Commerce Specialist 2

Commerce Specialist 2

At the Department of Commerce we strive to be creative, collaborative, and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities and aim to promote equity in all aspects of our work. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our success, and we work to foster an environment where all individuals are valued and respected. We cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and we own our work.

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 Community Services Division (CSD) partners with local governments and community organizations to promote individual and family self-sufficiency, address the causes and effects of crime and violence, and invest in community facilities. The Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention (OFSVP), and Community Safety Unit (CSU) (collectively OFSVP-CSU) partners with federal, state and local criminal justice and public health agencies, community organizations and leaders, and individual community members to reduce and address the impact of crime and violence, facilitating the availability of opportunities and resources in communities statewide.

Under the Portfolio Manager's supervision and in coordination with the other members of the OFSVP-CSU team, this position assists with the full cycle of grant and contract administration of statewide funding for community-based programs. Those programs may include arising from state funding appropriated to OFSVP for the support and implementation of violence intervention and prevention efforts across the state. Programs may include violence intervention and prevention programs falling under the Community Reinvestment Plan.

This position assists with performance management and the development of monitoring procedures to ensure accuracy of data with reporting to support data driven decisions. The position provides technical assistance to community partners with consultation from the program manager and other members of the team. This position contributes to the unit's administrative, technology and contracting infrastructure to support the mission of the programs, the division and the agency by maximizing the availability of information and ease of operation.

Coordination of Grant and Program Development

Tasks include:

• Assist with the development of applications and request for proposals (RFP's).

• Review applications for program funds. Track grant application process from receipt through contract execution. Review grant statements of work or work plans.

• Review, negotiate and prepare final contract documents.

• Monitor contracts to ensure achievement of program goals and objectives.

• Provide technical assistance to grantees regarding compliance, as assigned.

• Prepare site visit and desk monitoring reports and documentation of technical assistance

provided. Identify and respond to grantee needs.

• Keep Portfolio Manager and grant program managers apprised of grantee compliance issues.  Consult with Portfolio Manager and grant program managers on training and/or technical assistance plans.

• Consult with Portfolio Manager and grant program managers to develop and implement

individual problem-solving plans with grantees experiencing difficulty being or staying in

compliance, meeting service delivery standards, or other issues.

• Complete risk assessments by reviewing and analyzing grantee information. Conduct fiscal

accountability reviews on assigned grantees, as appropriate. Make recommendations for

corrections or improvements, as required.

• Coordinate with Portfolio Manager and grant program managers to develop financial

documentation and tracking systems, including review and approval of vouchers for payment.

• Consult and provide information regarding site visits, desk monitoring, correspondence, and discussions that result in applicable information regarding other Commerce grants with the other staff in the unit.

• Participate in program planning and development of processes, projects or policies.

• Assist with program advisory Committee, workgroups, and stakeholder meetings. Assist with developing work plans, meeting planning, and follow-up.

• Incorporate principles of cultural competency into grant and program development work.

• Assist manager in developing applications when and if Commerce seeks external funding

sources related to existing programs.

Data Coordination

Tasks include:

• Support program data collection. Monitor submission by grantees of required data and checks for timeliness, completeness, and accuracy.

• Contact grantees to provide technical assistance or seek clarification for those whose data is inaccurate or incomplete.

• Assist with the development of data collection systems that meet individual program

requirements and needs.

Technical Assistance and Consultation

Tasks include:

• In consultation with Portfolio Manager and grant program managers, develop, analyze, and

assess technical assistance plans using professional experience and knowledge, journal

articles, research, and best practice standards as needed. Consultation topics may include, but are not limited to, service delivery, cultural competency, criminal and civil justice systems, personnel, systems advocacy, or other program services. Provide technical information, including conducting literature searches and review of various professional journals. Coordinate and collaborate with technical assistance providers that assist grantees.

• In consultation with Portfolio Manager and grant program managers, conduct outreach to tribes, tribal organizations, and organizations working in marginalized or underserved communities.

• Incorporate principles of cultural competency into technical assistance and consultation work.

• Coordinate training and provide technical assistance to service providers, based on best

practice analysis, literature search, and field experience.

• Prepare written reports, analyses, and resources, as required.Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree AND two years of professional experience in community, trade or economic development with a focus in community advocacy, stakeholder engagement, project management, and/or support of community or public safety programs, or in a related field. If the applicant does not have a Bachelor's Degree, six years of professional experience, or six years total of a combination of higher education and professional experience as described.

• A graduate or advanced degree may substitute for one year of the required professional experience.

• High-level interpersonal communication skills, attention to detail, and clear oral and written communication ability.

Required Competencies:

• Able to learn and understand the language and concepts of our Commerce equity & belonging culture and commit to being a part of creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, respectful and inclusive workplace.

• Demonstrate a commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness when provided training and opportunities to participate in improving our work environment.

• Participate and behave in a manner that creates trust and builds working relationships, promoting teamwork and collaboration in the work environment.

• Demonstrate the understanding that all people are valued; contribute to an equitable, inclusive and respectful environment when working with members of the group, team, organization or community.

• Commit to being an active participant in continually evaluating and improving strategies that promote equity and inclusion in our organization.

o DEI knowledge,

o Self-Awareness & Commitment to Growth

oCultivating Mutually Beneficial & Trusting Strategic Relationships

o Inclusive Excellence & Allyship Improvement

o Measuring for Success and Improvement

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with grant or contract writing or management.

• Lived or professional experience within community safety and violence prevention.

• Professional experience in communicating and collaborating with systems partners such as law enforcement, public health, or criminal justice.

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 remote 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 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.