State of Washington

Compensation

Full Description

Deputy Assistant Director (WMS 3) At the Department of Commerce, we’re reimagining what’s possible in government. We’re builders, thinkers, and change-makers, working at the intersection of innovation, community, and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we’re turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places. Our agency’s strength lies in the diversity of our workforce and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, which is reflected in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged, bold thinking is welcomed, and collaboration drives our impact. Let’s build what’s next, together. The Department of Commerce (Commerce) fosters resilient communities by building partnerships, delivering resources, and advancing equity through responsive, transparent and collaborative public service. The Local Government Division (LGD) provides access to funds for projects by making financial resources more accessible to local governments and non-profits by prioritizing critical infrastructure projects; creating jobs and growing business by initiating new opportunities for economic development; helping Washington grow sustainably by tapping the potential of our communities by encouraging smart growth, protecting and keeping our communities safe resulting in strong partnerships, vibrant communities, and sustainable infrastructure. The Deputy Assistant Director reports directly to the Assistant Director of the Local Government Division. This position directly supervises two WMS Band 2s and an Administrative Assistant 3. This position fills in for the Assistant Director in their absence. This position is familiar with all aspects of the agency and the Local Government Division and maintains relationships internally and externally that allows the position to make day to day decisions with a high degree of independence. The Local Government Division (LGD) partners with local governments, nonprofits, and others to strengthen the ability of all forms of local governments and community-based organizations to fund and develop critical services to their citizens. The division provides leadership in local government finance and statewide infrastructure initiatives that help create and retain jobs. We also provide grants, loans, facilitate planning and technical assistance to local governments for community development needs, infrastructure improvements, and economic development opportunities. The primary responsibility of the Local Government Division Deputy Assistant Director is to provide executive leadership and internal coordination across the division and agency, guide and manage the internal operations within the division, provide program and policy direction, and promote and support positive stakeholder collaboration. This position will have direct responsibility over the division’s budget and policy team. This position is responsible for leading the division’s strategic planning and implementation initiatives. This position serves as a member of the agency leadership, deputies’ group, and management teams. This position fills in for the Assistant Director in their absence. Leadership: • Set strategic and operation goals for the division as a member of the operational leadership team. • Responsible for internal agency goals and objectives for the division. • Manage the operational goals and internal controls for the division. • In coordination with the Assistant Director, set strategic and operational goals for the division as a member of the divisional operational leadership team. • In coordination with the Assistant Director, set and manage the operational goals and internal controls for the division. • In the absence of the Assistant Director, serve as the appointing authority for the division. • In coordination with the Assistant Director, support effective communications throughout the organization. • Support agency management and cross divisional initiatives by providing leadership and resources that contribute to the division’s efficiency and effectiveness. • Ensures compliance with federal and state financial policies, laws, regulations, and guidelines including audits and performance by customers with federal and state standards. Budget and Financial Management: • In coordination with the Assistant Director, set the strategic direction for the Division’s programs, including managing the financial resources to stay within established allotments, and seeking other external funding opportunities. • In coordination with the Assistant Director, distribute financial assistance to communities based on state policy priorities ensuring that contracts comply with agency, state, and federal rules and regulations. • In coordination with the Assistant Director, oversee division operations within capital and operating budget authorization. Communication and Partnerships: • Represent Commerce and the Local Government Division to stakeholders. Develop and maintain strong partnerships with stakeholders and participate in planning and infrastructure processes with other state, local, and federal organizations. Collaborate on infrastructure related activities with associations, other state agencies, local regional councils and others. Provide advice on the state’s role in funding critical infrastructure throughout the State. Staff Management: • Overseeing the management of division staff, knowing the diverse work they carry out, setting appropriate expectations to ensure the diverse work of the group is carried out in a way consistent with the service orientated approach of Local Government. This includes holding inclusive staff meetings, managing performance, conducting performance evaluations, providing oversight, leadership and direction to supervisors and to program staff who deliver technical assistance to local communities' special purpose districts, tribes, and citizens. Technical assistance includes outreach that results in strong working relationships with local governments and stakeholders, providing written guidance on all aspects of community planning, direct consultation with local governments on infrastructure issues. • Manage and direct staff using management principles, results and data driven operations, customer focused service and clear accountability. Establish results-based performance expectations, set priorities and conduct timely, meaningful performance evaluations. Lead, coach, mentor and train staff. • Work closely with the agency management team and executive team, Human Resources, and employees to plan, attract, acquire and retain quality employees. Maintain the highest stands of personal/professional and ethical conduct and support the state’s goals for a diverse workforce. Develop and Maintain Policies and Procedures: • Develop and analyzes policy proposals, including legislation and other division submittals. Conduct rule making, including determining the need for rule revisions. • Ensure all division staff adheres to agency, state, and federal rules and regulations and that associated policies are implemented accurately and with a high degree of integrity. • Contribute to agency policy-setting as a member of the agency leadership and Management Team. • Develop and maintain professional relationships and communications with other divisions, peers in other state agencies and the Governor’s Office on matters pertaining to local government. Speak on behalf of the Assistant Director and agency at legislative hearing and public events. • Exercises independent judgment and make decisions concerning policies and program implementation. • Leads cross-divisional collaborations in support of the state’s affordable housing activities, including policy development and research for community development programs and projects. • Develops program performance and outcome measures as a means of formulating biennial budgets and work plans. Required Education and Experience: 10 years of combined experience and/or education as described below: Experience must include: • A minimum of two years of supervisory experience in a professional setting. • A minimum of five years of experience with community development, construction management or financing, grant and loan administration/accounting, and/or managing state programs, contacts, grants or loans. • Ability work with a wide range of stakeholders. • Strategic leadership and planning skills. • Experience managing complex budgets which include multiple funding sources. • Ability to implement executive and legislative policies and make internal policy decisions with largescale implications. Education involves finance, business, public administration/policy or related field. Qualifying education post High School or equivalent may be substituted year for year for experience. Examples of how to qualify: • 10 years of experience • 9 years of experience and one year of education • 8 years of experience and two years of education • 7 years of experience and three years of education • 6 years of experience and four years of education • 5 years of experience and five years of education • 4 years of experience and six years of education Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies. • Professional level experience with state capital financing, grant and loan administration. • Technical knowledge and aptitude of state legislative and capital budget processes. • Professional level experience managing state budgets. Required Position Competencies: • Accountability--Meets commitments, works independently, accepts accountability, handles change, sets personal standards, stays focused under pressure, meets attendance/punctuality requirements • 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. • 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. • 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—supports the unit’s, divisions, and agency’s expectations and a modern work environment. Nurtures and drives the team’s culture. Provides professional development support and opportunities for staff. Allows staff to bring their best selves to work, own their work, and encourage an environment of trust and support. • 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. • Results Focus--Targets and achieves results, sets challenging goals, prioritizes tasks, overcomes obstacles, sets team standards and responsibilities, provides leadership/motivation. • 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. To be considered for this position the following are needed: • A complete and detailed online application. • A cover letter (enter online). • At least three professional references (enter online). For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email: comrecruitment@commerce.wa.gov - please reference the job number in your message.Work from Anywhere in Washington State This position may be located anywhere within Washington State though occasional travel to a Commerce office building 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. Many Commerce employees work remotely or have a hybrid schedule. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days. Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at careershelp@des.wa.gov. Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity 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 email Human Resources at Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov. 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. Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.