Business Improvement Area Advisor

TheOffice of Economic Development works to shape a vibrant inclusive and thriving economy by increasing access to economic opportunities reducing racial inequities and supporting community-centered growth. As part of this work theOnly in Seattle (OIS) program supports neighborhood business districts as they build capacity and pursue their long-term vision for resilient welcoming commercial corridors.

We are seeking a skilled and community-centered Business Improvement Area (BIA) Advisorto lead guide and support Seattles neighborhoods through the complex multi-year processes of forming and expandingBusiness Improvement Areas. This position blends technical expertise policy fluency data analysis strategic advising and community relationship-building serving as the Citys subject-matter expert on BIA formation assessment structures and successful governance models.

If you are energized by community-driven development adept at navigating complex stakeholder dynamics and skilled in translating data into policy and real-world outcomes this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on Seattles local economies and neighborhoods!

Your top priorities:

• Lead and facilitate BIA formation across multiple neighborhoods simultaneously.
• Provide expert technical assistance on assessment structures sustainable funding models and governance.
• Develop tools resources and policies that strengthen the Citys support for BIA formation and early-stage operations.

As the BIA Advisor you will:

Lead and Facilitate BIA Formation

Guide multiple business districts simultaneously through the full lifecycle of forming or expanding a BIA.
Assess readiness and feasibility; develop tailored formation strategies for each neighborhood.
Facilitate outreach engagement and consensus building- among diverse property owners businesses and community organizations.
Lead districts through the legal petition and legislative processes required for BIA adoption.
Serve as the Citys expert on state law city policy assessment models and governance structures for BIAs.

Provide Technical and Analytical Expertise

Analyze complex datasets including parcel characteristics land use building square footage taxable value assessed value business license and tax data and other relevant factors.
Develop evaluate and explain assessment formulas tailored to unique district conditions while maintaining cross-BIA consistency and alignment with City policy.
Use or oversee Geographic Information System (GIS) data to map district boundaries run assessment scenarios and support decision making.
Direct review and validate the work of consultants performing data collection and modeling.

Support Organizational Development and Long-Term BIA Success

Support newly formed BIAs in establishing governing boards operational systems compliance needs and service delivery plans.
Develop toolkits templates best practices and policy recommendations to improve City support for BIAs and their operations.
Provide ongoing technical assistance to emerging and existing BIAs ensuring continuity shared learning and equitable outcomes.

Lead Community Engagement and Relationship -Building

Facilitate complex high-stakes conversations involving diverse stakeholders with varied priorities.
Build trust navigate political dynamics and guide communities toward shared vision and consensus.
Represent OED and the City at public meetings stakeholder convenings and community events.
Prepare clear presentations briefings reports and legislative materials.

Oversee Projects Contracts and Program Implementation

Manage multiple simultaneous BIA explorations at different stages.
Oversee consultant contracts neighborhood grants and organizational partnerships.
Monitor outcomes budgets and project deliverables.
Coordinate with City Budget Finance and Law departments to prepare BIA legislation and support Council decision-making.

Please note: This job ad is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

We know no candidate will bring every qualification - and thats not the expectation. A strong inclusive economy is built by people with varied backgrounds perspectives and lived experiences. We value transferable skills a growth mindset nontraditional career paths and demonstrated commitment to racial equity and social justice. If youre excited about this role and bring a combination of the qualifications below we want to hear from you. Youll thrive in this role if you bring a mixture of the qualifications listed below.

Experience and skills in:

Community engagement coalition building and stakeholder facilitation especially with diverse or high-stakes groups
Developing or implementing place-based economic development strategies Business Improvement Areas special assessment districts or similar community-driven initiatives
Analyzing complex property land use zoning or taxation data - including the ability to interpret formulas assessment models and parcel-level datasets

Using or directing the use of GIS tools to map boundaries analyze scenarios or evaluate district conditions
Policy development program design or advising on city state or regulatory requirements related to economic development
Project and program management - especially managing multiple long-term multistakeholder efforts at the same time
Working in or supporting nonprofit organizations community-based groups or boards (including governance budgeting service planning or organizational startup)
Preparing reports presentations briefings and legislation for decision-makers

Ability to:

Build trust foster relationships and navigate complex community dynamics with maturity diplomacy and cultural humility
Facilitate conversations that bring diverse stakeholders toward shared outcomes even where interests may differ
Communicate technical or data-heavy information clearly to community members property owners and business stakeholders
Synthesize data research legal requirements and community priorities into practical actionable recommendations
Lead complex processes with confidence while collaborating across departments such as Budget Finance and Law

Represent OED and the City professionally in public often in politically sensitive spaces
Manage consultants and partners ensuring accuracy of analytical work and alignment with City standards

A passion for:

Advancing the Citys Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) and committing to equitable community-centered outcomes
Supporting neighborhood business districts and contributing to a vibrant inclusive local economy
Reducing barriers faced by communities of color immigrant-owned businesses and historically underserved neighborhoods
Collaborative problem solving transformative community partnerships and public service

This full-time salaried position is classified as Strategic Advisor 1 General Government -L17 and reports to the Business Districts Manager. The full salary range for this classification is $51.88 - $77.82 per hour. Following a pay equity and budget analysis the identified annual salary range for this role is $121104 - $130834.08 ($58 - $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 is available at work at the City of SeattleAt the City of Seattle public service is more than a job - its 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 12000 employees across 40 departments and 1100 job titles we are united by a common purpose: to create a Seattle that is vibrant and welcoming for all. Whatever your role youll help power a forward-looking city that leads by example - inclusive innovative equitable and community-focusedwhile 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.

This position will remain open until filled. Applications received by 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday July 21 2026 will receive first consideration. To be considered you must include a resume and cover letter with your application at The Office of Economic Development reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time during the posting period.

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 individuals whose experience skills and abilities align with the qualifications above. 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 including people of color immigrants refugees women LGBTQ individuals people with disabilities veterans and those with diverse life experiences to apply.

Language Premium Pay: Individuals selected to fill this position may be eligible to receive Language Premium Pay (SMC 4.20.360) which provides a $200 monthly stipend to qualified bilingual employees who are evaluated and assigned to provide direct in-language communication interpretation or translation services to the public on behalf of the City of Seattle.

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 all benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact with any questions or accommodation requests.