Workforce Development Advisor (SA1)

Workforce Development Advisor (SA1)

Seattle Public Utilities is seeking a dedicated Workforce Development Advisor (SA1) to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will design and drive forward-thinking upskilling and workforce development initiatives that strengthen our organization and advance our strategic vision.

The Workforce Development Advisor will spearhead our efforts to enhance employee skills, foster talent retention, and create pathways for career progression. This position is essential in ensuring SPU maintains a highly skilled workforce ready to meet current and future challenges. In this role, you will partner with departments across the City of Seattle, strengthening connections between City teams and our communities to create clear pathways to a wide range of employment opportunities.

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. SPU provides drinking water for 1.6 million customers in the region. SPU's work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities. 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

Program Management

• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive Upskilling Development Program aligned with SPU's strategic goals
• Conduct skills gap analyses and design targeted training initiatives
• Establish program objectives, performance metrics, and manage program budget
• Collaborate with senior management to align program objectives with business needs
• Design and implement community outreach initiatives, including internships and apprenticeship programs

Policy Management

• Develop and recommend policies related to workforce development
• Analyze risks and benefits of proposed policies
• Present and defend policy recommendations to senior management
• Collaborate with legal and HR departments to ensure policy compliance

Technical Expertise

• Apply workforce development methodologies and adult learning principles
• Utilize data analysis, project management, and learning management systems
• Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies in learning and development
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to team members
• Collaborate with workforce development groups across City departments

Qualifications

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Instructional Design, or closely related field
• Three (3) years of professional experience in workforce development, talent management, organizational development, or human resources, preferably in a senior-level capacity
• Experience must include demonstrated program development and implementation

Alternative Qualification Pathways:

• Five (5) years of directly relevant professional experience in workforce development or training program management without a Bachelor's degree

Required Skills & Knowledge:

• Experience designing, implementing, and evaluating training or development programs
• Demonstrated ability to conduct needs assessments and skills gap analyses
• Experience developing program metrics and measuring program outcomes
• Proficiency with learning management systems and data analysis tools
• Knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated collaboration and interpersonal skills with cross-functional teams
• Foundational understanding of program budget and resource management

License Requirement:

• Current Washington State driver's license or ability to obtain one prior to first day of appointment, required for occasional travel to community or program sites

Desired Qualifications:

• Program Leadership & Development: Demonstrated success managing the full lifecycle of workforce development initiatives—from initial strategy, design, and implementation to evaluation and equity analysis—including experience developing inclusive learning programs, mentorship programs, and educational partnerships that serve diverse audiences.
• Sector & Industry Experience: Background in public sector, utility, educational, or non-profit environments, with a strong understanding of the operational complexities of large, highly structured organizations.
• Stakeholder & Community Engagement: Proven ability to balance diverse stakeholder needs while building meaningful relationships through community outreach and engagement, particularly with diverse and underserved populations.
• Technical & Data Expertise: Proficiency in learning management systems (LMS), e-learning development, and data analysis to drive strategic decisions, optimize organizational learning, and manage complex project timelines.
• Strategic & Adult Learning Capabilities: Deep expertise in workforce development methodologies, adult learning principles, talent management strategies, and organizational development best practices to build innovative upskilling and professional pathway programs.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership: Strong track record of leading and collaborating with HR specialists, training coordinators, data analysts, and cross-functional teams to foster a culture of continuous learning.
• Compliance & Budget Management: Practical familiarity with relevant labor laws, public sector compliance requirements, and professional certification standards, combined with experience managing program budgets and resource allocation.

Additional Information

How to Apply:

• Submit complete City of Seattle online application
• Upload your current resume, AND
• Include a cover letter that addresses your knowledge, experience, and interest related to this position

*** You must submit both a resume and cover letter. If you do not submit these documents, your application will not be considered. Please ensure that BOTH documents have successfully been uploaded before submitting your application. ***

The full salary range for this position is $ 51.88 - $77.82 per hour.

Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, 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 at:

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 Erika Monroe at View email address on click.appcast.io.