Salary: $5,102.00 – $6,691.00 Monthly
Location: Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Department: Dept. of Commerce
Job Number: 2022-03392
Closing: 3/29/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

Learn more about this position at the Department of Commerce’s Government Jobs page.

Job Description:

At the Department of Commerce (Commerce), we are creative, collaborative, and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities, we cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and we own our work.

Commerce is looking for a Senior Policy Analyst (MA4) to work in partnership with local governments in the implementation of Washington’s Growth Management Act. In this program, you will work with a team of experienced and dedicated planners on critical planning issues such as housing affordability, climate change, and habitat recovery. If you have experience and an interest in policy analysis and a passion for strengthening communities, this position is a good fit for you.  

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. It also provides grants, loans, and planning and technical assistance to local governments for community development needs, infrastructure improvements, and economic development opportunities.

This position works within the Growth Management Services (GMS) Unit of LGD.  The Growth Management Services program is responsible for the Department of Commerce role as the lead agency for implementation of the Growth Management Act. The program provides technical and financial assistance to local governments to assist in the implementation of the GMA. The program also serves as the central coordinator of state agency implementation of the GMA. This position has primary responsibility for the development and implementation of the unit research program.

SPECIAL NOTE: Currently, Commerce is closed to the public as a result of the pandemic. While our buildings are closed, most Commerce staff work remotely except for mission essential employees. For any staff working in one of our buildings, Commerce requires strict adherence to social distancing protocols and anyone entering a Commerce building is required to wear a mask. It is anticipated that interviews for this position will be held using virtual videoconferencing.

Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14(Download PDF reader), state employees must be fully vaccinated prior to your start date.  Your vaccine status will be verified prior to an offer of employment.  Please reach out to Human Resources Specialist Jimmie Wimberly if you need information on medical or religious accommodation.

Duties:

Research Program Coordinator:

  • Maintain and docket the program’s research priorities and identify a plan to implement the program’s research plan.
  • Develop, implement, and monitor legislatively mandated research addressing a variety of key community and economic development issues.
  • Conduct technical literature reviews, interview subject matter experts, collect and utilize a variety of data to perform analysis, evaluate options, and produce reports and other research products. 
  • Direct and prepare program/project proposals, monthly summaries and quarterly reports; develop strategies; and set goals and objectives for legislative mandated research products.
  • Conduct and oversee workshops and seminars, and provide technical consultation and training to clients and others.
  • Coordinate and make technical recommendations and presentations on projects, programs, policies, and plans to federal, state, public and private clients. 

Unit Rule Making Coordinator:

  • Develop unit policies and practices.
  • Coordinate implementation of the Administrative Procedures Act as it pertains to unit rule making activity.
  • Provide consultation to project managers and subject matter experts on rule making practices. 

Data Management, Analysis, and Verification:

  • Develop systems to coordinate and accurately report GMA progress to grant and loan agencies. 
  • Communicate strategic priorities to affected agencies and consult with staff planners on communications to local governments around GMA progress requirements.
  • Use data to help evaluate success, identify opportunities, inform decision-making, and demonstrate results.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, law, urban planning, political science, public administration/policy or closely related field AND four years of professional experience in one or more of the following:
  • Conducting research and analyzing polices, laws, rules, or regulations
  • Public policy/administration, legislative policy development and/or planning
  • Comparable combination of graduate and experience.  

OR

  • Eight or more years of increasing complex experience in Washington State land use planning legislative policy development at the state or local level.

Required Competences:

  • Experience using computer applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Experience writing and editing technical documents.
  • Experience with data analysis, performance assessment, and outcome measurement.
  • Ability to independently determine and prioritize workload, meet reporting deadlines with high degree of accuracy. 

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience with rule making or writing administrative code at the local, state or federal level.
  • Experience with Washington state planning and plan implementation procedures.
  • Experience with administration of state or federal grants for planning.
  • Experience analyzing legislative activities for government or non-profit agencies.
  • Juris Doctorate (JD) or equivalent and one year of professional experience in public policy/administration, legislative policy development and/or planning.         

Supplemental Information:

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

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

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. For questions about this recruitment, please contact Jose Dominguez at 360-810-0182 or jose.dominguez@commerce.wa.gov.

Work From Anywhere:

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 while observing social distancing. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected. When approved to return, you will work with your supervisor to identify an appropriate work schedule and balance, including telework and reporting to a duty station for work activities, if needed.   

Additional Information:

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.