have a minimum requirement of three days onsite per week. Individual schedules are based on operational needs and agreement between the employee and their supervisor.

Background Check: This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 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.

Why work at the City? 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:

Applications will be accepted for this position until 4:00pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. To be considered for this position, in addition to completing your application fully, please attach:

• A PDF of your current resume
• Cover Letter

We encourage you to review the City of Seattle’s Application and Interviewing Tips Guide, which may be used as a resource as you prepare to apply and interview for positions with the City of Seattle.

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 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 Sandra Wong at Sandra.Wong@seattle.gov.