Program Specialist 5 – Community Outreach [02532]

About this job:
The main purpose of this position is to be the primary agency liaison for Commerce’s northwestern region of the state to proactively provide outreach and communications. A navigator for communities and partners, this position understands how Commerce and the state can help contribute to vibrant communities and a strong economy through services and collaborative partnerships. This position is responsible for ensuring that constituents who need assistance are provided help in a timely manner; this includes engaging and assisting agency staff, as needed, that have existing partnerships and relationships.

This position must be conversant on the breadth of services that Commerce offers communities. The person in this position must understand the Commerce mission, goals, and desired outcomes so they can identify opportunities to help improve our effectiveness in delivering results for communities.

This position is based out of the Seattle office, but we are willing to explore options for alternate work locations depending on candidate location.

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. We are located in the Westin Building, centrally located in the shopping district and only a few blocks from Pike Place Market, but empower our employees with the hardware and autonomy to work from where the work needs to be done. Washington State also offers commuting programs , including free, subsidized and reduced public transpiration incentives. There are 315 of us in the agency, 33 in the Seattle office, but our executive staff knows us on a first-name basis. We take pride in our work but value the balance with our personal lives. We hire people for a position, but encourage them to train for growth opportunities.

DUTIES:
Although no two days will be the same, below are some of the major responsibilities of this position:

Establishes and maintains relationships with Commerce partners, customers, and stakeholders, including but not limited to local governments, tribes, community-based organizations, advocacy groups, and businesses.

Acts as a navigator for communities to identify how Commerce and the state can help meet their growth and development needs.

Serves as the primary liaison to communities in the assigned geographic area, and provides connections to agency programs and staff.

Works to strengthen government-to-government relationships between tribes and Commerce.

Assists communities during disasters and emergency events by visiting the impacted area, serving as the point of contact with local leadership, coordinating with state leadership and resources, and assisting as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s Degree and four years of professional experience in community, trade, or economic development with at least two years of direct experience in rural and/or tribal communities.

Professional experience facilitating community groups.

Desired

Knowledge of and experience with tribal communities and governments, and local government communities and community organizations.

Knowledge of Commerce programs. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong facilitative and collaborative skills, especially experience working simultaneously with diverse partners and stakeholders.

Highly developed problem solving skills.

Exceptional interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to understand and appropriately respond to tribal, community, partner, and stakeholder interests and needs.

Demonstrated project management skills.

Successful experience navigating and leading in a political environment.

Understanding of tribal governance structure and culture.

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.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
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.

I want to work for Commerce! How do I apply?

Click the green “Apply” button near the top of this announcement to get started. Include the following attachments with your completed application:

A letter of interest with a detailed description of your experience as it pertains to the qualifications listed

A current resume

A list of three references The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and application 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 email her at Lindsey.Henderson@commerce.wa.gov.

Additional Information:
The Washington State Department of Commerce complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal From I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identify 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 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.