Port of Seattle: Strategic Advisor Commission Office

Location

: Downtown Seattle

Organization

: Commission Office

Employee Status

: Regular

Schedule

: Full-time

Posting Expires

: Dec 23, 2022, 11:59:00 PM

Minimum Salary

: 89,336.00

Midpoint Salary

: 111,675.00 

 The Commission Strategic Advisor position’s primary function is to provide support to individual commissioners in achieving individual and commission-wide policy objectives. Duties include preparation of Commissioners for Commission actions, communication and coordination with other Commission staff, liaison with executive staff, relations with constituents and stakeholders, and development of policy. The advisors serve assigned Commissioners in preparation for Commission meetings, briefings, and public engagements. Each Advisor will also support policy research and analysis on Commission wide issues under the supervision of the Deputy Chief of Staff.

• You will identify and track Commissioner’s assigned priorities, and assist with the annual work program and individual initiatives. Work with Commissioners, Port executives, and internal and external stakeholders to research, draft, synthesize and/or edit briefing papers, memos, reports, and PowerPoint presentations, as guided by the Commissioners Work Plan and Policy Manager.
• You will coordinate with the Commission Scheduler and staff for Port of Seattle and Northwest Seaport Alliance events. Assist and coordinate with external relations on community outreach, engagement and external communications including preparing for event, outreach, and speaking engagements, assist with external relations and community outreach efforts, provide direct outreach and community engagement. Review and coordinate talking points and assist with Commission-wide special projects and events.
• You will prepare the Commissioner for Port of Seattle and Northwest Seaport Alliance public meetings.
• You will assist with Committees and to advance the goals and policies of the Commission as a whole. Draft research memos and presentations where appropriate to support Committee work.
• You will review Commissioner emails and telephone calls on a daily basis and answer constituent correspondence.
• You will provide assigned Commissioner professional, service-oriented connections with members of the public, other Port Commissioners, and Port staff.

 Two years of experience may be substituted for one year of education:

• Experienced – You have at least three (3) years of experience in providing support for elected officials or leaders of large organizations in these areas: Analyzing, synthesizing, and monitoring legislative, regulatory, or community issues.
• Educated – You possess a Bachelor’s degree in public administration, public policy, political science, communications or related field.
• Desired – We hope you have a Master’s degree in public administration, public policy, political science, communications or related field; and have at least six (6) years of experience providing support for high-ranking officials, delivering on priorities in a large organization, comfortable interacting with the public.
• Committed to Equity – You will apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work.  At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port employees.
• Knowledgeable – You have the ability to engage with elected officials, policy and issues development processes and prioritization, understanding of public outreach processes, community relations and public involvement, and state, regional and local political climate. Familiarity with Port airport, maritime and corporate operations and Northwest Seaport Alliance functions.
• Multitasker – Excellent judgement in advising Commissioners on complex business and community issues related to the Port priorities. Must prepare clear, concise memos, letters, and talking points to communicate on multiple issues utilizing complex information under tight deadlines, familiarity with even management and interactions with public officials, and the general public. Ability to work well with a small team to accomplish goals while at the same time assisting multiple peers in a large organization to communicate Port wide developments.
• Effective Communicator – Demonstrated proficiency in writing concise, plain language materials.
• Problem Solver & Strategic Thinker – Demonstrated ability to work effectively with elected officials and C-suite executives; problem solver and negotiate resolutions while maintaining positive relationships. Ability to coordinate with scheduler and prioritize multiple demands on Commissioner time.

What else you need to know: 

• Work Schedule – Your normal work schedule will be Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week). Slightly more flexible start and end times are available in this role. You may be required to work some weekends or late hours.
• Work Environment – You will primarily work in a hybrid remote/in-office setting at Management’s discretion.
• Washington State Residency Requirement – Employees must establish a residence in Washington state within 30 days of their first day of employment and must maintain a residence in Washington State during their employment with the Port of Seattle. If a position is eligible to telework, work performed while teleworking must be performed in Washington State.
• Security Requirements – As a successful candidate, you may be required to pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check as well as a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Your employment will be contingent upon obtaining a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance. You will also be required to obtain a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Customs Seal within 30 days of hire.
• COVID–19 Vaccination Requirement – The Port of Seattle will require that at the time of hire, and as a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be able to provide proof of their full COVID–19 vaccination status, as part of the hiring process. This is a condition of employment for all positions at the Port of Seattle. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single–dose vaccine. Prior to employment, candidates may make requests for a reasonable accommodation based on a medical disability or for sincerely held religious beliefs. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.

Why you’ll love it here: 

• Healthcare – Medical, Dental, and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family.
• Paid Vacation – Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate.
• Holidays – More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work.
• Pension/Retirement Plans – A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port.
• Getting to Work – From subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work from home.
• Parental Leave – Six weeks of paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family.
• Development – From tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments and internal internships, we support a learning culture.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – The Port of Seattle values diversity as a source of innovation and strength. We are actively working across the organization to create a culture where all employees – regardless of race, gender, and other identities – succeed and reach their fullest potential.
• Work-Life Balance – We provide the resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced.
• Mission Driven – We are focused together in promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.

**Please note if your position is represented by a union, please reference your “Collective Bargaining Agreement” or call your Union Representative for specific information related to benefits and eligibility, as they may differ from the above.**

Why the Port of Seattle: Every role at the Port of Seattle is vital to our thriving community. We are a leader in moving people and cargo across the country and around the world. With facilities and property ranging in scope from a half-acre park to one of the largest airports and container terminals on the West Coast, we maximize the public assets in our portfolio with an eye toward best uses and environmental sustainability. Find out more here.

Our vision is to create a Port that mirrors – throughout its breadth of operations and services and within its leadership – the diversity of our communities, instill principles of equity into its culture, and ensures a fair and intentional distribution of opportunities to expand economic develop and quality of life for all in our region. Find out more about how our values RAISE us up and our commitment to equity.