Commerce Specialist 3 - Energy Programs In Communities [00143]

Description

This position is officially located in our Olympia office, but we are currently working from home due to the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. We are still moving forward with hiring and look forward to reviewing your application!

Apply early! This recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. The hiring authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision and/or to close the recruitment at any time.

We are seeking two Program Manager’s to join the Energy Programs In Communities unit within the growing Energy Division. As a Program Manager, you will perform advanced level program and contract management for the Energy Retrofits for Public Buildings program, as well as related state energy program initiatives. Primary responsibilities include administering complex state programs, strengthening relationships with clients and stakeholders, evaluating program effectiveness, and implementing program improvements. We welcome candidates who are eager to learn and are motivated to take on new challenges to grow their skillset.

The Energy Division collaborates with diverse stakeholders to reduce our state's carbon footprint and create a clean, affordable, and equitable energy future. This position offers endless learning opportunities and exposure to energy policy, clean energy programs, state funding administration, and much more. If you want to play a role in shaping Washington's clean energy future this may be the job for you!

Duties

• Plans, develops, and tracks program goals and objectives, seeking input from internal and external subject matter experts and stakeholders as needed.
• Develops and administers request for proposals and procurement processes.
• Convenes and facilitates application review and makes funding recommendations to management.
• Conducts complex program implementation, evaluation, and oversight of processes and policies, ensuring compliance with relevant state and federal regulations.
• Utilizes spreadsheets, databases, and information systems to conduct program evaluation and reporting.
• Ensures program data is current and accessible to facilitate inquiries and reporting of key metrics.
• Organizes, leads, and solicits input from program advisory groups, technical experts, and external stakeholders to advance program goals.
• Strengthens relationships with clients, stakeholders, and co-workers. Handles service problems politely and efficiently and follows established procedures to solve customer problems.
• Identifies and solves problems with effective solutions. Identifies information needed to clarify a situation and seeks information from appropriate sources. Tackles problems with a logical and systematic approach. Takes the initiative to seek input from peers and Supervisor to help with problem solving.
• Monitors grantee expenditures, compliance with deliverables, and reporting to ensure projects are implemented on time and within budget.
• Conducts outreach and prepares communications to generate interest in grant programs. Represents agency at professional meetings and conferences.
• Coordinates with others to streamline processes, develop best practices, and implement program delivery improvements.
• Ensures application of federal/state laws and regulations.
• Develops and maintains technical expertise of Commerce program requirements related to contract management, budgeting, invoicing, and compliance. Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of multiple state and federal requirements for administering grant and loan programs.
• Oversees and monitors contract management and compliance activities.
• Develops grant specific contract, scopes of work and budget documents.
• Works closely with program support staff to track, route, and keep grantee records current.
• Partners with support staff to develop and maintain reporting templates based on the funding and program requirements.
• Delegates work and tasks as appropriate and provides oversight on delegated work.
• Serves as a subject matter expert for assigned grant programs.
• Provides technical support to grantees. Identify and resolve programmatic, scope of work, or funding condition conflicts.
• Participate in division and agency-wide project workgroup opportunities including outcome measures, contracting risk workgroup, strategic breakthrough initiatives and other opportunities that align with the duties of this position.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or related field (Additional professional level work experience in community, trade, or economic development may be substituted year-or-year for Bachelor’s degree).

AND

• Three years of professional level experience in community, trade or economic development with one or more of the following:
  • Program management experience
  • Procurement
  • Grant making processes

Competencies:

• Strong communication skills, demonstrating an ability to clearly convey information and ideas to individuals and groups through a variety of communications modes, including formal presentations and informal discussions. Practices attentive and active listening.
• Develops challenging but achievable goals, has excellent follow-through, approaches challenging tasks and obstacles with a “can-do” attitude. Works with honesty and integrity, keeps commitments, takes ownership of work and one’s own actions, and seeks opportunities for improvement
• Stays focused under pressure, performs duties with minimal supervision, uses time efficiently and effectively to accomplish priorities. Motivates and encourages project team members to persevere through change and adversity, skillfully negotiates competing needs and priorities, and facilitates consensus-based decision-making when appropriate.
• Operates within the organization's formal and informal structures, builds allies and relationships across the division and agency, seeks to understand others' roles and perspectives, and navigates organizational structure with diplomacy and goodwill.
• Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Collaborates with and involves others with divergent viewpoints, as well as diverse people and groups, contributing to developing an environment that is equitable, inclusive, respectful and cooperative.
• Effectively adjusts to changes in work processes and environment and alters behavior to align with evolving situations. Openly receives new ideas and accepts other perspectives.
• Skilled in the use of computers and database applications. Learns new technology quickly, keeps abreast of changes, use computers to improve productivity.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Three years’ experience managing energy projects or working in the energy sector. Solid knowledge of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
• Two years’ experience navigating and complying with federal and state procurement, contracting, and budgeting policies and practices.
• Experience collaborating with marginalized communities, Tribal communities and vulnerable populations
• Advanced level proficiency in project management software, MS Office Suite, contract management databases, cloud-based productivity tools.

Supplemental Information

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 Lindsey Henderson at 360-725-2652 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). Our parking is free and many of our employees bike year round.

Washington State offers commuting programs, including free, subsidized and reduced public transportation incentives. There are approximately 350 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 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.

Olympia

As the state's capitol, Olympia is located off Interstate 5 at the south end of the Puget Sound centrally located between Seattle and Portland, and less than a two hour drive to the coast, temperate rainforest, mountains, urban city, or farmlands. With annual 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.

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 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 rugby, 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.