Strategic Advisor Position
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking an individual to guide our strategic facility plan and capital improvement program for its 32 workforce buildings. At SPU, workforce buildings include office space, operations dispatch, warehouse and materials storage. In this position, the Strategic Advisor will work with tenants, building management/maintenance staff, and decision makers to shape individual building plans to align with the Utility's overall vision for its facility assets and capital investments. This will include a capital program which supports SPU's policy commitment to transition its building inventory away from fossil fuel usage. The Utility is seeking an individual with the knowledge, expertise, and a "self-starter" mindset to perform and, when needed, to develop aspects of this important role.
About Seattle Public Utilities (SPU): Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.
Why join us? We know work isn't only about what you do it's also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:
- Hybrid work schedule opportunities
- Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
- Generous benefits package
- Free public transportation options
- City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
- Growth potential and advancement opportunities
Job Responsibilities:
This strategic advisor position will work independently to plan and guide capital investment decisions leading to improved workplace conditions while also meeting larger Utility resiliency and policy objectives. Responsibilities include:
- Develop and implement a facility planning "methodology" the Utility can apply to make informed capital investment decisions.
- Prepare and present the business case justification for capital investments.
- Guide large capital project planning, aligned to strategic goals, through programming and budgeting phases.
- Provide briefings and annual reporting of building inventory conditions and issues.
- Work with affected parties to build consensus when needed for decision-making.
- Serve as SPU's liaison to other City departments on facility policy matters.
Examples of policy/planning initiatives which require this supervision include:
- Develop a building electrification capital investment strategy to transition Utility buildings away from fossil fuel usage.
- Evaluate the ability of Utility facilities to increase electrical power usage to support a policy directive to transition to an all-electric fleet.
- Guide the programming of the Utility's signature strategic goal to build a new operations headquarters in North Seattle.
Qualifications:
Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in urban planning, master planning, program management, policy development, infrastructure planning, environmental policy, or related field. Seven (7) years of relevant experience may be substituted if no degree.
Education: A Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, Project Management, Engineering, Environmental Studies, or related field.
Education and Experience Equivalency: Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.
License: At the time of appointment must hold a valid Washington State Driver License.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with building asset management planning and budgeting.
- Experience developing and managing programs.
- Experience with capital project planning and implementation.
- Knowledge of building systems (HVAC, hot water, etc.)
- Experience with building asset management systems and reporting.
- Experience working across a wide spectrum of individuals. This position will work directly with executives, policy analysts, and lay-persons, as well as consultants and vendors.
- Excellent communication skills both oral and written including presentations and reports.
Additional Information:
How to Apply: In addition to fully completing the online application, please attach your resume and cover letter. Your cover letter should address your knowledge and experience related to the position.
Workplace Environment: This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will have the option to work remotely one day a week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.
The full salary range for this position is $54.60 - $81.93 per hour.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holidays, 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.
Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates 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.
If you have any questions, please contact Charles Gilmore at