Senior Planning & Development Specialist

Full Job Description

Seattle’s Human Services Department (HSD) seeks a talented Senior Planning & Development Specialist to join its Youth and Family Empowerment (YFE) team.

A successful candidate brings a passion for community engagement, experience in project management, and a strong commitment to race and social justice to this role.

The Senior Planning & Development Specialist is a critical thinker and leader, guiding a variety of planning activities to shape the City’s investments in key outcomes for youth and families.

This position will report to the Youth & Family Empowerment Division’s Planning & Development Manager.

Seattle’s Human Services Department (HSD) connects people with resources and solutions during times of need so we can all live, learn, work and take part in strong, healthy communities.

We invest in programs and services to meet the basic needs in our communities using innovative and collaborative approaches.

The Senior Planning & Development Specialist supports key HSD strategies including 1) Preparing Youth for Success, 2) Supporting Affordability and Livability, and 3) Promoting Public Health.

The emphasis of this position will be to lead YFE’s Early Childhood Food and Nutrition portfolio, including our Farm to Preschool, Summer Food Service Program, Childcare Nutrition Centers, and Afterschool Program.

These highly visible investments support City of Seattle children and youth to increase healthy eating habits and reduce hunger.

Requirements

This position provides lead planning support on a variety of division activities, including:

• Serving as the technical expert in federal, state and city childhood nutrition policies and able to communicate effectively on regulations, policies and guidance
• Planning, implementing and evaluating key City childhood nutrition initiatives within multiple programs
• Researching data and best practices; developing literature reviews, landscape assessments and other reports for recommendations to city leadership
• Planning and conducting community engagement to best align city efforts with community need
• Leading or supporting competitive funding processes and other projects centering on equity
• Providing leadership and collaborative partnership in department, City and community workgroups
• Supporting implementation of the City’s priorities, including implementation of budget adds
• Assisting with onboarding and supporting new staff, and serving as a subject matter expert for HSD
• Assist other planners within HSD as needed
• May supervise interns and/or other youth trainees

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: A bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, public policy, social/human services, or related field

Experience:

Three years of experience in planning, research and project management related to human or social services, or related field.

Knowledge of and experience with child nutrition programs, such as the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), Afterschool Meal Program, or other USDA or OSPI administered food and nutrition programs.

Background or professional experience leading food and nutrition, food access, or food insecurity work.

Certification/License: Driver’s License

OR: An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties

Desired Qualifications:

• Understanding of and commitment to racial equity and social justice and a demonstrated ability to implement these principles in your work
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with multiple internal and external partners toward shared program goals or service outcomes
• Experience in non-profit, human services, public health or other public services
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including people with lived experience, policymakers, service provider partners, funding partners, and agency staff
• Experience working with vulnerable populations including, but not limited to, communities of color and low-income communities
• Experience leading and supporting stakeholders who are not under direct supervision
• Experience planning and conducting community engagement
• Experience working with evaluation and data reports
• Experience leading or project managing large-scale projects that may involve research, implementation, evaluation, budgeting, timelines, etc.

Additional Information

Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.

This opportunity has a hybrid work schedule; you are required after training to be in the office a minimum of three days a week.

Hiring Process
Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education.
3. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
4. Supplemental questionnaire responses.

Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, which may include a detailed background check, pre-placement physical exam, and/or full driver's abstract, dependent upon position.

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: Most Employee Benefits Package

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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.

Who may apply: This role is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. We value different viewpoints and life experiences.

Your application 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 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 experiences.