Initiative Manager, Tree Equity

The Office The Office of Sustainability & Environment (OSE) develops and implements environmental policies and programs that propel our city toward a sustainable, equitable, and carbon neutral future. OSE works with City departments, community organizations and residents, and other partners to coordinate collective action, design leading-edge policies, implement programs, and communicate successes and impacts.

OSE's work is centered on advancing climate and environmental justice, reducing carbon pollution, and growing healthy and resilient communities. OSE's urban forestry team collaborates across departments to build a citywide vision and strategy to sustain and grow Seattle's urban forests and improve tree health and resilience to climate change. Our vision is a Seattle where everyone- starting with those most harmed by inequities-has access to trees and the benefits they provide and where we keep our trees and forest healthy and thriving in the face of a changing climate.

Part of this vision is achieving at least 30% canopy coverage that is equitably distributed across the city by 2037. OSE is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The sustainability and environmental fields have often not reflected the experiences and identities of Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Immigrants, Refugees, People with Disabilities, and LGBTQ people.

We strongly encourage people with these identities or from other underrepresented communities to apply. The Job The Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) is looking for a Tree Equity Initiative Manager passionate about sustainable urban planning and environmental justice, excited to play a pivotal role advancing equitable access to urban forests and tree canopies, combating urban heat islands, uplifting community leadership, and connecting youth with green economy skills training and employment opportunities in Seattle. The City of Seattle is recipient of a five year, $12 million-dollar federal grant to advance community-driven urban forestry in areas of Seattle where trees are needed most, beginning with low-canopy heat islands experiencing environmental pollution and racial and economic inequities.

This new initiative will address multiple priorities: Community-driven tree planting and tree care in historically underserved communities including Beacon Hill and Chinatown-International District. Coordinated urban forest stewardship and restoration in parks, near public housing, and around public schools.

Expanded youth green careers and employment pathways in the urban forestry industry. Strengthen partnerships with community-based organizations. Leverage substantial expertise and teamwork among City departments and programs including Seattle Parks and Recreation's Green Seattle Partnership and Youth Green Corps.

This is a Sunset position with a term of about five years and will report to OSE's Urban Forestry Policy and Programs Manager. This role will build up and lead the grant funded initiative throughout its lifecycle including planning, development, implementation, evaluation, and communications as part of a historic investment in urban forestry and serving as a model for community-driven planning of green infrastructure. In this job, your work will be focused on these primary areas:

Directing the $12M federal grant initiative to plan, prioritize, and coordinate activities, establish clear and responsive goals and expectations, create schedules and timelines, set milestones, manage resources, and monitor progress to ensure responsiveness and accountability. Building relationships with organizations and communities, Developing strategic communications and storytelling creating content for various channels and audiences. Working with and manage a Community Engagement Specialist focused on building relationships and collaboration within the Beacon Hill and Chinatown- International District neighborhoods and matrix manage a Grants Funding Administrator.

Integrating work across city departments to maximize resources, communication, and progress toward collaboratively developed goals. To be successful in this role, you are committed to: Environmental justice Building authentic partnerships with Black, Native and Indigenous and people of color, people with low incomes, immigrants and refugees, and English language learners Facilitating shared goals and priorities, collective action, and delivering outcomes in a political and dynamic environment Implementing workplans across silos and connecting individual efforts to a greater vision To be effective in this role, you have:

Managed complex multi-faceted programs and initiatives with community focus Designed, planned, and implemented grant/award programs and tracking systems Built strong relationships across agencies and organizations that encourage equity, collaboration, and accomplishment of shared goals Developed and implemented compelling communications strategies to engage stakeholders through impactful storytelling Used your listening, writing, and oral communication skills to gather and share information in formats that were tailored for a variety of audiences and learning styles Found ways to respectfully and successfully navigate contentious issues and find common ground despite differences of opinion and perspectives 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. In addition to the skills and experience listed above, this job requires the following (or a combination of training, experience, or education that provides the skills needed to perform the job): Five years of experience in planning and research related to environmental issues, conservation, land use, urban economics, human services: or other work directly related to City planning and development activities. OR Four years of experience in planning and research related to environmental issues, conservation, land use, urban economics, human services: or other work directly related to City planning and development activities and an associate degree in environmental studies, planning, urban design, public administration or a related field.

OR Three years of experience in planning and research related to environmental issues, conservation, land use, urban economics, human services: or other work directly related to City planning and development activities and a bachelor's degree in environmental studies, planning, urban design, public administration, or a related field. This position is classified as a Planning & Development Specialist, Senior and is represented by PROTEC17-Professional Unit. The Step Progression salary range for this classification is $52.20 - $60.83.

We offer a hybrid schedule, which offers remote work three days per week. Why work at the City? The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism.

Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services. 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 In addition, to completing the application at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle fully, please attach: A PDF of your current resume A cover letter explaining how your experience and skills align with this job and how you will help to contribute to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Questions? Please contact Kate Moore at kate.mooreseattle.gov Who may apply:

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, 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 experiences.