Funding Policy and Process Advisor (Strategic Advisor 2, Human Services)

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 offer a continuum of services focusing on youth, families, aging and disabilities, safety, homelessness, and public health. HSD is a funder, direct services provider, and convener.

HSD’s role as a funder is core to meeting our mission. To support this work, HSD is seeking a strategic and experienced leader to provide policy and process guidance for HSD’s over $300 million funding portfolio. This seasoned professional will lead efforts to implement best practices across the department and ensure that HSD’s procurement processes are streamlined, professional, and compliant with legal requirements and city and department policies. The Funding Policy and Process Advisor will collaborate with HSD’s program divisions, where procurements are administered, and provide guidance, training, and technical assistance to staff responsible for planning and executing competitive funding opportunities.

The Funding Policy and Process Advisor will report to the Contracts and Procurement Manager in HSD’s Business Operations Unit.

Provides leadership and guidance on HSD’s funding policies and processes: 

• Advises and oversees all HSD funding processes to ensure adherence to City and HSD policy and procedures.
• Provides leadership on process improvements to ensure HSD stays current and relevant in its funding practices.
• Develops and provides technical assistance and training to HSD Planners and other staff responsible for planning and executing competitive funding opportunities.
• Problem-solves, mitigates risks, and aligns practices across all program division procurements.
• Provides excellent communication with key internal and external stakeholders such as planning, finance, community-based service providers, leadership, contracts teams, etc.
• Updates the Procurement SharePoint site and HSD Funding Process Manual as key tools.
• Leads the HSD Planner Community of Practice monthly meetings.

Funding Process and Related Experience: 

• Demonstrable experience in leading public sector funding processes.
• Demonstrable leadership and subject matter expertise in public sector planning, project management, and organization.
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service and build positive, trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments and take on varied work as it arises. Ability to work effectively in a high volume, politically sensitive, and complex environment.
• Excellent written and verbal skills in communicating complex subject matter and terminology through succinct, accessible information to government and community leaders and members of the public.
• Apply racial equity framework to all work and engage in departmental efforts to eliminate racial disparities and advance equity in City government and broader community.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to engage with a multidisciplinary team and collaborators, including a wide array of partners from diverse backgrounds and in a hybrid work environment.
• This position may supervise 1 full-time Planning & Development Specialist II.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: A bachelor's degree in social sciences or another discipline that includes a heavy emphasis on policy, planning, and/or human services.

Experience:

• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in planning and policy.
• Five or more years working in federal, state, local government, academic, or community-based settings.
• Five or more years experience and thorough knowledge of public funding, planning, policy, and project management.
• 2 Years of experience performing this work at a lead or supervisory level.

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


Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge of the principles and techniques of public procurement, RFP procedures, and bid selection processes.
• Advanced degree (MA, MS, MBA, MPA, Ed.D., Ph.D.) in social sciences or another discipline that includes an emphasis on policy, planning, and/or human services.
• Experience with Results Based Accountability.
• Demonstrable skills in change management.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, meet deadlines, and function effectively in a high-pressure, outcome-driven environment with minimal supervision.
• Mastery in the use of Microsoft Office suite

Position Classification: Strategic Advisor 2, Human Services

The full salary range for this position is $56.57 - $84.88 an hour.

The first resume pull is on Tuesday, December 1st at 4:00pm PST.

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 (if applicable)

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: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits.

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.