Director of Operations

The Office

The mission of the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) is to improve the lives of Seattle’s immigrant and refugee families. OIRA centers racial equity and community engagement in its work and seeks candidates who are committed to these values.

The Job

We are recruiting a Director of Operations to join our team in an eighteen-month Sunset position. We are looking for applicants who combine strong operations expertise, contract/grants administration, and compliance experience with an expert knowledge of immigrant and refugee communities and the equity issues that they face.

In this job, you will be the Director’s thought partner and represent OIRA when the Director is unavailable. You will work with the Director to create OIRA’s 2026-2027 strategic plan and assist the Director in supporting the team’s cohesiveness, communications, and systems. You will assist the Director in driving Mayor’s Office priorities and City-wide policies throughout the organization. You will also evaluate the contract and grant administration infrastructure and provide training and recommendations.

To be successful, you are committed to:

• Equity and supporting immigrants and refugees
• Building cohesive teams and finding ways to continuously improve processes and outcomes
• Confidentiality
• Building relationships through authentic engagement
• Meeting team members where they are and supporting their journey

To be effective, you have:

• Expertise in contracting/grant administration, equity, and compliance
• Successfully created strategic plans, built culture, cohesiveness, and teams
• Deep knowledge across immigrant and refugee communities
• Experience conducting research, evaluation, and action plans
• Knowledge of City of Seattle systems, how to operationalize policies and legislation
• A track record of providing confidential, executive support to the head of an organization or agency

A successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to evaluating and building systems, cohesive teams, and communications using an equity lens. This experience should be complemented by demonstrated knowledge and ability in the following areas:

• Current and emerging immigration and refugee community issues
• Contract/Grant administration, equity, compliance expertise
• Operations, systems, and infrastructure evaluation and building skills
• Research and strategic planning experience
• Working closely and confidentially with a director, and representing an organization
• Working successfully within a large, matrixed organization
• Executive support as a confidential assistant

Working in a dynamic, diverse, fast-paced environment

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.

This Sunset position is classified as a Manager 3, Exempt. The full pay range for this position is $61.90 - $92.84. Our target salary is $78.00/hour.

Why Work for the City of Seattle? At the City of Seattle, 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 Seattle that is vibrant and welcoming 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 that thrives!

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and management. You may be asked to attend meetings and events that occur on weekday evenings and weekends.

We offer 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 our website at:https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

In addition to completing the application atwww.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle fully, please attach:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs and how your skills match this job
• A PDF of your current resume

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided with an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

This position is open to applicants who meet the 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 people, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations:

Individuals with disabilities will be provided with reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Kate.Moore@seattle.gov with questions or to request accommodations.