Chief of Staff; Executive

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At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.

With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.

Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.

We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews—bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone—together!

The Chief of Staff (under the City’s classification title of Executive
2) provides strategic leadership and direction for the Office of the Director. The position is responsible for overseeing and managing the flow and exchange of information, streamlining interactions with key constituents, and driving initiatives on behalf of the Director.

• Oversees all facets of the Director’s Office, fulfilling Mayor and City Council expectations and observing City, State and Federal laws, policies, regulations and operating agreements.
• Drives key initiatives and sets legislative, external affairs and government relations agenda for SDOT.
• Represents the Director with key stakeholders.
• Ensures the Director is prepared with the information required for meetings, conferences and other scheduled events.
• Leads the development of strategies and operational plans for all external affairs including business and community relationships; government and legislative affairs; and public relations and communications to provide a cohesive and comprehensive perspective of the agency.
• Oversees the flow and content of information to the Mayor and the City Council and assists the Director in maintaining those vital relationships.
• Oversees and coordinates integrated policy analysis and strategic consultation to the Director on major issues affecting the agency.
• Leads enterprise strategy development in partnership with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT); oversees ELT meeting structures and agendas; and collaborates with ELT, senior staff, and subject matter experts to formulate policy and program recommendations that support and enhance city‑wide goals.
• Identifies and manages critical issues that have public impact and require the attention of the Director and other senior staff.
• Support department goals in promoting diversity and social justice.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
• Ten (10)+ years in management and leadership experience in communications, public relations, governmental affairs, and/or related fields.
• Ten (10)+ years in management experience in a large-scale organization.
• Current Washington State driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

OR: A combination of education, training and/or experience that provides an equivalent background to perform the job.

• Highly accountable, people‑oriented leader who cultivates an inclusive and welcoming culture, has a passion for creating environments where people can do their best work and is an effective collaborator, relationship builder, and communicator.
• Results‑oriented leader that can transform strategy into operational goals and objectives and produce…