Position Description
The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS) manages the city’s public art program, cultural partnerships grant programs, ARTS at King Street Station, the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute (LHPAI), and The Creative Advantage initiative in an effort to foster a city driven by creativity that provides the opportunity for everyone to engage in diverse arts and cultural experiences! In alignment with the City’s Race and Social Justice work, we work to eliminate institutional racism in our programs, policies, and practices.
We are excited to welcome a collaborative and equity-focused Policy & Planning Analyst to our team! This role offers a unique opportunity to shape cultural policy, lead inclusive planning efforts, and develop systems that reflect and respond to the lived experiences of Seattle’s diverse communities. We encourage applicants who bring curiosity, cultural humility, and a commitment to learning and growth.
Job Responsibilities
Top Priorities & Key Responsibilities
1. Citywide Cultural Planning
- Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive citywide cultural plan that reflects the diverse voices and visions of Seattle’s communities.
- Manage all aspects of the planning process, including consultant selection, stakeholder engagement, and cross-sector collaboration.
- Represent ARTS in citywide cultural planning and RSJI-related initiatives, ensuring alignment with broader city goals.
- Lead department assemblies designed to bring together all staff in 3 meetings annually, develop agenda, project manage and collaborate across divisions.
- Ensure cultural policy is embedded in the City’s Comprehensive Plan update.
2. Equity-Centered Policy Development
- Lead the evolution of ARTS’ internal policy team from programmatic advising to strategic policy leadership.
- Facilitate and lead weekly Policy Team meetings, ensuring cross-functional division alignment on current policy and evaluation work.
- Develop and apply racial equity frameworks to inform cultural policy, ensuring integration into the City’s Comprehensive Plan and legislative processes.
- Collaborate with interdepartmental and community partners to co-create policies that reflect community priorities and dismantle systemic inequities.
3. Strategic Plan Management & Evaluation
- Lead the development of equity-aligned performance indicators for ARTS’ strategic plan.
- Design and implement a data strategy to track progress on strategic goals, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
- Develop evaluation methodologies to assess program impact and ensure measurable outcomes aligned with racial equity goals.
- Facilitate annual reviews and updates of the strategic plan, ensuring continuous improvement and accountability.
- Support program managers in embedding equity, data, and evaluation into program design, budgeting, and implementation.
- Build staff capacity in equity-informed evaluation and data literacy.
What You Bring
You may be a great fit for this role if you bring a combination of the following:
- Strategic Thinking & Leadership: Proven ability to connect policy, planning, and equity goals through a systems-thinking lens. Experience leading inclusive, cross-sector initiatives and managing large-scale, multi-phase planning or policy projects, including timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder input.
- Data & Evaluation Expertise: Proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative data analysis, with a strong track record of translating insights into actionable strategies. Skilled in communicating findings in ways that are accessible, equity-informed, and meaningful to diverse community stakeholders. Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing equity-aligned performance measurement and evaluation frameworks.
- Policy Development & Facilitation: Advanced skills in policy analysis, strategic planning, and program evaluation. Skilled in facilitating complex, equity-centered conversations and communicating effectively across diverse audiences and stakeholders.
- Relationship Building & Accountability: A relational approach to public service, grounded in authentic, accountable partnerships with BIPOC communities and grassroots organizations. Familiarity with community accountability frameworks and practices that center trust and transparency.
- Equity & Cultural Policy Knowledge: Deep understanding of institutional racism, anti-racism frameworks, and equity-centered practices. Knowledge of municipal governance, cultural policy, and the intersections of arts with public health, economic development, and community empowerment.
- Certifications (Preferred but Not Required):
- Racial Equity Toolkit or GARE training
- Project management (e.g., PMP, Agile)
- Evaluation, facilitation, or Results-Based Accountability
- Nice to Have:
- Familiarity with Seattle’s civic landscape, planning processes, or cultural sector
- Experience in arts and culture is helpful; howeverwe welcome applicants from adjacent fields who bring curiosity and a willingness to learn
What Drives You
- A passion for public service and using policy as a tool for social change
- A commitment to transparency, accountability, and relationship building
- A belief in cultural equity, arts advocacy, and inclusive civic planning
- Curiosity about how the government can evolve to be more just and community-centered
- Respect for diverse cultural expressions and a mindset of continuous learning
- A commitment to human-centered leadership that fosters inclusivity, empathy, and empowerment.
We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every qualification – we value transferable skills, lived experience, and a growth mindset!
Please note that this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Qualifications
In addition to the ability to perform the tasks described above, you will need to possess the following required qualifications (or a combination of education, training,or experience that provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class):
Education & Experience Pathways
- Option 1:
- Bachelor’s degree in public policy, sociology, urban planning, arts administration, public administration, ethnic studies, or a related field
- At least 2 years of relevant experience
- Option 2:
- Associate’s degree in a related field
- At least 3 years of relevant experience
- Option 3:
- At least 4 years of relevant experience without a degree
Relevant experience includes work in:
- Public policy development
- Racial equity implementation
- Urban planning
- Community engagement
- Arts and culture policy
- Strategic evaluation or performance measurement
Equivalency Examples May Include:
- Lived experience in community organizing or advocacy
- Nonprofit or government work in cultural planning or equity strategy
- Certifications in racial equity, evaluation, or project management
Additional Information
This civil service (Download PDF reader) position is eligible for overtime and is classified as a Planning & Development Specialist II. This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement between the City and the union, PROTEC17 – Professional Unit. The full pay range for this step progression position is $47.54-$55.32 hourly. New employees start at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $47.54/ hour. Current employees’ starting pay rate will be based on Personnel rules regarding promotions.
Work Environment:This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be expected to work in-office at ARTS at King Street Station at least three days a week. Occasional evening work is expected. Individual schedules will be determined between the employee and their supervisor.
Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package includes 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:https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans
Why work at the City of Seattle? We believe 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 vibrant and welcoming Seattle 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:
Here is an informational-only resource for Application and Interviewing tips (Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader) with the City.
Please submit your application athttps://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle/ no later than 4:00 pm PST on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.To be considered for this position, please complete your application fully and attach:
- A PDF of your current resume, which illustrates your related skills, experience, and abilities.
- A cover letter explaining your qualifications and interest in this position with ARTS
Please note: The Office of Arts & Culture does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated tools to screen or evaluate applications. Every application is reviewed by a member of our hiring team to ensure an equitable and human-centered process.
Who May Apply: This position is open to all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle 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, or gender identity. The City encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
Hiring Timeline: We anticipate conducting the first round and second round of interviews and an assessment in Mid- December. We aim to fill this position with a preferred start date of Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
Accommodations Request & Recruiting Contact: Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with disabilities to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and access other employment benefits and privileges. Please get in touch with Nicolette.Hornbeck@seattle.gov to request an accommodation or with any questions.
