Development Services Office Division Director (Executive 2)

Do you have the leadership skills and experience to bridge the gap between urban development and essential public services? 

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking an experienced leader to serve as the Development Services Office (DSO) Division Director (Executive 2). This is a unique opportunity to act as the primary liaison between SPU and the development community, ensuring that new construction projects align with SPU’s design and regulatory standards. From assisting homeowners and developers in securing new utility services to overseeing SPU’s development policies and procedures, this role is essential in shaping Seattle’s sustainable growth.

As the DSO Division Director, you will play a pivotal role in balancing development needs with public health, environmental stewardship, and service equity. This position requires a leader with a deep understanding of permitting, project management, and customer service—someone who can foster collaboration, navigate complex regulatory landscapes, and drive solutions that serve both the city and its residents. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for infrastructure, leadership, and civic engagement, we invite you to apply and make a lasting impact on Seattle’s built environment.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

 

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the: 

• SPU Website
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities. 

We know work isn't only about what you do it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free Orca Pass 
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Job Responsibilities

We're searching for a dynamic and strategic leader with deep expertise in permitting, project management, and customer service. Someone who excels at building strong relationships and collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders, including city departments, developers, and community partners. A strong commitment to environmental stewardship, public health, regulatory compliance, and service equity guides their approach to navigating complex challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset. Known for fostering consensus in multi-union environments, this leader will drive process improvements, promote collaboration, and ensure that development aligns with Seattle’s infrastructure needs and regulatory standards.

In this role, you can expect to: 

• Lead SPU's Utility Availability Certificate processes by outlining new water service customer requirements (Water Availability Certificates); partnering with City departments - Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) and Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), to provide sewer and drainage utility availability information

• Consistent with SPU's Strategic Business Plan, conduct process improvement efforts to further strengthen SPU's and the city's working relationship with the development community

• Facilitate improvements with cross-branch expertise and leadership focusing on business process improvement with outcomes centered on improving efficiency and customer service

• Investigate specific operational service delivery issues, communicate early warning signs of troubled functions or processes, and initiate corrective action with appropriate stakeholders

• Lead interdepartmental (SPU, SDOT, SDCI) teams in the review of written developer requests for alternatives to meet the intent of City regulations for water main, sewer or storm main extensions

• Represent SPU at SDOT sponsored Design Guidance meetings when work in the right-of-way may impact SPU systems and ensure SPU systems are protected

• Partner with SDOT to review and approve Street Improvement Permits (SIP) associated with proposed work in the right-of-way

• Maintain rigorous internal controls methodology consistent with City and SPU policies and practices

*Please note 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

Education: A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, or a certified equivalency for foreign studies, in engineering, architecture, business or public administration, construction management, urban planning, or a related field.

AND

Experience: Five years of experience demonstrating the ability to fulfill the primary responsibilities of the position, as outlined, must include at least two years of direct supervisory experience.

* Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements. 

Desired Qualifications: 

• Five years of experience working directly with developers or overseeing work with developers to obtain permits or connections to municipal utility systems

Additional Information

This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule.  Effective January 2025, City employees will have the option to work remotely two days a week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

 Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that 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 full salary range for this position is: $134,801.28 - $222,413.76 Annually 

 How to Apply:

• Submit complete City of Seattle online application
• Upload your current resume, AND
• Include a cover letter that addresses your knowledge, experience, and interest related to this position

*** You must submit both a resume and cover letter. If you do not submit these documents, your application will not be considered. Please ensure that BOTH documents have successfully been uploaded before submitting your application. ***

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Ernest Stephens at Ernest.Stephens@Seattle.gov. 

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/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Employer

City of Seattle

Address

Seattle Municipal Tower
700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500
Seattle, Washington, 98104

Website

http://www.seattle.gov/jobs