What are the responsibilities and job description for the Business Improvement Area (BIA) Specialist position at City of Seattle?
Position Description
The Office of Economic Development’s purpose is to shape the future of Seattle’s economy and make it more equitable, prosperous, and competitive. We do this work by leading projects and making investments that increase access to economic opportunities, reduce the racial wealth gap, and encourage innovation and growth. As part of this mission, our Only in Seattle team strives to build capacity in business districts as they deliver on their vision of creating and sustaining vibrant neighborhoods.
We are seeking a dynamic Business Improvement Area (BIA) Specialist to support the growth and revitalization of commercial districts. This role will serve as a subject matter expert on city policies, state law, and standard processes, assisting under-resourced communities in exploring, developing, and implementing BIAs. You will guide business and property owners through the formation, renewal, and expansion of BIAs while working closely with city officials and key partners to establish sustainable funding for district improvements.
This role requires a blend of community relationship-building and financial literacy, combining advocacy and technical expertise to effectively engage partners and promote BIA investment. If you are passionate about community development and economic growth, this is a chance to make a lasting impact in Seattle’s small business economic future!
Job Responsibilities
As the BIA Specialist, you will work on the following:
Business Improvement Area Formation
Experience
Applicants are usually qualified with a bachelor's degree in business or public administration, architecture, urban planning, or a related subject area AND three (3) years of experience in areas such as urban planning, community development, real estate, architecture, project management, or related experience.
We also recognize that expertise can be gained through alternative means, including education, experience, or training. A combination of skills and experience that lend themselves to success in the position combined with a commitment to become expert in the specific technical side of business improvement areas (BIA) in Washington State and Seattle will be evaluated. Relevant experience may include coalition building, organizational management, place management, program management, economic development, small business services or policy, commercial real estate, commercial brokerage, commercial property management, economic analysis, and/or community organizing.
In Evaluating Equivalency, We Consider The Following
Additional Information
This civil service position is eligible for overtime and is classified as a Community Development Specialist, Senior. The full pay range for these step progression positions is $54.28-$63.26 hourly. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $54.28 hourly. Current City employees’ starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions.
Work Environment: This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be expected to work in-office at the Seattle Municipal Tower in Downtown Seattle a minimum of three days a week. Individual schedules will be determined between the employee and their supervisor. Moderate local travel and possible regional travel will be required, as well as occasional evening and weekend in-person meetings. The City of Seattle is a drug free workplace.
Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package includes 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: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans
Why Work at the City of Seattle? We recognize that every employee plays a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture results from our behavior, personal commitments, and the ways we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.
Language Premium Pay (SMC 4.20.360): Individuals selected to fill this position may be eligible to receive a $200.00 monthly stipend to qualified bilingual employees who are properly evaluated and assigned to provide direct communication in-language, interpretation, or translation services to the public on behalf of the City of Seattle.
Application Process
Here is an educational resource for Application and Interviewing tips(Download PDF reader) with the City of Seattle.
Please submit your application at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle/ no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. To be considered for this position, please complete your application fully and attach:
Hiring Timeline: We anticipate conducting the first and second rounds of interviews in April. Our goal is to have this position filled with a preferred start date of Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with disabilities to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and access other employment benefits and privileges. Please contact Nicolette.Hornbeck@seattle.gov to request accommodation.
Questions? Please contact Nicolette Hornbeck at Nicolette.Hornbeck@seattle.gov.
The Office of Economic Development’s purpose is to shape the future of Seattle’s economy and make it more equitable, prosperous, and competitive. We do this work by leading projects and making investments that increase access to economic opportunities, reduce the racial wealth gap, and encourage innovation and growth. As part of this mission, our Only in Seattle team strives to build capacity in business districts as they deliver on their vision of creating and sustaining vibrant neighborhoods.
We are seeking a dynamic Business Improvement Area (BIA) Specialist to support the growth and revitalization of commercial districts. This role will serve as a subject matter expert on city policies, state law, and standard processes, assisting under-resourced communities in exploring, developing, and implementing BIAs. You will guide business and property owners through the formation, renewal, and expansion of BIAs while working closely with city officials and key partners to establish sustainable funding for district improvements.
This role requires a blend of community relationship-building and financial literacy, combining advocacy and technical expertise to effectively engage partners and promote BIA investment. If you are passionate about community development and economic growth, this is a chance to make a lasting impact in Seattle’s small business economic future!
Job Responsibilities
As the BIA Specialist, you will work on the following:
Business Improvement Area Formation
- Lead efforts to establish and expand BIAs by engaging with community leaders, businesses and property owners.
- Guide communities through the BIA creation process from developing proposals and outreach strategies to the legal and petition process.
- Work with the City’s Finance, Budget, and Law departments to draft and present BIA proposals.
- Provide technical expertise on assessment structures, governance models, and funding strategies.
- Facilitate peer learning networks, workshops, and technical assistance for business districts exploring BIAs.
- Give presentations about the value of BIAs, how they are formed and how they work.
