Specialist, Community Relations & Ratepayer Engagement

Reporting Relationship
Director, Community Relations & Organizing

Status
Full-time, Non-ExemptOverview

Established in 1958, the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) is a nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to create a healthy, vibrant downtown for all. By advocating on issues including transportation, economic development and the urban experience, DSA works to ensure that downtown remains a great place to live, work, shop, and play. DSA also founded and manages the Metropolitan Improvement District, a business-improvement area spanning 300+ square blocks downtown.

Essential Duties and Tasks

Serve as the primary point of contact for MID ratepayer questions and concerns and work to identify ways to increase the impact of MID programs and services particularly in areas where public sector support and action is needed.
Foster cross-functional collaboration within DSA/MID to establish relationships with ratepayers and members, driving meaningful actions that advance DSA’s mission.
Manage external relations involving potential new services, contracts, and initiatives within the MID, engaging with community groups, ratepayers, and public agencies.
Manage a database to document ratepayer requests for assistance with issue resolution and questions, and report on broader needs and themes.
Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with public agency staff and other aligned organizations on behalf of DSA/MID funded programs and priorities.
Resolve issues with public agencies, working to bring issues to the attention of relevant city staff, connect ratepayers to city services/staff
Support the implementation of downtown community initiatives aimed at expanding stakeholder reach, with a strong emphasis on incorporating new and diverse perspectives and voices into DSA’s advocacy and engagement efforts.
Minimum Qualifications
Three plus years of experience in community organizing and outreach, or program implementation
Ability to work with a variety of constituencies including business leaders, public officials, and community representatives to drive towards results and issue resolution on behalf of MID ratepayers
Strong written and oral communication skills
Strong ability to record detailed meeting notes and report findings to internal leadership
Strong collaboration and consensus building skills
Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills
Experience and knowledge of community issues
Familiarity with downtown Seattle and current issues impacting the health and vitality of the urban core
Ability to effectively represent DSA, its mission and values

Specialized Skills
Experience with the following types of software and/or Windows-based applications is preferred: word processing, databases, internet, email.
Characteristics

Reflect the Downtown Seattle Association’s core values of Collaboration, Perseverance, Innovation, Excellence, and Integrity
Deep commitment to equity and social justice with an understanding of the role that racism, ableism, sexism and other forms of bias and oppression play in perpetuating inequity
Commitment to growth mindset, collaborative leadership, and a learning-based philosophy
Humility, sense of humor, comfort with ambiguity, and servant leadership
Ability to weave and work within all DSA mission areas associated with creating a healthy, vibrant downtown for all
Willingness and comfort to engage with evolving and shifting portfolio of job duties

Employment Details
The hourly pay range for this position is $27.98-$41.97. Salary is determined based on internal equity and salary ranges, and the applicant’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We are likely to hire at the beginning of the salary range to allow future salary growth based on an employee’s performance, professional development, and increases in responsibilities and duties. Downtown Seattle Association provides a comprehensive benefits package including:·

100% employer-paid
o Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage
o Life Insurance
o Long Term Disability
o Paid FMLA
o Generous Paid Time Off
o 10 paid Holidays plus six paid personal days
o ORCA transit card
o First Choice Employee Assistance Program
Flexible Spending Account (medical or dependent)
Employer-Matched 401(k) Contribution with up to 5% Match

Application Instructions
Please submit your application materials to hr@downtownseattle.org
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to applications received by Monday, July 10, 2023.

Things to Know About DSA:
We recognize there is value in the Downtown Seattle Association and our affiliate organizations and programs reflecting the diversity of our community and we are intentionally and actively seeking out applications from a variety of backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC).

Downtown Seattle Association is an equal opportunity employer. All employees and potential employees will be recruited, selected, trained, promoted, and, if necessary, disciplined without regard to sex, race, religion, creed, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political ideology or activity, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status. All applicants are carefully screened, and full consideration is given to their training, education, skills, aptitudes, experience, and previous work record. In addition, DSA does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information in its employment related policies and practices, including coverage under its health benefits program.