Key Industries and Workforce Development Manager

Full Job Description

The Office of Economic Development exists to shape a more equitable, prosperous, and competitive future for Seattle.

With strong foundations, a clear strategy, and a well-established structure, the department leads initiatives that expand access to economic opportunity, reduce the racial wealth gap, and support innovation and growth across the city.

As the Key Industries and Workforce Development Manager, you'll lead a team of professionals responsible for advancing sector strategies across industries that drive Seattle's economy - Maritime, Manufacturing, Technology, AI, the Green economy, Life Sciences, Film, Life at Night economy, Workforce Development, and more.

This team partners closely with labor, education, and employers to strengthen workforce pipelines and equip local talent with in-demand skills that open the door to living-wage careers.

This role offers significant ownership in people leadership, sector strategy development and implementation, policy direction, and budget management.

With strong support and ample room for creativity and big-picture thinking, you’ll help build a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient economy that benefits every Seattle community!

Requirements

Your top three priorities will be:

1. Plan, develop, and support the Key Industry and Workforce Development (KIWD) team and sector strategies in collaboration with OED leadership, the KIWD team, and internal and external partners.
2. Oversee operational and team development, including budget management, coordination, and performance support.
3. Drive sector partnerships and lead citywide and regional workforce planning, including implementing the Workforce Development Plan and deploying Life Sciences and Technology strategies.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:
• Leading and approving the development of key industry and workforce policies, strategies, and recommendations.
• Directing KIWD’s strategic priorities and overseeing the programs, services, and initiatives that result from this work.
• Building and stewarding high-level partnerships with interdepartmental teams, the Workforce Development Council, and state, regional, and city stakeholders to advance industry growth and career pathways.
• Authorizing and guiding the implementation of KIWD policies and projects aligned with directives from the Mayor’s Office and City leadership.
• Representing the City in industry sector and workforce development efforts related to economic development, recovery, and impact.
• Driving the design and delivery of programs that strengthen key industries, address disparities, and expand opportunities for BIPOC and women-owned businesses and workforces.
• Forging public-private partnerships that increase BIPOC representation in key industries and expand investment in diverse small businesses.
• Collaborating effectively with colleagues and community partners across diverse identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences.

Please note this job ad 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

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 progressively responsible experience in economic or workforce development, or in a related field where you’ve led strategic, matrixed initiatives that strengthen industry competitiveness, talent pipelines, and innovation.

Centering community priorities, elevating diverse voices, and communicating effectively across teams and leadership levels are core to success.

Experience and skills in:

• Management-level cross-sector economic development work or in a related field
• Leading and developing people and teams
• Creating and advancing clear, goal-driven strategies
• Managing complex projects
• Planning and overseeing budgets
• Navigating data and translating insights into action
• Integrating feedback from multiple sources
• Advising leadership and supporting data-informed decision-making

Ability to:

• Balance structure and systems-building with big-picture thinking, ensuring alignment without working in silos.
• Provide clear guidance and support to the Executive team
• Develop and implement strategies at a citywide scale
• Align teams and stakeholders toward shared outcomes
• Build and sustain partnerships across agencies, communities, and political environments
• Engage stakeholders and facilitate collaboration that drives change
• Apply strong interpersonal skills across diverse settings

A passion for:

• Expanding opportunities for underserved and underrepresented communities
• Applying a DEIB lens to workforce and industry initiatives
• Increasing access to living-wage careers
• Shaping policy and systems that strengthen local economic opportunity

Additionally:

• Ability to pass a criminal background check

Additional Information

This full-time, salaried position is classified as Manager 3, Exempt, and reports to the Division Director.

This role is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Seattle and PROTEC17 – Strategic Advisors & Managers.

The full salary range for this classification is $61.90–$92.84 per hour.

Following a pay equity and budget analysis, the identified salary range for this role is $166,476.24 - $183,744 ($79.73 - $88 / hour based on 2088 hours per 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/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

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 support the work of the KIWD team and your qualifications for the position
• A PDF of your current résumé summarizing the talent, experience, knowledge, and skills you would bring to this leadership 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.

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.

Pre-Employment Requirements: If selected to advance in this hiring process, applicants will need to successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17.

Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.

Hiring Timeline: We anticipate conducting first- and second-round interviews in Mid to Late April. Our target hire date is May 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 Nicolette.Hornbeck@seattle.gov with any questions or accommodation requests.