Tech Industry Strategic Advisor

Full Job Description

The Office of Economic Development's purpose is to shape the future of Seattle’s economy to make it more equitable, prosperous, and competitive.

We lead projects and make investments that expand access to opportunity, reduce the racial wealth gap, and foster innovation and sustainable growth.

The Key Industries & Workforce Development (KIWD) team drives this work by supporting industries that generate living-wage careers, spark innovation, and build shared prosperity.

We develop strategies and partnerships across sectors, including technology, maritime, manufacturing, film, life sciences, aerospace, nightlife, and clean energy tech.

We’re seeking an equity-driven, innovative Tech Industry Strategic Advisor to lead strategies that strengthen Seattle’s technology sector economy.

You’ll connect stakeholders, advance initiatives that promote inclusive growth, and align workforce development with industry needs.

Seattle is at a pivotal moment - offering a rare chance to shape the tech sector and drive equitable growth.

If you’re ready to lead, join us to help define the future of one of the nation’s most dynamic tech hubs!

Requirements

Key Priorities

1. Develop and implement a Tech Sector Strategy that attracts, retains, and grows businesses; advances Seattle’s AI Strategy, where applicable; drives technology adoption across industries; and promotes equitable economic opportunities.

2. Build and maintain strong relationships with tech stakeholders to foster collaboration, investment, and shared growth.

3. Align tech-sector strategies with workforce development and cross-sector priorities.

Your Day-to-Day

· Sector Strategy & Policy: Lead strategies to grow Seattle’s tech sector ecosystem. Provide insights, align talent development, and deliver data-driven reports.

· Industry Engagement: Build relationships with startups, established firms, investors, and hubs. Represent OED at events that promote inclusive innovation.

· Cross-Sector Support: Advise on tech trends that strengthen industries like maritime, manufacturing, and life sciences. Support Seattle’s AI strategy.

· Citywide Collaboration: Align tech strategies with broader economic goals and identify partnership opportunities internally and externally.

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 applicant will have every skill or experience listed - and that’s okay!

We believe a strong economy is built by and for the community it serves, which means actively including those historically excluded from wealth-building opportunities.

We value transferable skills, diverse perspectives, nontraditional career paths, lived experience, and a demonstrated commitment to racial equity and social justice.

If you bring a combination of the qualifications below and are excited to make a positive impact, we want to hear from you!

Success in This Role Means:

· Leveraging your experience in industry, economic development, policy-making, and/or program design to lead equitable and inclusive strategies that strengthen Seattle’s technology sector and foster inclusive growth.

· Building strong partnerships across tech and innovation ecosystems to promote collaboration and shared prosperity.

· Representing OED in high-impact initiatives and serving as a trusted advisor to leadership.

· Navigating ambiguity and driving change with professionalism and cultural humility.

· Delivering results aligned with the City’s values of equity, inclusion, and community engagement.

Key Skills & Talents:

· Strategic Leadership: Articulate vision, turn complex info into plans, and lead multiple projects.

· Policy & Program Expertise: Experience in industry, economic development, policy evaluation, and program implementation.

· Collaboration & Communication: Build relationships across diverse audiences; strong written and verbal skills.

· Project Management: Manage budgets, deadlines, and cross-team coordination.

· Analytical & Industry Insight: Assess trends, identify opportunities, and integrate equity into strategies.

· Tech & Innovation Knowledge: Familiarity with tech sector trends, industry nuances, and AI strategy.

· Adaptability: Drive change in complex environments.

We’re Looking for Someone Passionate About:

· Advancing Seattle as a global tech and innovation hub.

· Creating pathways in the tech sector for historically marginalized communities.

· Building authentic relationships and centering community voices.

· Driving innovation and cross-sector collaboration.

· Championing racial and social equity in economic development policies, programs, and strategies.

Additional Information

This full-time, overtime-exempt position is classified as a Strategic Advisor 1, Exempt-L17 and reports to the Economic Sectors Lead.

This role is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Seattle and PROTEC17- Strategic Advisor Unit. The full salary range for this classification is $51.88 - $77.82 per hour.

Following a pay equity and budget analysis, the annual salary for this role is $130,834.08 ($62.66/hour).

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 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.

To be considered, you must include a resume and cover letter your application by the posted deadline at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle

· Cover Letter: Explain why you want to do this work and how you meet the qualifications

· Resume: Summarize your experience, talents, knowledge, and skills

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 qualified applicants. 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 experience.

Hiring Timeline: We anticipate conducting first and second-round interviews between March 9th – March 20th. Our target hire date is in April 2026.

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 other benefits and privileges of employment.

Please contact Nicolette.Hornbeck@seattle.gov with any questions or to request accommodations.