- Partner with local organizations to support small businesses and commercial corridor activation.
- Align BIA efforts with the City of Seattle’s broader economic development and racial equity goals.
- Coordinate grant-funded projects and consultants to achieve strategic business district outcomes and provide prioritized capacity needs and services.
- Provide technical assistance to grantees, monitor program impact, manage to achieve agreed-upon project outcomes, and ensure compliance.
- Lead contract management efforts that demonstrate a results oriented program management approach and mutual partnership accountability. Operate with an equity lens in identifying resources and funding opportunities for underserved communities.
- Assist 6-10 neighborhoods in exploring and forming BIAs.
- Develop customized BIA strategies based on local business and property ownership conditions.
- Provide ongoing technical and project management support to emerging and existing BIAs.
- Collaborate with and manage the implementation and performance of consultants providing BIA formation support and tools.
Experience
- Experience in BIA development or management, political campaign organizing (messaging, advocacy, persuasion), fundraising or sales, organizational development, assessment structures or tax policies, community support and engagement, economic development consulting, or urban planning.
- Developing and implementing economic development strategies with an equity focus.
- Reviewing property data and understanding algebraic assessment formulas and their impact on property owners or businesses.
- Project management, including planning, execution, and collaboration with partners.
- Providing leadership and shared accountability within communities of color-led organizations.
- Supporting historically underserved communities, including diverse and immigrant-owned businesses.
- Participating in community building, outreach, and advocacy initiatives.
- Representing your department in meetings and presentations.
- Coordinating consultant selection and activities.
- Preparing reports, correspondence, and legislation.
- Analyzing community assets, interests, issues, and power dynamics.
- Communicating thoughtfully and persuasively at all levels, including negotiations and consensus-building.
- Building trust-based relationships and fostering collaboration.
- Problem-solving through strategic outreach and engagement.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, MS Teams, PowerPoint).
- Using databases, survey tools, and customer relationship management platforms.
- Explaining financial information or assessment calculations to community members.
- Persuading community members on the value of investing in BIAs.
- Developing and implementing strategies to build momentum around shared priorities.
- Listening and creating space for diverse perspectives.
- Advancing inclusive and just outcomes.
- Applying racial equity and social justice principles in all aspects of your work.
- Eliminating structural racism in programs, processes, and policies.
Applicants are usually qualified with a bachelor's degree in business or public administration, architecture, urban planning, or a related subject area AND three (3) years of experience in areas such as urban planning, community development, real estate, architecture, project management, or related experience.
We also recognize that expertise can be gained through alternative means, including education, experience, or training. A combination of skills and experience that lend themselves to success in the position combined with a commitment to become expert in the specific technical side of business improvement areas (BIA) in Washington State and Seattle will be evaluated. Relevant experience may include coalition building, organizational management, place management, program management, economic development, small business services or policy, commercial real estate, commercial brokerage, commercial property management, economic analysis, and/or community organizing.
In Evaluating Equivalency, We Consider The Following
- Coursework toward a bachelor’s degree, relevant certifications, or advanced degrees in a related field.
- One year of experience equals a full-time role for 12 months, featuring stated activities.
- Volunteer work should also be quantified, specifying the time committed (e.g., volunteering four hours weekly to provide technical assistance at a community-based legal aid organization).
Additional Information
This civil service position is eligible for overtime and is classified as a Community Development Specialist, Senior. The full pay range for these step progression positions is $54.28-$63.26 hourly. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $54.28 hourly. Current City employees’ starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions.
Work Environment: This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be expected to work in-office at the Seattle Municipal Tower in Downtown Seattle a minimum of three days a week. Individual schedules will be determined between the employee and their supervisor. Moderate local travel and possible regional travel will be required, as well as occasional evening and weekend in-person meetings. The City of Seattle is a drug free workplace.
Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package includes 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: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans
Why Work at the City of Seattle? We recognize that every employee plays a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture results from our behavior, personal commitments, and the ways we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.
Language Premium Pay (SMC 4.20.360): Individuals selected to fill this position may be eligible to receive a $200.00 monthly stipend to qualified bilingual employees who are properly evaluated and assigned to provide direct communication in-language, interpretation, or translation services to the public on behalf of the City of Seattle.
Application Process
Here is an educational resource for Application and Interviewing tips(Download PDF reader) with the City of Seattle.
Please submit your application at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle/ no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. To be considered for this position, please complete your application fully and attach:
- A PDF of your current resume, which illustrates your related skills, experience, and abilities.
- A cover letter explaining your qualifications and interest in the position with OED.
Hiring Timeline: We anticipate conducting the first and second rounds of interviews in April. Our goal is to have this position filled with a preferred start date of Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with disabilities to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and access other employment benefits and privileges. Please contact Nicolette.Hornbeck@seattle.gov to request accommodation.
Questions? Please contact Nicolette Hornbeck at Nicolette.Hornbeck@seattle.gov.
Salary : $54 - $63
