Commerce Specialist 4
State of Washington
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Job summary
The Washington State Department of Commerce is seeking a Commerce Specialist 4 to manage the Bond Users Clearinghouse program and provide advanced professional level administration. The role includes monitoring municipal debt issuances, serving as a senior editor for fiscal notes, and overseeing contracted research projects in housing, taxes, and economic development.
You will support policy analysis, collaborate with agency leaders, and back‑up management for related programs while engaging
Qualifications
- Eight years total of education and experience as described in the qualifications section.
- Proficiency with Excel (Pivot Tables) and data visualization tools.
- Strong writing proficiency and ability to produce clear, professional documents.
- Experience with local government finance, contracts, and economic development is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Lead and independently review local government fiscal note analysis in taxes, government operations, transportation and economic development.
- Approve statewide local government fiscal notes within established guidelines.
- Serve as lead for contracted agency programmatic work and manage budgets and proposals.
- Develop and manage contracts with local governments, nonprofits, and businesses.
- Maintain CMS data and supporting documentation.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
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 Local Government Division 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. The Division also provides grants, loans, planning and technical assistance to local governments for community development needs, infrastructure improvements, and economic development opportunities.
This position is located in the Municipal Finance Programs Section of the Research and Development Services Unit within the Local Government Division (LGD).
This position provides advanced professional level program administration, technical assistance and contract management activities for the statewide Bond Users Clearinghouse Program, managing the state of Washington’s monitoring of municipal debt and bond issuances. The Program Manager is recognized as the state’s expert on the state’s bond and debt tracking databases and regularly provides consultative assistance to agency management, government officials, and external stakeholders. This position serves as back‑up manager for the Bond Cap Allocation Program. This position additionally serves as senior editor for the Local Government Fiscal Note Program in policy areas of taxes, government operations, transportation and economic development. This position serves as the back‑up manager of the state’s appropriation and contract with the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC); and serves as the state’s alternate liaison with MRSC. Lastly, this position may lead or assist with the unit’s contracted research projects, which cover a variety of topics, from affordable housing to tax policy, among many others.
- Serve as the state’s technical expert on the Bond Users Clearinghouse, including state and national objectives, eligible activities and funding categories, and requirements governing the program.
- Establish statewide policies for oversight and management of Washington State’s Bond Users Clearinghouse Program, and statewide policies, procedures and documents to implement the required tracking of municipal debt and bond issuances.
- Provide the highest level of consultative assistance and technical information to the agency, division and external program partners including state and federal resource providers and technical experts, nonprofit and state/federal association organizations, local governments, legal counsel, and the Office of the Attorney General.
- Provide expert advice and recommendations on policy and other key issues on the municipal debt and economic development to the Municipal Finance Program Manager, the Research and Development Services Unit Managing Director, and the Assistant Director of LGD, other agency Assistant Directors, Policy leads, and the Director of Commerce.
- Research and produce the statewide annual Public Debt report and General Obligation report summarizing state, city, county, and special district bond issuances.
- Respond to requests for information on the statewide Bond Users Clearinghouse Program from local governments, stakeholders, state and federal legislators, public associations, and private citizens.
- Work with agency-wide and intra-agency coordinating groups and initiatives on cross federal and state agency collaboration and funding of locally identified community needs.
- Serve as back‑up manager for the Bond Cap Allocation Program which manages over $1 billion in private activity bond cap authority.
- Lead and independently review and edit local government fiscal note analysis for the statewide Local Government Fiscal Note Program in the policy areas of taxes, government operations, transportation, and economic development.
- Approve statewide local government fiscal notes, particularly in the policy areas of land‑use planning, natural resources, housing policy, energy, taxes, and environmental protection, within guidelines established by Office of Financial Management, the Legislature, the Research Services section; and the statewide Local Government Fiscal Note Program.
- Serve as Research Services lead for contracted agency programmatic work as assigned.
- Lead designated areas of work in support of Commerce programs through the development, preparation, and monitoring of assigned program proposals, grants and budgets.
- Lead Research Services procurement processes, develop documents such as Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and ensure procurement processes are consistent with departmental policies, procedures and programs.
- Initiate, develop and maintain cooperative relationships with other state agencies, units of local government, community organizations and government officials.
- Lead service delivery teams for contracted work.
- Develop, negotiate, and manage contracts of varying complexity with local governments, community organizations, nonprofits, and businesses.
- Review, authorize, and process contract reimbursements by ensuring expenditures are within the appropriated authority and are submitted for allowable expenses.
- Maintains accurate data in CMS system to include scanning and submitting electronic documents.
- Eight Years Total Of a Combination Of Formal Education, Beyond High School Equivalence (to Include Relevant College-level Coursework, Technical And/or Vocational Education, And/or Certification Programs) And Professional Experience As Described, Which Could Include But Is Not Limited To:
- Four (4) years of formal education in political science, business, public administration, urban planning, or related field AND four (4) years of professional experience in community, trade, or economic development that consists of direct experience working with consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, local governmental entities, federal agencies or state-level programs engaged in housing, land use, environmental, transportation, or related issues.
- Two (2) years of formal education in political science, business, public administration, urban planning, or related field AND six (6) years of professional experience in community, trade, or economic development that consists of direct experience working with consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, local governmental entities, federal agencies or state-level programs engaged in housing, land use, environmental, transportation, or related issues.
- Eight (8) years of professional experience in community, trade, or economic development that consists of direct experience working with consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, local governmental entities, federal agencies or state-level programs engaged in housing, land use, environmental, transportation, or related issues.
- Proficiency with functional skills in Excel such as Pivot Tables.
- Demonstrated writing proficiency
- Data visualization experience (such as ArcGIS, Tableau, PolicyMap, or other similar applications)
- Ability to interact effectively with a diversity of section staff, clients, stakeholders, and governmental officials
- Function effectively in a consulting shop environment dominated by tight, competing, and often fluid deadlines.
- Knowledge of English grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
- Advanced skills in the use of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
- Skilled in the use of computers, adapts to new technology, keeps abreast of changes, learns new programs quickly, use computers to improve productivity.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
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.
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
In the space below, please write a formal cover letter describing your interest and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
How many years of post‑high school equivalent formal education (including college‑level coursework, technical and/or vocational education, and/or certification programs) involving political science, business, public administration, urban planning, or 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
- More than 5 years but less than 6 years
- 6 or more years
How many professional years of experience in community, trade, or economic development that consists of direct experience working with consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, local governmental entities, federal agencies or state-level programs engaged in housing, land use, environmental, transportation, or related issues do you have?
- Less than 2 years of experience
- More than 2 years of experience but less than 3 years of experience
- More than 3 years of experience but less than 4 years of experience
- More than 4 years of experience but less than 5 years of experience
- More than 5 years of experience but less than 6 years of experience
- More than 6 years of experience but less than 7 years of experience
- More than 7 years of experience but less than 8 years of experience
- 8 or more years
If you indicated you have experience noted above, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must also be reflected in the work experience of your application). If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.]
Please describe how you meet the required position competencies. If you do not, please type N/A in the text box below.
Please describe how you meet the Desired Qualifications. If you do not, please type N/A in the text box below.
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
Are you a current or former employee of the state of Washington?
- Yes
- No
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.
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
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