OOC or TLT Project Manager, Artificial Intelligence & PACT Initiatives

About Seattle Department of Construction and inspections (SDCI)

SDCI reviews land use and construction-related permits, annually approving more than 53,000 permits and performing approximately 240,000 on-site inspections. SDCI's work includes permit review and community involvement with Master Use Permits (MUPs); shoreline permits and design review; review and approval of permits for construction, mechanical systems, site development, elevators, electrical installation, boilers, furnaces, refrigeration, signs and billboards; field inspections for all construction and trade-related permits; annual maintenance inspections of boilers, elevators, and refrigeration equipment; and home seismic retrofits. SDCIs work does not end at the permitting and inspection process but also includes enforcing community standards and managing tenant/landlord programs. In 2020, the Department had almost 24,000 complaint line inquiries ranging from housing standards, land use violations, construction without permits, junk storage, illegal tree cutting, shoreline regulations to tenant issues like emergency relocation, deposit returns and unlawful evictions. In addition, SDCI operates property owner and tenant assistance programs and the Citys rental registration program to provide essential community services and ensure that all rental housing in Seattle is safe and meets basic housing maintenance requirements.

SDCI is seeking a dynamic Project Manager to lead the Permit Accountability and Customer Trust (PACT) initiativean ambitious effort to improve the permitting experience across Seattle. This work is critical to the Citys broader goals around housing affordability, economic recovery, and service equity.

In this role, you will help shape and implement a citywide strategy to make the permitting process faster, simpler, and more predictable for everyonefrom small homeowners and neighborhood businesses to large housing developers.

Youll be positioned at the intersection of innovation and service deliveryembedded within the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) and reporting to the Mayors Office Innovation & Performance team. This role blends product leadership, service design, and project management with a strong emphasis on facilitation, data-driven decision making and inclusive, and human-centered problem-solving.

You will lead a collaborative, interdisciplinary team that explores opportunities to use artificial intelligence and digital service tools to streamline permitting and inspections. Youll define the problem, engage stakeholders, test solutions, and build systems that make a difference in residents lives. Your responsibilities will include:

• Driving day-to-day project delivery : From discovery to implementation, youll oversee the product roadmap and project workplan, facilitate team meetings, and align internal and external partners.
• Human-centered product and service design : Youll apply design thinking to create intuitive user experiences and advocate for equity and accessibility in how residents engage with the City.
• Stakeholder and partner engagement : Youll engage small business owners, builders, homeowners, and City staff to understand their needs and co-design solutions. Youll cultivate buy-in, broker alignment, and help teams embrace new ways of working.
• AI exploration and digital tools : You will help assess the use of emerging technologiesparticularly AIto improve permitting timelines and outcomes. This includes surfacing risks, ethics, and accountability measures to ensure innovation supports public trust.
• Storytelling and accountability : Youll communicate progress and learning clearly to City leadership and the public, helping shape a culture of transparency and performance.

Were looking for someone who brings:

• Experience leading cross-functional, civic-oriented projects, ideally in a complex environment like government or infrastructure.
• Strong skills in project management, product development, and/or service design, with an ability to work iteratively, adaptively, and collaboratively.
• Proficiency in facilitating diverse teams, cultivating relationships, and helping groups navigate ambiguity to take action.
• A data-informed and equity-driven mindsetbalancing technical analysis with community input to shape inclusive services.
• Comfort with emerging technologies, including an understanding of the potential and limitations of AI in public service settings.

You may not check every boxbut if youre energized by the mission of improving public systems for the people who use them, we encourage you to apply.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in developing, implementing, and managing process improvement projects while validating positive results.
• Strong creative problem-solving, negotiation, and the ability to work collaboratively while being self-directed.
• Excellent story telling skills including verbal, written, visual, and data
• Ability to build trust and engagement across teams and organizational structures.
• Experience with Microsoft products, Webex, Sharepoint and other technology software.
• Experience with Visio, Miro or other visual modeling tools.
• Experience with scoping, managing, and implementing artificial intelligence projects.

Combination of education and/or equivalent experience to show increasingly responsible progression of work experience.

Successful candidates will possess the following knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Public Administration, Construction Management, Economics, or a related field or equivalent combinations of education and experience.
• Certification in organizational development and/or change management, for example:
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification or equivalent professional certification
  • Prosci certification.
• Highly skilled in facilitation with cross functional groups with diverse perspectives, observing work processes without influencing those being observed.
• Demonstrated ability in technical writing and editing various documents; and able to write in explanatory and procedural styles for multiple audiences.
• Government and/or public sector experience.

This role is expected to work primarily on-site and will work at both Seattle Municipal Tower and City Hall. This is an Out of Class (OOC) or a Term Limited Temporary (TLT) position funded for one year, with possibility of extension.

To be considered for this position, please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job advertisement
• A current resume outlining your relevant work experience

The targeted salary range for this position is $64.00 - $76.00 per hour. Current City employee starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions.

The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections is a proud participant in the Race and Social Justice Initiative, a citywide effort to realize the vision of racial equity.

We require a strong commitment to customer service and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences; people of color, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

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: