**This recruitment will remain open until filled. Initial screening of applications will begin October 13, 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. 

The Local Programs Section within the Local Government Division is seeking a Commerce Specialist 5. This position is responsible for supervising Local Programs Section staff administering the Dental Facilities Grant Program (DFG), Direct Appropriations (DA) programs, and carrying out day to day program administration activities for the Brownfields Revolving Loan Program (BRN); responsible for budget control and contract administration of the Section; participating in the development of program policy; and promoting and supporting positive stakeholder collaboration and communication. 

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

• Manage all components of administering the Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Program, including marketing and outreach, project selection, contract administration, and meeting reporting requirements.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with Brownfield stakeholders and program authorizers from the US Environmental Protection Agency and the State Dept. of Ecology
• Participate in the development of program contract terms, policies, and procedures; effectively align policies and procedures with state/federal statutes and rules, the agency’s strategic plan and performance expectations, and the authorizing authority.
• Develop and revises work methods and administrative procedures for program implementation, determines/assesses program and organizational goals/timelines, and projects/adjusts resource levels associated with requirements.
• Coordinates and resolves conflicts of priority between staff, programs and activities.
• Monitor, analyze and present conclusions on pending legislation impacts, this includes but is not limited to fiscal note request and maintaining the agency’s legislative tracking system.
• Represent the Section and Unit at professional, local, state, regional and national meetings.
• Collect and report program performance data for Results Commerce, Results Washington, Priorities of Government, and other initiatives.
• Oversee the work performed within Local Programs; participate in hiring processes; identify and support training and mentoring needs and opportunities, as well as provide regular feedback, coaching, and guidance; set goals and expectations; evaluate job performance; correct performance.
• Act on behalf of the Managing Director for Local Programs at local government, state agency and Commerce meetings as assigned.
• Track and analyze bills with impact to Local Programs and stakeholders.
• Write fiscal notes that evaluate the fiscal impact of proposed legislation.
• Fulfill requests for information and materials from legislators and legislative staff.

Required Education

• A Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration or related field (professional level experience in governmental contracting or program/project management may substitute year for year for the degree).
  • A graduate degree or advanced degree will substitute for one year of required experience.

Required Experience

• Two or more years of supervisory experience.
• Four years of professional level experience with federal/state infrastructure financing and grant or loan administration.
• Demonstrated expertise in federal finance reporting.
• Demonstrated technical/legal knowledge and aptitude of multiple state and federal requirements in infrastructure contracting and financing.

Required Competencies:

• Accountability–Meets commitments, works independently, accepts accountability, handles change, sets personal standards, stays focused under pressure, meets attendance/punctuality requirements
• Customer Service–Handles customer questions and complaints, communicates with customers, handles service problems politely and efficiently, always available for customers, follows procedure to solve customer problems, understands company products and services, maintains pleasant and professional image.
• Integrity–Deals with others in a straightforward and honest manner, is accountable for actions, maintains confidentiality, supports company values, and conveys good news and bad.
• Leadership–Leads through change and adversity, makes the tough call when needed, builds consensus when appropriate, motivates and encourages others.
• Teamwork–Meets all team deadlines and responsibilities, listens to others and values opinions, helps team leader to meet goals, welcomes newcomers and promotes a team atmosphere.
• Results Focus–Targets and achieves results, sets challenging goals, prioritizes tasks, overcomes obstacles, accepts accountability, sets team standards and responsibilities, provides leadership/motivation.
• Communication–Communicates well both verbally and in writing, creates accurate and punctual reports, delivers presentations, shares information and ideas with others, has good listening skills.
• Organizational Savvy–Operates within the organization’s formal and informal structures, builds allies and relationships across departments, uses allies to build consensus and create results, is appropriately diplomatic, understands others’ roles and perspectives, can sell projects and ideas across the organization.
• Computer Skills–Skilled in the use of computers, adapts to new technology, keeps abreast of changes, learns new programs quickly, use computers to improve productivity.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated competency in writing and oral communication skills.
• Experience in federal financial reporting.
• Managing state program budgets.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

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 writing sample;
• 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.

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.