EDI Real Estate Development and Program Implementation Manager

The Office 

The City of Seattle’s Office of Planning & Community Development (OPCD) centers racial justice and community-driven development so everyone can benefit from prosperity in our region. OPCD is committed to fostering equitable and inclusive growth, combating displacement, and building thriving, diverse communities where culture is preserved, and economic opportunity is accessible. Through the Equitable Development Initiative (EDI), OPCD invests City funds in community-based organizations working to reduce displacement pressures marginalized communities face, cultivate economic mobility, and increase access to community amenities, services, and programming. Funded projects plan and complete the development of community-serving commercial places and spaces that provide greater access to jobs, educational opportunities, affordable housing and childcare, human services, arts and culture. 

Commitment to Equity in Hiring:

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where our team reflects the rich diversity of experiences and identities in the City of Seattle. We strongly encourage individuals from communities historically and systemically impacted by planning and development decisions—including Black, Indigenous, People of Color, immigrants, refugees, women, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, and others with diverse life experiences—to apply.

This position is open to all qualified applicants. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religion, political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We welcome your application and the unique perspective you bring.

The Job

As the EDI's Real Estate Development and Program Implementation Manager, you will lead, develop, and implement key strategies for real estate acquisition, development, and program implementation designed to advance Seattle's anti-displacement and equitable development goals. EDI funding supports community-serving organizations during their funded project's planning, delivery, and performance (operation and service provision) phases. 

Key components of this role:

• Shape how EDI uses staff expertise and program funding ($142 million ).
• Lead the development of a strategic framework, model, and methods—aligned with EDI’s upcoming strategic plan and Advisory Board input—to shape and guide program goals.
• Ensure communities most at risk of displacement benefit from meaningful public investment and are valued as experts in the creation of interventions and solutions.
• Cultivate partnerships (internal / external) that help to advance goals and objectives.
• Assess equitable development policies, practices, and strategies, identifying opportunities to improve public benefits generated by EDI—e.g., inclusive growth, cultural preservation, economic mobility, and access to opportunity.
• Provide expertise and thought leadership, guiding City and community-led efforts to adapt to evolving social, market, budget, and political realities.
• Manage a range of EDI-funded projects, leading real estate transactions, negotiating contracts, conducting due diligence, and supporting grantees to complete their projects.

Ability and Contribution:

Real Estate Strategy, Development, and Leadership:

• Analyze market trends and economic data to inform program planning, implementation, and investment decisions aligned with equitable development goals.
• Evaluate financial feasibility, deal structure, policy alignment, and compliance while identifying strategic partnership opportunities.
• Structure and negotiate complex real estate transactions for community-serving commercial projects.
• Support grantmaking by reviewing applications for alignment with funding goals, public benefits, policy priorities, and risk criteria.

Program Framework and Implementation, Policy, Strategic Leadership:

• Serve as a senior-level strategic advisor to City leadership on equitable development policy, anti-displacement strategies, and EDI program direction.
• Develop strategies, tools, and frameworks for program delivery, technical assistance, real estate acquisition, and performance tracking.
• Collaborate with the EDI Board, grantees, and partners to refine program priorities and contracting policies.
• Create risk management and due diligence policies to protect public investments.
• Represent EDI in public forums to advance inclusive growth and equitable development goals.

Grantee and Community Relations and Project Management:

• Manage a portfolio of EDI-funded real estate projects, advising grantees from due diligence through construction and operations.
• Oversee compliance with financial, legal, and contractual requirements, including invoicing, deeds of trust, and covenants.
• Align projects with community priorities while meeting City standards to ensure community-led outcomes.
• Maintain strong partnerships with community organizations, the EDI Board, public agencies, funders, and private partners.
• Apply trauma-informed and restorative practices to project management and grantee engagement.

• Lead interdepartmental coordination efforts to align policies, remove barriers, and maximize the impact of equitable development investments.
• Partner with the EDI Director and Fund Manager to engage funders, developers, and investors in securing sustainable project financing.
• Prepare and present reports, briefings, and updates for City leadership and elected officials.

We are looking for the following alignment:

• Work that is committed to and centers racial equity, social justice, and anti-displacement.
• Building effective partnerships with marginalized communities, grantees, community organizations, philanthropy, consultants, community development funders, etc.
• Communicating effectively, accessibly, and respectfully with all partners.

We are seeking candidates with experience:

• Providing technical assistance for community-led, mixed-use, commercial real estate projects.
• Leading real estate transactions (e.g., deal structuring, feasibility, contract negotiation).
• Navigating public funding sources such as LIHTC, NMTC, Opportunity Zones, and CDBG.
• Managing cross-departmental teams and fostering internal and external partnerships.
• Communicating effectively, building trust, and advising senior leaders or elected officials.
• Managing multiple high-priority projects concurrently.
• Strategic leadership in program development, evaluation, research, or improvement.
• Understanding the local real estate landscape and experiences of marginalized communities

This job is classified as a Strategic Advisor 2, General Government, and is covered by the Civil Service System. The salary range for this classification is $54.60 – $81.93, and the target salary is $67.00 – $69.68.

Work Location and Hours: This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and management. This position may occasionally involve work on nights and weekends for meetings and events, but typically follows a standard 8-5 or 9-6 work hours at the EDI offices in Downtown Seattle. 

We offer 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 our website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans. 

In addition to completing the application at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle fully, please attach the following:

• A cover letter expressing your interest in the position and your personal or professional work, which is most closely aligned.
• A PDF of your current resume

Here is a resource for Application and Interviewing tips with the City of Seattle.

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided with an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that 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. 

Accommodations:

Individuals with disabilities will be provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Kate.Moore@seattle.gov for questions or to request accommodations.

Salary : $55 - $82