Special Projects Coordinator

The role of the Special Projects Coordinator is to develop, implement, and coordinate major city-wide programs, services, and events to ensure alignment with City policies, goals, and strategic plans.

The Special Projects Coordinator independently coordinates city-wide programs, services, and events. Assigned areas of focus may include one or more of the following: economic development and tourism; special event services; volunteer programs; diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; intergovernmental affairs; or other identified area. This position is a key liaison between the City, Council, stakeholders, and the public.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Project Management. Initiates and organizes projects related to area of focus. Analyzes issues and formulates solutions. Develops, implements, and administers projects and programs. As appropriate, develops budget guidelines and/or solicits partnerships/sponsor ships.
• Develops overall program goals and objectives in cooperation with City stakeholders.
• Develops policies and procedures and ensures compliance with relevant state and local laws and other regulations.
• Develops and implements communication and marketing efforts. Plans, organizes, and implements comprehensive and effective promotional and public relations programs to address key external and internal audiences. Oversees coordination and implementation of city-wide promotional activities related to assigned area of focus.
• Acts as the key liaison between city departments and staff, Council, community groups, stakeholders, and the public. Responsibilities include frequent and responsible public contact.
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.
• May supervise contingent staff, including on‑call, seasonal, volunteer, and intern positions. Coordinates, conducts, and facilitates training as needed.
• Organizes, schedules, coordinates, and manages day‑to‑day and overall promotional activities, special programs, and special events.
• Develops and maintains cooperative efforts and relationships with public and private agencies, organizations, associations, and groups.
• Identifies or promotes issues or events affecting Kirkland residents and businesses. Provides ongoing problem solving and resolution assistance to community members, businesses, Council members, and City staff.
• Develops and delivers presentations before City Council, boards and commissions, the community, businesses, service organizations, and the media.

• Oversees tourism related consultant contracts, budgets and workplans. Monitors the timeliness and quality of their work.
• Serves as key liaison for business constituents and represents the City in business support organizations and collaborations regionally and in the City.
• Administers annual Lodging Tax, Community Event, Business, and City‑funded Outside Agency grant programs, including application process, funding recommendations to City Manager, and contract oversight.
• Provides staff support to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (Tourism Development Committee), Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission, and other appropriate community groups and provides information, technical expertise, advice, and recommendations related to the City’s tourism efforts.

• Manages all aspects associated with the evaluation, approval, permit conditioning, and…