State of Washington

Compensation

Full Description

Description IT Project Manager Senior Specialist 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. This job is a commitment to reshape systems so they work better for everyone. If you’re ready to challenge the status quo and build meaningful connections, we want to meet you. Let’s build what’s next, together. The Innovation and Technology Division (ITD) at the Department of Commerce supports the agency’s mission by delivering secure, modern, and innovative technology services that drive operational efficiency and digital transformation across all divisions. The division is responsible for maintaining core information technology (IT) infrastructure, supporting enterprise applications, and aligning technical solutions with strategic agency goals. The IT Division supports the entire agency through three primary sections: • Digital Innovation & Enterprise Cloud Platforms • IT Operations • Enterprise IT Governance and Risk Within this structure, the IT Project Manager Senior Specialist serves as a senior-level project leader. The IT Project Manager Senior Specialist serves as the senior authority for IT project and program delivery within the Department of Commerce, leading high-visibility, complex initiatives that span multiple divisions and impact agency-wide operations. As an IT Project Manager Senior Specialist, the incumbent is responsible for the strategic oversight and tactical execution of technology projects that align with the agency’s mission and long-term goals. This role requires mastery of project management principles, including resource planning, risk mitigation, customer engagement, and performance measurement. The incumbent independently manages cross-functional project teams, integrates new technologies, and ensures compliance with statewide IT governance frameworks. The position also provides expert consultation to executive leadership, translating strategic business needs into actionable project plans and deliverables. The work is multifaceted and requires advanced knowledge of IT systems, organizational change management, and enterprise-level coordination. The incumbent exercises a high degree of discretion and judgment, often serving as the single point of accountability for project success and as a mentor to other project managers across the agency. The position guides cross-functional teams and manages high-impact initiatives that are critical to the agency’s digital transformation. As a project lead, this role provides direct technical guidance, assigns tasks, sets priorities, and monitors progress to ensure that business objectives, technical solutions, and strategic priorities are consistently aligned and achieved. This position is based in Olympia, WA - and may require attending in-person meetings. Duties Provide strategic leadership and hands-on management of enterprise-level IT projects and programs that are critical to the Department of Commerce’s mission and service delivery. Tasks Include: • Initiate, plan, execute, monitor, and close complex IT projects using formal project management methodologies. • Develop and maintain comprehensive project documentation including charters, work breakdown structures, risk registers, and communication plans. • Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with executive sponsors and business owners. • Coordinate cross-functional teams, including internal staff, contractors, and external partners. Ensure consistent, transparent, and accountable project execution through the development and enforcement of governance frameworks and performance standards. Tasks Include: • Define and implement project governance structures, including steering committees and escalation protocols. • Monitor project performance using KPIs, dashboards, and earned value metrics. • Conduct project health assessments, audits, and post-implementation reviews. • Ensure compliance with WaTech policies, state IT standards, and agency-specific governance requirements. Act as one of the highest-level project management experts within the agency, providing strategic direction, mentorship, and technical guidance to project teams and leadership. Tasks Include: • Provide expert consultation to executive leadership on project prioritization, resource allocation, and risk management. • Mentor and coach project managers and team leads on best practices, tools, and methodologies. • Represent the agency in statewide project management forums, workgroups, and interagency initiatives. • Lead the development and continuous improvement of internal project management standards and templates. Bridge the gap between executive vision and technical execution by converting strategic goals into actionable project plans and deliverables. Tasks Include: • Facilitate workshops to elicit, document, and validate business requirements. • Translate business needs into technical specifications and project deliverables. • Collaborate with IT architects, developers, and analysts to ensure solution feasibility and alignment. • Prioritize and sequence project work based on business value and resource availability. Safeguard project success and organizational resilience by proactively managing risks and ensuring alignment with continuity and compliance frameworks. Tasks Include: • Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues through formal risk management processes. • Develop and maintain contingency and continuity plans for critical projects. • Ensure alignment with the agency’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and disaster recovery protocols. • Monitor compliance with data privacy, cybersecurity, and procurement regulations. Qualifications Required Qualifications: Eight (8) years of combined professional IT