Commerce Specialist 4

Description

We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the richness of the communities we serve. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future.

The Local Government Division (LGD) partners with local governments, nonprofits, and others to strengthen the ability of all forms of local government 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, and planning and technical assistance to local governments for community development needs, infrastructure improvements, and economic development opportunities.

The position works with Community Capital Facilities unit to provide the highest expert level technical review of compliance documentation and licensing reporting for competitive programs and direct appropriation assigned to the unit. This position will serve Eastern WA and monitor the agency’s projects primarily in the eastern region to ensure capital readiness and quality assurance. This position requires a combination of the highest level of real-estate expertise, capital program implementation, legislative directive and monitoring over the full term of contracts and the commitment period. This position will partner with agencies and internal Commerce programs to consult leadership and stakeholders for reliable performance data that can be used to inform policy and funding decisions. This includes a tiered approach to support troubled projects to ensure the long-term success of projects, and programmatic improvements for future projects through the Community Capital Facilities Unit. At times, this may include leadership or facilitation of external policy review processes with inter-agency work groups with DSHS, HCA, DOH & DCYF. This position will lead in establishing monitoring and compliance policy and procedures and other program development, as required by legislative proviso or otherwise.

Duties

• Provide expert-level consultation to agency, division, grantee, and extended parties reviewing contractual breaches, real estate instruments, site control, real estate project feasibility, State statutes and program implications, and utilize legal expertise to distribute comprehensive determinations from executive leadership.
• Provide the highest level of on-site monitoring of projects throughout the state for contractual requirements, including service standards, programmatic compliance, and licensing eligibility within the allotted timeframe in accordance with WAC 246-341, WAC 110-06, WAC 110-305 & WAC 110-300.
• Establish program priorities and objectives for the compliance capital management team by analyzing, reviewing, updating, and approving compliance monitoring protocols, processes, and templates used by Commerce staff and external stakeholders.
• Develop performance thresholds and standards for the identification and escalation of compliance issues, and finalize decisions on the recapturing of State funding for infrastructure projects benefitting the public.
• Provide the highest level of monitoring and take appropriate corrective action for the agency’s Eastern regions (East) for negotiating, developing, and finalizing recapture agreements and practices, while updating the Managing Director and Assistant Director of critical conversations.
• Represent CCF as the capital programs expert on monitoring consultation, presentations, and testimony to external stakeholders, the public, and legislative committees as necessary.
• Convene and lead public hearings and public comment periods for protest processes in compliance with Commerce policy POL 08-01-03.
• Serve as a resource to grant-funded programs for fiscal and performance compliance matters, as well as programmatic standards and best practices.
• Research best practices through online databases and the State Capital Budget schedule, and the Office of Financial Management (OFM) to ensure compliance with State, Federal, and other regulations.
• Develop and maintain expert knowledge of internal quality assurance with stakeholders for licensure files by running accuracy reports and reviewing grant files.
• Analyze financial transactions, real estate acquisitions, tax credit partnership structures, lease documents, and other legal documents to ensure project feasibility.
• Advise management on mitigating risk for the agency by analyzing and identifying transactional and organizational risks of the contractor, investment structure, and loan terms on projects.
• Establish statewide policies for oversight and management of Community Capital Facilities program investments, and statewide policies, procedures, and documents to implement the allocation of grants to eligible applicants in compliance with state regulations and requirements.
• Develop and maintain risk assessments and monitoring compliance tools.
• Develop mechanisms to collect and report contract performance data. Participate in quarterly target reviews and ensure any associated data for the unit is reported accurately and timely.
• Lead programmatic research, analysis, and interpretation of applicable federal and state directives, laws, regulations, and requirements for state and federal policy initiatives.
• Complete on-site monitoring and compliance visits, including inspections of physical structure, service provision, and file review. This includes physical inspection written reports, reviewing responses, and follow-up for the agency’s Eastern region as assigned.
• Develop and publish internal audits on projects and program policies and procedures to ensure alignment with all state and federal regulations; advise on necessary revisions for documentation as needed.
• Collaborate with state counterparts to recapture and reallocate capital funds to achieve optimum use of funds statewide.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of regulatory developments, licensing requirements, facility types, and emerging risks to ensure compliance controls remain relevant and effective.
• Provide technical assistance to interested parties and applicants, including written and verbal information sharing about the process, creating and delivering presentations, and leading debriefing conferences.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 
Eight years total of a combination of formal education (beyond high school equivalency) and professional experience, which could include but is not limited to relevant college-level coursework, technical and/or vocational education, and/or certification programs. This includes:

Four (4) years of formal education in political science, business, public administration, or a related field AND four (4) years of professional experience in community, trade, or economic development, consisting of direct experience working with consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, local governmental entities, federal agencies, or state-level programs engaged in infrastructure, real estate law or policy, or related issues.

OR

Two (2) years of formal education in political science, business, public administration, or a related field AND six (6) years of professional experience in community, trade, or economic development, consisting of direct experience working with consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, local governmental entities, federal agencies, or state-level programs engaged in infrastructure, real estate law or policy, or related issues. 

OR

Eight (8) years of professional experience in community, trade, or economic development, consisting of direct experience working with consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, local governmental entities, federal agencies, or state-level programs engaged in infrastructure, real estate law or policy, or related issues.

Desired Qualifications: 
• Proficient in establishing, implementing, and administering property security requirements.

To be considered for this position the following are needed:   

• A complete and detailed online application
• A Cover letter (enter online)
• At least three (3) professional references (enter online)

For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email: [email protected] - please reference the job number in your message.

Supplemental Information

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.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

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[email protected].

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 [email protected].  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.