OOC Climate Officer (Strategic Advisor 2)

Position Description

Vision: Seattle is a thriving and equitable community powered by dependable transportation.

Mission: To deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities.

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we are recognized across the country for our efforts in combining different modes of transportation to make travel easier and more convenient. As our city grows quickly, we’re always thinking about how to make transportation more accessible, safe, affordable, and reliable for people who live in, work in, and visit Seattle. We’re passionate about creating an equitable, sustainable, and vibrant city for everyone.

We have important jobs to do at SDOT. We look after the city’s transportation network, add more bicycle and pedestrian paths, take care of over 240 bridges, and help people get better access to the regional transit system. We’re a team of nearly 1,200 hardworking people, ready to serve Seattle’s public transportation needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, no matter the weather.

In October 2023, SDOT released its first-ever Climate Change Response Framework (CCRF) (Download PDF reader), which is our vision for reducing transportation emissions and making it easier for Seattleites to choose more efficient, shared, and sustainable travel options. This framework describes the need to accelerate all the climate work we are already doing while identifying other new ideas to further move the needle.

The Transit & Mobility Division plays an important role in implementing the CCRF, owning over half of the implementation strategies outlined. The division is focused on enhancing transit service, making transit trips more reliable, managing demands of our citys curbspace including electrification, and encouraging climate friendly travel solutions for everyone.

This out-of-class SDOT Climate Officer (Strategic Advisor 2) role is an exciting opportunity in the Transit & Mobility Division. This assignment is expected to last at least six months, with the potential for an additional six-month extension. This position is the first of its kind within SDOT, offering a chance to lead and cultivate climate efforts within the department. This role will build on the work done by Policy and Planning, Transit and Mobility, and several other SDOT divisions, working directly with these teams to implement climate work. The role will serve as the conduit and facilitator for advancing departmental priorities on climate change, including strategic implementation of the CCRF and direct implementation of programs, pilots, and policies. The position will lead in a matrix-managed environment, but not directly supervise other roles. This position leads strategic climate work within the department, aligning with the Citys equity, climate, safety and Vision Zero goals. A strong candidate will be a strategic thinker and people connector to build connections to citywide climate justice efforts, working with other city departments on a comprehensive approach to climate. The position reports to Transit & Mobility Division Director and will interact with SDOT leadership, including regular briefings with the Director and executive leadership.

Job Responsibilities

• Leads SDOT Climate work program by promoting, facilitating, and collaborating with staff across SDOT to implement the CCRF, and collaborating with other city departments, such as Seattle City Light and Office of Sustainability and Environment on city-wide climate initiatives
• Assesses climate efforts within SDOT and understands citywide efforts to organize current efforts, opportunities and potential partnerships aligned with a One Seattle approach. Considers opportunities, gaps, and options for creating a climate-focused entity within the department.
• Manages, implements, tracks and provides regular updates on climate projects, programs, and pilots within SDOT in alignment with the CCRF. Provides briefings to SDOT executive leadership, including the Director. Develops agendas and reporting structure for regular meetings.
• Convenes across the organization to advance goals of SDOTs climate approach, centering work across the Department, and building buy-in towards a culture of climate action across SDOT. This should include CCRF strategies and consideration of sustainability in SDOT operations and maintenance.
• Builds internal and external capacity to deliver on SDOT climate programs and priorities. Considers opportunities for cross-sector partnerships between SDOT and other entities to drive innovative pilots that advance the CCRF. Develops deeper collaborations with organizations like C40 Cities and Rocky Mountain Institute, to neighboring cities such as Portland and Vancouver, BC.
• Creates collaborative relationships department-wide to implement the SDOT climate response, transportation decarbonization and climate justice; works closely with SDOT divisions for policy and programmatic alignment.
• Manages CCRF progress reporting in collaboration with SDOT program owners; identifies programmatic needs necessary to align progress as applicable.
• Partners to develop the CCRF communications strategy with SDOT Communications team, bringing climate communications in alignment with safety and equity.
• Evaluates potential funding approaches to help SDOT identify and pursue external and grant funding opportunities to support climate work.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
We are looking for an accountable leader to set the stage as our first-ever Climate Officer. We are looking for someone who is passionate about climate action and justice and committed to creating a more equitable, innovative, and climate-friendly transportation network. This person is an effective collaborator, relationship builder, and communicator who creates an inclusive culture on climate work. A strong candidate has a track record of delivering focused and effective projects and programs, with the ability to work hands on with a diversity of people and topics. This person will also have knowledge of climate, sustainability and environmental issues and dynamics. This role influences and shapes policy and programming related to climate in SDOT overall, leading in a matrix-managed environment, working across the department and the city.

This candidate will also have a strategic mindset and ability to leverage both team and department resources to be successful. Demonstrated knowledge in working with employees at all levels is critical to success in this role. The preferred candidate is goal- oriented, innovative, transparent, strategic, data-driven, and can develop and navigate cross-department and citywide relationships.

Candidates should have at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Public Policy, or another closely related discipline. Candidates should have a minimum of two (2) years of experience delivering services or programs in areas related to transportation, public policy/administration, or climate action.

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

Though not requirements, strong candidates will have some of the following experience or comparable experience and qualities:

• Five (5) years of experience in leading programs or projects in climate, environmental studies, transportation, or related field or developing and implementing climate-related programming for large groups.
• Three years of experience leading complex transportation projects or programs, including matrix-managing projects and programs across the department. Projects with direct relevance to climate outcomes is preferred.
• Experience managing a multi-faceted program in a proactive manner to effectively address multiple needs of a diverse organization.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing work programs while applying a racial justice framework.
• Experience navigating complex or politically sensitive issues through partnership with a diverse range of stakeholders in alignment with City of Seattle priorities. A sense of humor, a passion for public service, and a commitment to moving people and goods in a climate-friendly, innovative, safe, and equitable manner.
• Graduate degree in a related field, including urban planning, environment, transportation, business administration, or public policy.

Additional Information

Hiring Process

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

• Completed NEOGOV online application.
• Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
• Current rsum indicating relevant experience and education.

Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, including a potential background check.

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.

The City’s full salary range for this position is $52.50 – $78.78 hourly.

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.

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.