Contracting Manager (COM 4)
State of Washington
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Job summary
Department of Commerce in Washington State seeks a Contracting Manager (COM 4) to lead complex infrastructure funding agreements, ensure compliance with federal/state requirements, and supervise project managers across PWB program operations. The role involves strategic contracting, policy interpretation, and interagency collaboration to advance infrastructure projects.
The position emphasizes governance, accountability, and the development of contract templates, training, and tools to
Job description
At the
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.
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. We also provide grants, loans, and planning and technical assistance to local governments for community development needs, infrastructure improvements, and economic development opportunities.
assists local governments and other eligible applicants in meeting critical infrastructure needs by providing technical assistance, training, and low-interest loans and grants for public infrastructure, including water, sewer, solid waste, stormwater, roads/streets/sidewalks/bridges, and broadband. This position supervises project managers and contracting operations to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements and alignment with Board policy. The role coordinates with program staff to provide technical assistance to local governments, elected officials, private entities, the public, technical experts, federal and state program partners, and Federally Recognized Indian Tribes in support of Washington communities. The position also works closely with Commerce and the Central Contracting Office to ensure consistency with contracting standards and to advance program needs.
This position serves as the primary project management, compliance, and program operations lead for PWB programs. The position takes primary responsibility for developing, negotiating, implementing, and monitoring complex infrastructure funding agreements in alignment with RCW 43.155, the applicable Washington administrative code(s), Board policy, Commerce requirements, and best practices.
This role provides supervision, training, guidance, and support to project managers to ensure consistent application of program requirements, effective project execution, and establishment and adherence to processes and procedures. The position leads and ensures the integrity of the full contract lifecycle, including contract development, negotiation, administration, and compliance monitoring. It creates and refines program processes, procedures, and tools that support consistent contract management and monitoring, corrective action implementation, and contractual accountability. In addition, the position advises on key infrastructure issues, provides technical and policy expertise to internal and external stakeholders, and contributes to the development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of policies and procedures governing PWB programs, including rulemaking, funding methodologies, compliance frameworks, and infrastructure finance.
- Lead the development, negotiation, and monitoring of complex public infrastructure funding agreements, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and program specific requirements.
- Provide subject matter expertise on program design, policy impacts, and operational considerations relating to contracting.
- Serve as the primary point of escalation for project managers on complex technical, policy, and compliance issues.
- Develop and maintain contract processes, procedures, templates, training, and tools to support consistent and compliant contract administration across PWB programs.
- Conduct internal reviews and quality assurance activities to evaluate program adherence to established policies, procedures, and compliance standards related to contracting.
- Coordinate with program and/or Agency leadership as appropriate to manage contract issues, exceptions, and policy interpretation.
- Participate in rulemaking, funding methodology development, and updates to program governance.
- Provide technical assistance to local governments, tribal governments, and other eligible applicants regarding program requirements, project planning, and infrastructure funding options.
- Develop and contribute to program reports, data summaries, dashboards, and briefing materials for PWB leadership and oversight bodies.
- Assign, direct, and monitor project manager workloads to ensure effective and compliant program delivery.
- Mentor and support project managers to build competence in project management, contract oversight, and compliance monitoring.
- Participate in hiring processes and make staffing recommendations.
- Provide coaching and feedback, set performance expectations, conduct employee evaluations, and implement corrective action as needed.
- Approve timesheets, leave requests, and travel reimbursements.
- Oversee onboarding and training to ensure new staff understand program policies and procedures.
- Foster effective communication and support a workplace culture grounded in equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Develop, negotiate and monitor complex contracts with applicants, including agreements that involve outcomes such as housing development, climate resilience, or disaster recovery as key outcomes of the improvements financed by the PWB.
- Support the development of program contract templates and resources.
- Federal/state infrastructure financing and grant and loan administration
- Two (2) or more years’ experience administering federal or state programs.
- Demonstrated technical/legal knowledge and aptitude of multiple state and federal requirements in infrastructure contracting and financing.
involves business, public administration/policy, urban planning, environmental services, contract or project management or related field. Qualifying education post High School or equivalent may be substituted year for year for experience.
- 8 years of experience
- 7 years of experience and one year of education
- 6 years of experience and two years of education
- 5 years of experience and three years of education
- 4 years of experience and four years of education
- 3 years of experience and five years of education
- 2 years of experience and six years of education
Experience using state agency/government accounting and finance database systems such as the Commerce Contract Management System (CMS) and reading and analyzing reports from AFRS.
- Intermediate skill level in the Microsoft Office suite products including OneDrive, Teams, SharePoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook. Excellent interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to build trusting relationships and loyal partnerships with customers, employees, and executive management.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, under pressure and to participate multi-stakeholder processes.
- Accountability--Meets commitments, works independently, accepts accountability, handles change, sets personal standards, stays focused under pressure, and meets attendance/punctuality requirements.
- Integrity — demonstrates a sense of responsibility and commitment to the public trust through statements and actions. Honors commitments and promises.
- Leadership--Leads through change and adversity, makes the tough call when needed, builds consensus when appropriate, motivates and encourages others.
- Teamwork--Meets all team deadlines and responsibilities, listens to others and values opinions, helps team leader to meet goals, welcomes newcomers and promotes a team atmosphere.
- Communication--Communicates well both verbally and in writing, creates accurate and punctual reports, delivers presentations, shares information and ideas with others, has good listening skills.
- 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 01In the space below, please write a formal cover letter describing your interest and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position. 02How many years of post-high school equivalent formal education (including college-level coursework, technical and/or vocational education, and/or certification programs) involving business, public administration/policy, urban planning, environmental services, contract or project management 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
- 5 or more years
- Federal/state infrastructure financing and grant and loan administration
- Demonstrated technical/legal knowledge and aptitude of multiple state and federal requirements in infrastructure contracting and financing.
- 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 experienceMore 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
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- No
- 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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