The Local Government Division is seeking a Commerce Specialist 3 to provide technical assistance to Washington’s communities and support the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) programs . This position works with local governments, economic development organizations, elected officials, private entities, citizenry, technical experts, federal and state governmental program staff on matters dealing with economic development-related infrastructure investments.   

Does this sound like your perfect opportunity?  If so, we invite you to apply today!

• Serves as the CERB project development contact to communities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with existing and potential CERB applicants, partner agencies, economic development organizations, and stakeholder groups.
• Engage in across the state outreach, providing technical assistance to CERB applicants, potential clients, partner agencies, economic development organizations, and stakeholder groups, in support of job creation and retention, private investment, and economic diversification in Washington State.
• Acts as a navigator for communities to identify how CERB and other funding programs can help meet their growth and development needs.
• Participates in relevant community meetings, conferences and other events to educate stakeholders about CERB partnership opportunities and to offer technical assistance and support.
• Identifies, convenes and facilitates representatives, community leaders and other partners to collaborate on specific projects and strategic opportunities and plans.
• Participate in technical assistance funding teams.
• Ensure timely delivery of follow-up content and outcomes from meetings affecting economic needs and conditions, of a community and/or project.
• Work with local governments to develop new project proposals and recommendations for the Board’s consideration; to include, but is not limited to:  consulting with applicant representatives, state and federal partners, etc.
• Prepare and present to the Board: Project analysis and staff recommendations for submitted applications.
• Provides briefings on strategic partnership and relationship issues to the CERB Program Director & Tribal Liaison.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and 3 years of professional experience in community, trade or economic development.
• 2 years of direct experience in community outreach.
• 2 years of professional level experience designing, creating and/or delivering training to large groups of diverse attendees.
• Experience facilitating community groups.
• Demonstrated project development skills
• Intermediate level experience with word, excel and power point

Required Competencies:

• Strong facilitative and collaborative skills, especially experience working simultaneously with diverse partners and stakeholders
• Strong problem solving skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to understand and appropriately respond to community, partner and stakeholder interests and needs
• Successful experience navigating and leading in a political environment
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and discernment, and the ability to understand the “big picture”
• Strong anticipatory skills to see opportunities and needs
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to travel extensively

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of and experience local governments and economic development organizations
• Knowledge of other state and federal infrastructure funding programs

I want to work for Commerce! How do I apply?
 
In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position;
• A current resume detailing experience and education; and
• A list of at least three professional references.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified and documentation may be required.

This recruitment will remain open until filled. Initial screening of applications will begin September 11, 2017. We encourage all applicants to apply early. The hiring authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision and close this recruitment posting at any time after the initial screening date. 

For questions about this recruitment, please contact Lindsey Henderson at 360-725-2650 or Lindsey.henderson@Commerce.wa.gov.
 

Who we are:

At Commerce, we’re a little different. But for you, it might just be the perfect fit.  We’re a state agency but operate like a business with the understanding we need to know our customer’s needs to fulfill them.  Our Olympia offices are open Monday through Friday (flexible schedules are available). We also have an active bicycle loaner program. 

Washington State offers commuting programs, including free, subsidized and reduced public transportation incentives.  There are approximately 300 employees in our agency. We are committed to our work and value balance in our personal lives. We hire people for a position and encourage them to train for growth opportunities.

If this sounds like a good fit for you and you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply today!

What we do:

We are the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. We administer a diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and several state boards and commissions, all focused on achieving one clear and simple mission: to grow and improve jobs in Washington.

Our key customers include businesses, local governments and community-based organizations. We also play the crucial role of convening numerous local, state, regional and federal partners and stakeholders, public and private. Together we work to support the Governor’s priorities and achieve shared goals and objectives for the citizens of Washington.

Not from Olympia?
 
As the state’s capitol, Olympia is located off Interstate 5 at the south end of the Puget Sound roughly half-way between Seattle and Portland, and less than a two hour drive to the coast, temperate rainforest, mountains, urban city, or farmlands.  With year-round art festivals, parades, theater shows, concerts, and community events, Olympia and its surrounding cities have something for everyone. For parents, it boasts some of the best schools in the nation and the renowned HandsOn Children’s Museum.  Home to two universities (The Evergreen State College and Saint Martin’s University), Olympia residents also have the opportunity to pursue a degree while working!


Special Notes:

This position is covered by a union security provision. Therefore, as a condition of employment, candidates who are appointed are required to become members of the Washington Federation of State Employees, or pay other representational fees within the first 30 days of employment.
 
 
Additional Information:
 
The Washington State Department of Commerce complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal Form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment. 

The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (360) 725-2650. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.