Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) has an opportunity for an experienced Senior Executive Assistant to support the Project Delivery & Engineering Branch.

The Project Delivery Branch (PDEB) delivers infrastructure projects and programs to all SPU lines of business, and engineering services to other City departments.  These include project and construction management, engineering, development services and other technical services.

As PDEB’s Senior Executive Assistant, you will provide high level support to a deputy director on a variety of sensitive and complex administrative, operational, human resources and budgetary functions.  In this role, you will identify inconsistencies, create solutions, and offer recommendations to management while anticipating branch needs based on business operations.  As part of the leadership team, you will provide support to operations and communication planning.  The role is highly visible and requires a high level of integrity and discretion in handling sensitive information, high level of confidentiality in the handling of human resources issues, and professionalism in dealing with internal and external customers.

This position is open until filled. However, first priority will be given to candidates who apply by March 12, 2021.

About Seattle Public Utilities: 
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility working to make Seattle the best place to live for everyone. 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.

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We support and hold ourselves accountable to this commitment by eliminating barriers to access and providing employees with equitable opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

• Provides high level executive assistance and direct support to the deputy director of PDEB, a branch consisting of five divisions and 200+ employees.  Some of the duties include coordinating all human resources processes, managing deputy’s calendar, facilitating executive leadership team meetings, and problem solving/troubleshooting a variety of administrative, operational and personnel issues.
• Provides technical advice and assistance to branch leadership and supervisory staff on human resources related matters, including consistent application of department and city policies and procedures. Processes, verifies and maintains human resources related documentation, including all staffing and classification documentation, position management, etc. Participates in a variety of human resources processes, including recruitment efforts, classification and compensation, performance management, employee and labor relations, training initiatives; coaching and advising branch leadership and employees alike, in partnership with SPU Human Resources division. Coordinates and facilitates fact finding investigations as needed.
• Researches and develops options for solving a variety of management, personnel and administrative issues; serves as liaison between the deputy and division directors.
• Facilitates executive leadership team meetings, organizes and/or facilitates branch-wide supervisory meetings and trainings; coordinates branch-wide meetings and recognition events, in partnership with division personnel as needed.
• Actively engages with branch leadership team to ensure alignment of priorities with SPU’s Strategic Business Plan; ensuring branch timely response to SPU or City-wide initiatives.  Serves as liaison with other branches, divisions, and work units within SPU.
• Responsible for the management and oversight of branch office standards and procedures, ensuring these are consistent with SPU financial and administrative practices. Indirectly supervises, coaches and counsel division administrative staff on consistent adherence to department protocols. Oversees branch facilities and space planning efforts, coordinating with division leadership, and overseeing implementation through efforts by division administrative personnel.
• Administers branch responses to utility wide processes and initiatives; including work plan preparation, budget development, recognition events, space planning, performance reviews, training initiatives, etc.

The ideal candidate should possess:  

• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to communicate at all levels in the organization tactfully and effectively and maintaining high level of confidentiality.
• Strong sense of urgency and the ability to work independently on assignments with sound judgment, frequently balancing competing priorities.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the organization with professionalism and personal credibility.
• Exceptional writing, research and analytical skills coupled with expert level knowledge of administrative and budgetary processes.

How to Apply:

Please attach your current resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position to your online application.