experience in the following IT disciplines: • Project Management – Leading cross-functional technology initiatives, developing project plans, managing resources, and ensuring compliance with statewide IT governance. • Policy and Planning – Developing and maintaining IT policies, conducting compliance analyses, supporting audits, and contributing to strategic IT governance • System Administration – Overseeing the deployment, configuration, and maintenance of enterprise IT platforms; implementing secure system configurations and patching strategies; automating remediation workflows; collaborating with infrastructure teams to integrate security controls; and ensuring compliance with standards throughout the project lifecycle. OR Associate’s degree in IT program or closely related field and six (6) years of recent professional experience listed above. OR Bachelor’s degree or higher in Information Technology program or closely related field and four (4) years of recent professional experience listed above. Experience must include one (1) year of leading IT professionals or consulting as a technical lead and can be obtained concurrently with other professional experience listed above. Experience in effectively communicating and aiding a diverse set of information technology peers. Preferred Qualifications: • Project management certification/training (PMP®, CSM, etc.) • Change management certification/training (Prosci, etc.) To be considered for this position the following are needed: • A complete and detailed online application. • A cover letter (enter online) - that details how your skills and experience make you an ideal candidate for this position • 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. Supplemental Information This position is based in Olympia, WA and occasional travel to Commerce’s Olympia or Seattle office buildings 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. More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Read About Our Benefits: The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees. Retirement And Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 01-07-2026 01 Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? • Yes • No 02 Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.) to work legally for our agency in the United States? • Yes • No 03 In the space below, please write a formal cover letter describing your interest and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position. 04 How many years of post-high school equivalent formal education (including college-level coursework, technical and/or vocational education, and/or certification programs.) involving Information Technology program or a closely related field do you have? • Less than 1 year • More than 1 year but less than 2 years • More than 2 years but less than 3 years • More than 3 years but less than 4 years • More than 4 years but less than 5 years • 5 or more years 05 How many years of professional IT experience in the following IT disciplines do you have: 1. Project Management – Leading cross-functional technology initiatives, developing project plans, managing resources, and ensuring compliance with statewide IT governance. 2. Policy and Planning – Developing and maintaining IT policies, conducting compliance analyses, supporting audits, and contributing to strategic IT governance 3. System Administration – Overseeing the deployment, configuration, and maintenance of enterprise IT platforms; implementing secure system configurations and patching strategies; automating remediation workflows; collaborating with infrastructure teams to integrate security controls; and ensuring compliance with standards throughout the project lifecycle. • I do not have this experience • Less than 1 year • More than 1 year but less than 2 years • More than 2 years but less than 3 years • More than 3 years but less than 4 years • More than 4 years but less than 5 years • More than 5 years but less than 6 years • More than 6 years but less than 7 years • More than 7 years but less than 8 years • 8 or more years 06 If you indicated experience in any of the areas listed above, please describe the specific disciplines you have worked in, how you gained this experience, where it was acquired, and when. This information must also be reflected in the work history section of your application.. [If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.] 07 Do you have at least one year of leading IT professionals or consulting as a technical lead? • Yes • No 08 If you indicated experience in any of the areas listed above, please describe the specific disciplines you have worked in, how you gained this experience, where it was acquired, and when. This information must also be reflected in the work history section of your application.. [If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.] 09 Can you commit to being based in Olympia, WA and attending in-person meetings for this position? • Yes • No 10 Please describe how you meet the Desired Qualifications. If you do not, please type N/A in the text box below. 11 As a condition of employment, I understand and agree that I must reside in the state of Washington prior to or on the first day of state employment. • Yes • No 12 Are you a current or former employee of the state of Washington? • Yes • No 13 If you answered yes to the question above, what is the agency you are currently or formerly with? If you answered no, please type N/A. 14 Please select the option below that best indicates where you heard about this job opportunity. • www.careers.wa.gov • Aggregate job search website (Indeed.com, Simplyhired.com) • Department of Commerce website • Department of Commerce employee • Social Media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter) • Required Question