Economic Development Manager Jobs in Seattle, WA

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.

The Community & Stakeholder Liaison will support DSA’s advocacy and economic development efforts by serving as a primary resource for MID ratepayers and MID ambassadors who are navigating relationships with public-sector agencies. This role helps ambassadors, businesses, property owners, and community stakeholders understand and work through city requirements related to permitting, right-of-way use, utility coordination, public realm improvements, and other regulatory processes involving agencies such as the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), Seattle City Light (SCL), Seattle Parks and Recreation, and other public partners.

The position also will contribute to DSA’s downtown economic development efforts by collaborating with the City’s Office of Economic Development (OED) and other public and private partners to leverage existing programs that support business attraction, retention, expansion, and retail activation. The ideal candidate is a strong relationship manager and problem solver who enjoys building partnerships, coordinating engagement efforts, and advancing initiatives that contribute to a vibrant and economically competitive downtown Seattle.

This is a full-time position, expected to be onsite at DSA's office 5 days a week.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain productive relationships with members, ratepayers, public-sector partners, and community stakeholders to advance DSA’s advocacy, engagement, and economic development efforts.
• Serve as a liaison between MID ratepayers and city departments by helping businesses navigate permitting, regulatory requirements, and city processes, including right-of-way use and utility coordination, and coordinating issue resolution with public-sector partners.
• Coordinate with MID ambassadors, city departments, and utility providers to resolve public realm infrastructure issues and support downtown improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate across DSA departments to support community initiatives, membership engagement and expand stakeholder reach to advance DSA’s strategic priorities.
• Support downtown economic development initiatives by connecting business to programs and resources, supporting retail activation efforts, and advancing the activation of vacant and underutilized commercial spaces.
• Provide administrative and project management support for advocacy and community engagement initiatives, including meeting coordination, stakeholder outreach, and tracking project deliverables and outcomes.
• Support the Community Engagement Specialist in addressing MID ratepayer concerns that fall outside the direct delivery of services.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Two (2) years of experience in community organizing and outreach, constituent services, program coordination, or related work.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and community partners.
• Ability to navigate complex or ambiguous issues involving multiple stakeholders and public-sector partners.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with businesses, public officials, and community members.
• Strong problem-solving and project coordination skills.
• Familiarity with downtown Seattle and current issues impacting the health and vitality of the urban core and community.

Compensation & Benefits

The hourly pay rate for this position is $30/hour. Downtown Seattle Association provides a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Employer-paid full medical, dental, vision benefits, short and long-term disability, life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with 5% employer match
• 9 paid holidays + generous vacation, personal holidays that increase with tenure
• Sick leave in accordance with Washington State Sick & Safe Leave law
• Annual ORCA transit pass
• First Choice EAP
• Flexible Spending Account

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.