• A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• A Commute Trip Reduction program
• Focus on healthy work/life balance
• Fully vested in modern workplace practices and design
• An Infant at Work Program

Duties
Some of what you will enjoy doing:

• Representing the Partnership in policy discussions and agreement negotiations regarding NEP administration with the U.S. EPA Region 10 and headquarters staff
• Negotiating EPA cooperative agreement budgets and work plans
• Coordinating with staff across the agency regarding NEP program elements and EPA cooperative agreements, to include ensuring the Partnership is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the awards
• Coordinating and managing development and implementation of Partnership cooperative agreements with U.S. EPA, including work plan, schedule, budget (in conjunction with the Partnership’s fiscal team), and reporting
• Representing the Partnership in policy discussions and agreement negotiations regarding NEP administration with the U.S. EPA Region 10 and headquarters staff
• Leading compilation of all materials and data required for Partnership reporting to EPA. Primary reporting responsibilities include the semi-annual Financial Ecosystem Accounting Tracking System (FEATS) report and annual National Estuary Program On-line Reporting Tool (NEPORT)
• Coordinating with the other Puget Sound lead organizations/Strategic Initiative Leads that receive NEP funds to ensure consistency in processes and efficient implementation of the Puget Sound Action Agenda and to identify policy conflicts
• Participating on the EPA Awardees Work Group for NEP funds. Membership includes EPA, the Partnership, tribal representatives, and the Strategic Initiative Leads
• Serving as an internal advisor to the agency’s management team and the Partnership’s boards on issues related to EPA funding, EPA cooperative agreements, and any other aspects of NEP administration
• Supporting the Science and Evaluation team with data needs and coordination of reporting, including, but not limited to the biennial State of the Sound
• Working closely with Partnership fiscal staff to coordinate and ensure completion of financial components of EPA reporting, consulting on development of sub-contract templates, facilitating (with program grant managers) the submittal of contract deliverables, and helping to resolve sub-contract performance issues
• Supporting the Integrated Planning, Science and Evaluation and adaptive Management Programs in planning for updates to the Puget Sound Action Agenda and Implementation Strategies
• Working with the Boards Program Manager to provide information and presentations to the Partnership’s boards, as necessary
• Managing sub-award agreements and limited duration contracts as required to realize Partnership and Management Conference objectives
• Serving as the quality assurance assistant for the agency, including updating the Quality Management Plan, creating the Quality Report to Management, convening quarterly quality assurance work group meetings, providing training to Partnership staff, and coordinating with the Puget Sound NEP Quality Assurance Coordinator at the state department of Ecology

Qualifications
Required:

• A minimum of three (3) years of professional experience related to data management, and/or natural resources policy, planning, or management
• A minimum of three (3) years professional experience working with external partners in a liaison capacity
• Experience serving in a role with grant management/administration responsibilities
• Project management familiarity
• Strong relationship management and facilitation skills

Preferred:

• A graduate degree in public administration, business, environmental management, public policy, planning, or related field
• Five (5) years of professional experience related to, data management, and/or natural resources policy, planning, or management
• Direct project management experience or project management certification
• Experience with federal grant coordination, particularly EPA cooperative agreements
• Skilled in budget planning and tracking

Competencies

• Communicates effectively- Is effective in a variety of settings using different collaborative tools: 1:1; small and large groups; those with different styles and different position levels. Practices active listening. Articulates positions, messages, and assignments in clear, compelling and concise ways. Adapts communication to different audiences and receptive to needs of diverse stakeholders. Demonstrates and encourages expression of diverse ideas, opinions and options.
• Collaborates- Models collaboration across the Partnership. Gives credit to others for their contributions. Facilitates dialogue with staff and partners. Aligns and balances Partnership vision, mission and actions with work plans, partner plans and objectives and outcomes. Finds common ground and drives to consensus. Asks questions and listens closely. Uses a variety of channels to build broad-based relationships and support. Nurtures internal and external connections to connect with the right people and align with goals.
• Strategic Mindset- Operates effectively with ambiguity and uncertainty. Thinks strategically and operationally along a continuum of short-range to long-range objectives and outcomes. Anticipates conflicts and opportunities, based on knowledge, experience, group dynamics and situational and individual intelligences (e.g. political, emotional, etc.) Demonstrates skilled judgment. Considers multiple and varied viewpoints to address problems, opportunities and uncertainties. Nimble and sensitive to changing conditions and the opportunities and challenges they may present.
• Plans and Aligns- Volunteers to tackle and lead tough assignments. Gains insights into individual, team and project needs with an eye to agency mission and vision. Anticipates needs of internal and external customers (partners). Seeks input from pertinent sources to make timely and well-informed recommendations for decisions and is able to separate opinions from facts. Looks for opportunities to improve, add value, and innovate and empower individuals and connections between tasks (synergies).
• Builds networks- Models collaboration. Credits others for their contributions and accomplishments. Gains trust and support of others. Facilitates dialogue with internal and external partners. Delivers messages in a clear, compelling, and concise manner. Adjusts communications content and style to meet the needs of diverse partners. Works through formal and informal channels to build relationship and support. Connects the right people to accomplish goals. Maintains frequent interactions with a broad network.
• Assures accountability- Assumes responsibility for the outcomes of others by developing tools and approaches to promote accountability across programs, tasks and staff. Promotes a sense of urgency around work plan development, management, adapting to change, and reporting. Works with staff to develop milestones, deliverables and schedules for these. Willing to take on new assignments and situations and design a system that is accountable, result-oriented and completed on time and on budget. Manages execution and tracks, anticipates and changes actions to continually align with achieving objectives.
• Manages complexity- Looks beyond the obvious and uncovers causes, variables and options for deciphering complex issues and problems. Can “see” and articulate a path forward. Analysis multiple and diverse sources of information to define problems accurately before moving into developing and implementing solutions. Readily seeks to differentiate between what is relevant and what is less important or not important to make sense of complex problems and ensure the work invested and products generated add-value for users, audiences, and ultimate recipients.

Conditions of the Working Environment
With or without an accommodation, I am willing and able to:

• Work indoors, at a desk/workstation the majority of a work-day, in an open office environment with possible conversation and other noise distractions.
• Work in a tobacco-free, drug-free, and alcohol-free environment.
• Work a 40-hour work week. A flexible work schedule may be considered upon request and supervisory approval, after an initial review period.
• Occasionally work in excess of 40 hours per week and/or to adjust normally scheduled hours, which may include evenings and weekends, to meet program needs and critical deadlines.
• Occasionally travel throughout the state and nationwide which may include overnight stays, as required, while performing the duties of this position.
• Work in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding information accessed or discussed while performing the duties of the position.
• Interact and work with partners and staff in a positive, friendly, and supportive manner that meets the needs and standards of the office and the agency.

Supplemental Information

• A letter of interest (WORD version), describing how you meet and can demonstrate the qualifications for this position.
• A current resume (WORD version).
• Three (3) or more professional references, to be included in your profile. Please include at least one supervisor, peer and (if you have supervised staff) a subordinate.
• A few moments of your time to answer only a few supplemental questions attached to this application.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the application materials submitted, and the supplemental questionnaire. By submitting materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.

The Puget Sound Partnership is an equal opportunity employer. The Partnership strives to create a working environment that is inclusive and respectful. It is our policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of our workforce.

Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application or that need this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446 or jobs@des.wa.gov.