Communications Coordinator (COM 2)

Washington State Department of Ecology

Washington (District of Columbia)

On-site

USD 70,000 - 95,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Department of Commerce’s Housing Division seeks a Communications Coordinator to coordinate internal and external communications for Multifamily Housing Unit programs. The role supports data collection, stakeholder meetings, and public-facing materials.

You will develop newsletters, briefing papers, and reports, ensuring responsive communication across partners, staff and governing bodies. Strong Excel/SharePoint skills and ability to manage multiple projects are essential.

Qualifications

Six (6) years of combined professional experience, lived experience and/or education as described in the ad.
Experience in affordable housing, housing finance, real estate/lending, community, trade, or economic development with focus in two+ areas.
Education in housing finance, business, public administration or related field; substitutions allowed.
Lived experience with housing instability may substitute for education/experience.

Responsibilities

Coordinate communication with internal and external customers for Multifamily Housing Unit programs.
Develop quarterly newsletters and briefing materials.
Prepare data analyses and evaluation of program databases.
Maintain current website information for applicants and partners.

Skills

Communication

Coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Newsletter development

Microsoft Excel

Tools

Smartsheet

SharePoint

Video conferencing

Job description

About the Department

Communications Coordinator (COM 2)

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 Housing Division (HD) partners with local governments, Tribes, housing authorities, nonprofits and other organizations to develop and preserve affordable housing, promote individual and family self‑sufficiency, and reduce adult and youth homelessness.

This position works in the Multifamily Housing Unit (MHU) of HD, with the state Housing Trust Fund (HTF) and the federal HOME and National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) programs.

This position reports to the Managing Director and acts as the liaison for all program coordination and assistance to both internal and external parties, including unit teams, Commerce management, and multiple clients and partners, stakeholders, the public, legislative staff, and advisory board members.

Position Duties

Multifamily Housing Unit programs’ coordination of communication with internal and external customers (Tasks include):

Assist with annual legislative report and preparation of communications related to data collection.
Assist with the implementation of special projects or provisos, as required by the Legislature and/or Commerce Management.
Develop meeting logistics, schedules and agendas, provide program details in presentations, organize, and support stakeholder or committee meetings, public funders meetings, and other external or public meetings as needed on behalf of the Managing Director and the other unit leads within MHU.
Use and train staff and external partners on various media and software tools (such as email, calendar, videoconferencing, webinars, Commerce web pages, Smartsheet, SharePoint, etc.) to create documents, reports and other materials needed.

Program Development and Divisional Communications Coordinator (Tasks include):

Implement communications as provided by the Managing Director and provided by MHU team members.
Develop quarterly newsletter with program announcements, reports and accomplishments of the unit.
Develop briefing materials, reports and one‑pagers that support the operation of MHU programs.
Prepare data analysis and evaluation of program databases and existing program guidelines as outlined for MHU in the Data Governance Agreement.
Respond to questions related to MHU programs. Seek assistance from the program manager and managing director as needed for challenging or unresolved issues and track them until resolved.
Manage and ensure MHU website information is current and accurate, so that applicants and partners have the relevant and necessary information to apply for funds.
Conduct queries and generate reports for the unit’s data in the Contracts Management System (CMS) and the Housing Contracts Management System (HCMS) databases in response to communications queries from Director, Governor, or MD requests.
Ensure adherence to effective and inclusive community engagement practices.
Maintain distribution lists relevant to specific projects.

Other duties as assigned (Tasks include):

May back up the Unit AA3 when AA3 is absent or as workload requires.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Position Qualifications: Six (6) years of combined professional experience, lived experience and/or education as described below:

Experience in affordable housing, housing finance, real estate/lending, community, trade, or economic development with a focus in two or more of the following areas:

Contract Management
Project Development
Project Management
Demonstrated understanding of multifamily/rental housing development and lending, and related real estate transactions and legal documentation.
Demonstrated understanding of affordable housing finance, including layered financing using private and public funds, tax credits, and partnership structures.

Education involves housing finance, business, public administration or related field. Qualifying education post High School or equivalent may be substituted year for year for experience.

Lived experience with housing instability and/or experience navigating and receiving services from public systems such as homeless and housing services systems, foster care, the criminal legal system, or behavioral health system will substitute for one (1) year of education beyond high school equivalency and/or professional‑level experience.

What is lived experience? Lived experience is relevant expertise derived from the accumulated personal life and professional experiences of an individual. Experience can be gained through life events, volunteer role/capacity, any experience gained outside of professional paid and unpaid experience, academic or a combination of experiences.

Examples of how to qualify:

6 years of experience
5 years of experience and one year of lived experience
4 years of experience, one year of lived experience, and one year of education
4 years of experience and two years of education
3 years of experience and three years of education
2 years of experience and four years of education
1 year of experience and five years of education

Preferred/Desired Qualifications

Good understanding of state and federal low‑income housing program regulations.
Experience with the Washington State Housing Trust Fund or with U.S. HUD programs, such as HOME or federal Housing Trust Fund, Low‑Income Tax Credit Program, or other similar programs.
Experience developing rental housing or home ownership opportunities in rural communities.
Experience with writing and implementing policies and procedures.
Willingness to work flexible hours and in a collaborative, team‑based environment.

Required Position Competencies

Demonstrated skills in organization, team building, and succession planning.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate and build partnerships, develop work teams, and work effectively with the authorizing and external environment.
Demonstrated ability to manage and work with diverse personalities, styles, and cultures.
Ability to apply negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, as well as interpersonal and relationship building skills.
Knowledge of agencies, institutions, and processes involved in real estate development.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and ability to create and manipulate pro forma financial models.

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).

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.

Benefits

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. 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. 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 non‑overtime 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‑rating 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 non‑overtime 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‑ratio 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. 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

Supplemental Questions

01 In the space below, please write a formal cover letter describing your interest and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.

02 How many years of post‑high school equivalent formal education (including college‑level coursework, technical and/or vocational education, and/or certification programs) involving housing finance, business, public administration 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

03 How many years of professional experience in affordable housing, housing finance, real estate/lending, community, trade, or economic development with a focus in two or more of the following areas do you have:

Less than 1 year of experience
More than 1 year of experience but 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
6 or more years of experience

04 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.

05 Please describe how you meet the Required Position Competencies. If you do not, please type N/A in the text box below.

06 Please describe how you meet the Desired Qualifications. If you do not, please type N/A in the text box below.

07 This position is responsible for communicating program information to a wide range of external and internal audiences, and in multiple formats (e.g. public e‑mail announcements using agency‑standard formatting, internal and external newsletter formats). Please describe any previous experience in a communications or similar role where you produced and disseminated communications products to a diverse audience base.

08 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.

09 Are you a current or former employee of the state of Washington?

10 Do you have lived experience with housing instability and/or experience navigating and receiving services from public systems such as homeless and housing services systems, foster care, the criminal legal system, or behavioral health system? What is lived experience? Lived experience is relevant expertise derived from the accumulated personal life and professional experiences of an individual. Experience can be gained through life events, volunteer role/capacity, any experience gained outside of professional paid and unpaid experience, academic or a combination of experiences.

11 Please select the option below that best indicates where you heard about this job opportunity.