Facilitation and Assessment Specialist - Contract-In

The City of Seattle recognizes the value and importance of City employees being able to do their best work to serve our communities. For this to happen, the City must provide safe and respectful work environments, as well as consistent and equitable processes for addressing concerns. The Office of the Employee Ombuds (OEO) supports City employees experiencing workplace conflicts that are at odds with the City's workplace expectations and values, in the collective effort to create an inclusive, safe, and welcoming workplace environment. OEO is the primary conflict management resource for the City of Seattle. The Ombuds listens to issues, uses informal means of conflict resolution, and sometimes refers cases for formal processes. The office supports constituents' education and provides information about their rights and obligations. The Ombud also provides consultations in a manner that preserves confidentiality and recommends appropriate non-legal strategies to resolve sources of contention between the parties. To support the mission of this office, we are seeking a Facilitation and Assessment Specialist to work in conjunction with the OEO Director and assist in developing standard practice protocols for OEO's proactive engagement model, focusing on a climate assessment pilot project. This position is uniquely designed to take a deep dive into OEO's case data and develop assessment tools for each department to periodically assess employee well-being and belonging. This is a contract-in opportunity that will start in July 2026 and end in June 2027. Your top 4 priorities will be: Case review Large group facilitation Qualitative and quantitative data analysis and reporting Climate assessment benchmarking You will be responsible for: Developing engagement strategies for conflict mitigation, focused work with key city departments that frequently need OEO services. Leading the feasibility and groundwork for the climate assessment pilot project so we can help city leaders learn how employees are doing and where the frequent points of conflict are. Identifying technology tools required for unit-specific and department-wide assessments. Project managing in procuring technology tools in partnership with Seattle IT. Analyzing case data for developing climate assessment tools. Analyzing assessment data while centering confidentiality and IOA Standards of Practice. Assisting with the evaluation of OEO services for alignment with industry best practice, as well as City standards. You will provide support to OEO team members and City employees by: Serving as a trainer, coach, and mentor to develop the skills and capacity of fellow staff to provide effective Ombuds services. Acting as liaison between individuals or groups and the City by serving as a mediator, facilitator, and a support system. Recommending systemic changes to truly root all City workplaces in racial equity and social justice. Providing conflict management and mediation, listening to grievances, educating constituents regarding their rights, providing consultations in a confidential way, and offering support, solutions, and alternatives to toxic interpersonal conflict. Lending specialized technical support regarding data analysis, data security and privacy, and confidentiality practice/standards for consultative and mediation services. You will be most successful if you have experience in a broad set of areas, including climate assessment, facilitation, conflict management, social studies, statistical analysis, research, social justice and racial equity. A commitment to listening, creating space for diverse perspectives, and the pursuit of inclusive and just outcomes must be at the center of your professional practice. The ability to communicate at all levels tactfully and effectively will also contribute to your success. Specifically, you'll be prepared to take on this role if you have a combination of the following: Experience in: Facilitation of large groups Analyzing data from climate assessment tools Conflict management Statistical analysis in social studies Social studies research Social justice and racial equity work The ability to: Creatively solve problems by sorting through multiple issues, assessing, identifying appropriate resources, and implementing solutions. Work in diverse communities and conduct effective research. Thoroughly understand and navigate workplace conflict with an ability to provide impartial guidance to employees Demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills, preferably in a cross-cultural context. Stay organized through projects, successfully meeting tight deadlines. Generate creative solutions to problems by identifying available resources and working collaboratively. Navigate and adapt to a dynamic political environment without bias. Maintain confidentiality, sensitivity, and discretion in all matters. This full-time contact-in position is classified as a Strategic Advisor 1 - Exempt and is expected to last 11 months, beginning in July 2026, and ending in June 2027. This is a non-represented, civil service-exempt position that is not eligible for overtime.

Pay :

The full salary range for this position is $51.88 - $77.82 per hour. The salary range for this individual role has been identified as $55.00 hourly.

Work Schedule:

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be expected to be in-office three days a week. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and their supervisor.

Hiring Timeline:

The first round of interviews for this position is tentatively scheduled for the week of June 29, 2026, and the second interviews for the week of July 6, 2026.

Accommodations :

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Sandra Wong at sandra.wong@seattle.gov to request accommodation.

Background Check :

Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.

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: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits Why work at the City? At the City of Seattle, public service is more than a job; it's a chance to shape the future and make a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone who works, lives, or plays in our city. With 12,000 employees across 40+ departments and 1,100 job titles, we are united by a common purpose: to create a Seattle that is vibrant and welcoming for all. Whatever your role, you'll help power a forward-looking city that leads by example — inclusive, innovative, equitable, and community-focused — while joining a diverse team committed to solving challenges and making a lasting impact together. Join us in building a Seattle where everyone thrives!

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications will be accepted for this position until 4:00pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 . To be considered for this position, in addition to completing your application fully, please attach: A PDF of your current resume Cover Letter We encourage you to review the City of Seattle's Application and Interviewing Tips Guide , which may be used as a resource as you prepare to apply and interview for positions with the City of Seattle.

Who May Apply:

This contact-in position is open to all candidates who demonstrate alignment with the skills and experience described above. The Office of the Employee Ombud 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, medical condition, or pregnancy. Questions ? If you have questions, please contact Sandra Wong at sandra.wong@seattle.gov