Strategy & Engagement Associate

The Department of Education and Early Learning’s (DEEL) mission is to transform the lives of Seattle’s children, youth, and families through strategic investments in education. We believe equitable opportunities and access to high quality education services and support from kindergarten through postsecondary should be the reality for all children, youth, and families. Our staff is committed to eliminating opportunity gaps, advancing academic achievement, and ensuring students graduate prepared for a college and career path of their choice. 

DEEL is a data-driven organization that practices continuous quality improvement. We develop and administer performance-based contracts and agreements for services, oversee contract implementation, monitor progress towards outcome achievement, and provide support, guidance, and direction to partners in alignment with their needs. Our department strives to embed the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative into its education objectives and seeks staff that 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.

To support DEEL’s mission and vision for Seattle, we are looking for a Strategy & Engagement Associate who will advise on and foster strategic partnerships that advance the K-12/Postsecondary Division goals. In this role, you will assist the Strategy & Engagement Manager in working with K-12/Postsecondary Division leadership to enact key community and governmental relationships that support the Division’s programmatic work. In addition, you will play a key role in supporting the Strategy & Engagement Unit by serving as a liaison between other Divisions within DEEL, across City of Seattle departments, and with external partner institutions and community-based organizations in order to advance initiatives and execute shared agreements and workplans. 

Here’s more of what you’ll be doing:

Engaging and convening partners and community members:

• Supporting the Strategy & Engagement Unit and K-12/Postsecondary Division's internal and external engagement efforts including the management of relationships with the Mayor's Office, City Council, City Departments, Families, Education, Preschool and Promise (FEPP) Levy Oversight Committee (LOC), Seattle Public Schools, Seattle Colleges, and community and institutional partners
• Assist with K-12/Postsecondary Division communications and public relations including but not limited to managing K-12/Postsecondary content on the DEEL website and social media platforms, collateral and materials, and other messaging mediums
• Partner with K-12/Postsecondary and other DEEL staff to coordinate various outreach efforts including but not limited to community events (i.e., college and career readiness and summer learning/out-of-school time fairs, Seattle Promise informational sessions or sign-up events), partners site visits, and FEPP LOC meetings

Stewarding initiatives and investments with an outcomes-based and results-driven approach:

• Providing counsel and support to K-12/Postsecondary Division leadership on critical lines of business
• Coordinating engagement activities and events with institutional partners that lead to the achievement of Division goals and outcomes
• Managing special projects and other contracts within the Division that fall outside K-12 and Postsecondary Unit responsibilities and/or overlap with other DEEL Divisions
• Developing summary documents and curating information on K-12/Postsecondary initiatives and investments to report progress and results to various DEEL stakeholder groups

Providing technical assistance and supporting continuous improvement:

• Conducting research and literature reviews to support K-12/Postsecondary Division investment strategies and partner program implementation 
• Developing strategic guidance and monitoring for K-12/Postsecondary Division initiatives including producing reports, analyses, and visualizations that provide information on progress toward meeting Division and Department goals

Interpreting and informing local, regional, and state policy:

• Developing policy-related briefs, memos, reports, and communications across the K-12/Postsecondary Division
• Cultivating and maintaining key K-12/Postsecondary partnerships that advance shared policy goals and outcomes
• Carrying out engagements and processes related to K-12/Postsecondary regional and state affairs

You will be prepared for this role with a combination of the below:

Skills:

• A commitment to listening, creating space for diverse perspectives, and the pursuit of inclusive and just outcomes
• Organizational leadership and administration
• Using qualitative and quantitative data to inform program and policy decisions
• Applying strong project management skills to accomplishing tasks and intended goals and outcomes
• Managing issues and challenges while maintaining excellent customer service
• Communicating to internal and external audiences as a representative of department executives on significant issues for the purpose of garnering support, shaping opinions, advocating controversial positions, and achieving equity in educational outcomes
• Working with organizational leaders and education advocates to improve systems, practices, and student outcomes
• Convening and facilitating effective meetings and professional learning opportunities

Knowledge of:

• Methods for cultivating and managing ongoing effective partnerships 
• K-12, Postsecondary, and government systems and how to navigate them to advance Departmental and common goals 
• Community engagement strategies that foster the voice of those being served, inclusivity, and the ability to contribute meaningfully
• Outreach practices and approaches that build knowledge and awareness for community and other stakeholders and authentic interactions and opportunities for communication

The ability to:

• Demonstrate excellent analytical skills
• Develop program recommendations and policy options for senior management
• Work in diverse communities and conduct effective outreach
• Utilize culturally responsive practices for working with communities from historically underserved populations, including low socio-economic, immigrant, and/or emergent bilingual backgrounds
• Communicate at all levels tactfully and effectively

Qualifications

In addition to the qualities mentioned above, you will need to possess the below required qualifications (or a combination of education, training or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class):

• Bachelor’s Degree in planning, public administration, or a related field
• Three years of experience in planning and research related to human services or other work directly related to City planning and development activities 

OR

• Associate Degree in planning, public administration, or a related field
• Four years of experience in planning and research related to human services or other work directly related to City planning and development activities 

OR

• Five years of experience in planning and research related to human services or other work directly related to City planning and development activities 

In addition to:

• Ability to pass a criminal background and education check

Additional Information

This position is classified as a Planning & Development Specialist, Senior.

DEEL supports the City of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative to end institutionalized racism by eliminating barriers to access, providing the staff and public with opportunities for growth, and developing equitable access to the programs and services we offer. If you share those values and meet the qualifications, we invite you to apply for this position. Please visit http://www.seattle.gov/education to learn more about the Department of Education & Early Learning.

The first round of interviews for this position are tentatively scheduled for February 11 and 12, with the second round taking place on February 17.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To be considered for this position, you must submit your application, attaching a cover letter, resume, and writing sample, at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, January 26, 2021. Your writing sample should be no more than 10 pages. This position is open to all applicants 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, medical condition, or pregnancy. The Department of Education & Early Learning 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 Lindsey King at Lindsey.King@seattle.gov.