EDA Grant Program Management

• Manages grant program and the performance of existing EDA grant subawardees and contractors
• Develops program reports for EDA and ensuring that all reporting meets EDA requirements and timelines.
• Leads EDA Grant subawardees to coordinate and implement EDA Grant parameters by setting priorities, establishing program objectives and policies
• Develops service delivery strategies, technical assistance tools, and training for sub awardees on EDA Grant criteria.
• Develops scopes of work, budgets and required qualifications for RFPs, RFQs and small sole-source contractors
• Develop applications and/or request for proposals
• Evaluate applications, convene and facilitate application review teams as needed, and make funding recommendations to leadership regarding assigned applications
• Develop and manage program and personal service contracts that define clear performance expectations and maintain fair and equitable funding allocation
• Monitor contractor compliance with regard to programmatic aspects of contracts
• Provide technical assistance or seek clarification for those whose data is inaccurate or incomplete
• Develop and implement individual complex problem-solving plans with grantees experiencing difficulty being or staying in compliance, meeting service delivery standards, or other issues
• Works with contract manager, who handles issuance and compliance, expenditures and processing of reimbursements/payments

Stakeholder Management and Collaboration

• Represent the Department of Commerce with EDA Grant stakeholders and sub awardees
• Identify opportunities and develop strategies to build partnerships among grant subawardees
• Leverage work of EDA grant subawardees, contractors, external stakeholders; schedule and manage these collaborations; involve Commerce staff as appropriate.
• Work closely with the OEDC team and other Commerce staff to identify opportunities for the EDA grant work to leverage and enhance Commerce priorities and projects.
• Manage and provide support for the Commerce Council, comprised of public, private and community leaders who serve as an advisory board for the Safe Start Fund, a private fund housed at the Seattle Foundation.
• Participate in appropriate state and national conferences and meetings to remain current on technical and administrative trends and requirements that relate to the position’s responsibilities and duties.

Required Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, law, planning, accounting or related field (professional level experience may substitute year for year for the degree).

Required Experience:

• Three years professional experience in community, trade, or economic development.
• Two years of professional level experience in program and/or contract management.

Required Competencies:

• Accountability–Meets commitments, works independently, accepts accountability, handles change, sets personal standards, stays focused under pressure, and meets attendance/punctuality requirements.
• Customer Service—Communicates with internal and external stakeholders and handles their questions and solves any complaints in a professional, appropriate and proactive manner. Follows through as appropriate and as promised.
• 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.
• 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.
• Self-Starter–Takes initiative to independently identify issues and opportunities, then develops appropriate solutions and plans.
• Communication–Communicates well verbally in both formal and informal settings, ranging from internal meetings to formal presentations. Skilled at writing in a wide variety of formats, which include white papers, accurate and punctual reports, presentations and talking points. 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–Advanced skills in the use of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access). Skilled in the use of computers, adapts to new technology, keeps abreast of changes, learns new programs quickly, use computers to improve productivity.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Economic development and/or small business assistance experience.
• Experience working with and providing technical assistance for rural and underrepresented communities.
• Knowledge of federal and state grant administration.
• Experience collaborating with local, state, federal and non-profit partners.

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

In addition to completing the online application and answering the supplemental questions, 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 position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

For questions about this recruitment, please contact Jose Dominguez at 360-878-2969 or jose.dominguez@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 offices are open Monday through Friday (flexible schedules are available).

There are approximately 370 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.

What we do:

We are the lead state agency charged with strengthening communities.  We administer a diverse portfolio of programs and services, and we support several state boards and commissions. 

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.

Where we work:

Commerce’s main office is located in Olympia; however we also have locations in downtown Seattle and Spokane.

Work From Anywhere
This position may be located anywhere within Washington state though occasional travel to the Olympia office or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction while observing social distancing. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected. When approved to return, the incumbent will work with their supervisor to identify an appropriate work schedule and balance, including telework and reporting to the Olympia, Washington duty station for work activities, if needed.

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!

Spokane

Spokane is located in the heart of the Inland Northwest and is the second most populous city in Washington. The Spokane River runs through the city and beautiful Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane. An array of enjoyable outdoor activities are right out our back door; including ski resorts, white-water rafting, camping areas, hiking trails, lakes, and the Centennial trail. Amazed by the arts?  Show some love to your artistic side with a trip to the Spokane Region.  Broadway performances, intriguing art galleries, world-class museums and powerful stage performances are waiting to be discovered.

Seattle

Being surrounded by greenery year round has earned the Seattle the nickname of the Emerald City. Seattle is an exciting urban city surrounded by unmatched natural beauty with a wide variety of outdoor attractions within the city such as Discovery Park and Olympic Sculpture Park. Feel like getting away from the city? Seattle is centrally located surrounded by the Puget Sound and miles of hiking trails within driving distance. Seattle is home to a variety of attractions to include the Seattle Art Museum, Pike Place Market, and historic Pioneer Square. Art and Culture more your style? Seattle is home to more than 100 theater companies, the Seattle Symphony, as well as museums and galleries. Sports enthusiast? Seattle is home to professional football, soccer and baseball teams as well as a variety of collegiate sports to choose from.

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.