The Department

The Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) develops and implements citywide environmental policies and programs that propel our city toward a sustainable, equitable, and carbon neutral future.  Within OSE, the Food Policy & Programs team focuses on developing equitable solutions to increase access to culturally relevant food, sustainably reduce climate pollution in the food system, advance racial equity, and invest in communities disproportionately impacted by racial, economic health, and environmental inequities.

The Job

OSE is recruiting for a new Strategic Advisor to join the Food Policy & Programs team. This is an exciting opportunity to collaboratively work toward an equitable and sustainable food system. We are looking for someone fiercely motivated by the urgency of food, environment, and racial justice who still manages to bring positivity, hope, and a sense of humor to the work.  You would report to the Food Policy & Programs Manager and work closely with other peer food policy advisors on the team.

As Food Policy & Programs Strategic Advisor, you would contribute to and co-lead strategic planning for OSE and in partnership with City departments. You would also monitor and advise several City programs aimed at increasing access to nutritious, culturally relevant, affordable, and sustainably produced food. Your work is centered on community and providing equitable and sustainable local and regional food systems. The foundation for creating planning, policy, and accountability measures is input and leadership from BIPOC communities, immigrants, refugees, people with low incomes, and English language learners. You will work in an environment that changes rapidly and requires agility, focus, and a sense of urgency.

In this role, you will wear a lot of hats:

• Strategic Advisor and thought leader
• Strategic Planner
• Convener and facilitator
• Contract Developer and manager
• Researcher

To be successful, you are committed to:

• Providing leadership that uses an anti-racist lens at all stages of program and policy development and is accountable to the City’s Race and Social Justice and Environmental Justice initiatives
• Developing equitable solutions and strategies to create a local food system that is just, equitable, sustainable, and resilient.
• Listening and communicating clearly and proactively based on the needs of your audience

To accomplish this work, you will be able to:

• Create roadmaps and plans to address complex issues in the local food system
• Build relationships and collaborate with internal and external partners to find mutually beneficial solutions
• Manage and oversee budgets, consultant contracts, and grant agreements
• See the big picture, political ramifications, and program linkages as well as the day-to-day work

A successful applicant will have lived experience and/or a professional career that reflects a commitment to building collaborative, productive, and respectful relationships among community members, public institutions, and an array of organizations.  This career orientation should be complemented by demonstrated technical knowledge and expertise in most of the following areas:

• Food systems, food and the environment, food and climate, food justice
• Local food purchasing/procurement by institutions (for example, efforts to connect small and midsize farmers to schools, hospitals, workplaces; linking urban and rural agriculture to government programs and policies).
• Facilitating shared goals and priorities and collective action
• Collaboration and relationship building
• Delivering outcomes in a political and fast-paced environment
• Communication, writing, and presentation skills

To be considered, complete the online application at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle fully and attach:

• A PDF of your current resume
• A letter of interest which explains how you have worked to improve health, equity, and the environment

Questions? Please contact Kate Moore at kate.moore@seattle.gov

Who may apply: This position is open to all applicants that can clearly demonstrate their ability to perform this job. 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 to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.