Deputy Assistant Director - OEDC (WMS 3)
State of Washington
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
State of Washington’s Department of Commerce, Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness (OEDC) seeks a Deputy Assistant Director in Seattle. The role leads internal operations, HR, budgets, contracts, and performance management, while coordinating with IT, audit, payroll, and Communications.
The position directs program development, export promotion, and international trade initiatives to strengthen the state's economy.
Qualifications
- Ten years of combined experience and education as described in the posting.
- Minimum of five years in government administration or related field and leadership in a program with governmental resources.
- Minimum of two years of supervisory experience.
- Experience managing budgets with multiple fund sources and implementing policies with large-scale implications.
- Education in business, finance or public administration or closely aligned field; substitutions allowed year-for-year for experience.
- Examples of qualification pathways include 10 years experience, or 8 years experience plus 2 years education, etc.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for OEDC aligned with SMART goals and oversight of internal controls.
- Manage financial resources within budgets and identify external funding to support division initiatives.
- Represent Commerce and OEDC to diverse stakeholders and coordinate statewide and federal economic development strategies.
- Oversee staff, performance evaluations, and leadership development to deliver financial and technical assistance.
- Develop and analyze policies, lead rulemaking, and ensure compliance with regulations across divisions.
Skills
Education
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.
Within the Department of Commerce, the Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness (OEDC) partners with local, regional, federal and international economic development organizations, businesses, investors, site selectors and other stakeholders to develop, manage and support a range of programs and services designed to create living wage jobs, create economic vitality and strengthen business resilience and growth, particularly those in rural and underserved parts of the state.
This position of Deputy Assistant Director serves as a member of the OEDC leadership and management team and fills in for the Assistant Director in their absence, including for semi-regular public speaking events with the business community as the audience.
This position leads the internal operations related to OEDC such as HR, budgetary, contractual, and performance management, as well as systems and coordination with all other operational divisions and units at Commerce such as IT, audit, payroll, contracts, and Communications. They also help to oversee management of the full range of business development, export promotion, and international trade development programs designed to strengthen the state’s economy and further position Washington state as a known source for world-class products and services. This position needs to be familiar with all aspects of the agency and OEDC and it maintains relationships internally and externally that allow the position to make day-to-day decisions with a high degree of independence.
This position is based in Seattle – and can follow a hybrid schedule – but is expected to be in the Seattle Commerce office no fewer than 2 days per week.
- This position provides strategic leadership for OEDC by setting and managing the division’s strategic plan, operational goals, and internal controls in coordination with the Assistant Director, establishing specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timebound (SMART) goals that align with the division’s broader direction, and serving as appointing authority in the Assistant Director’s absence.
- The position supports effective communication across the organization and contributes to cross-divisional initiatives by providing leadership and resources that enhance efficiency and effectiveness. It plans, organizes, directs, and delegates the work of OEDC staff to ensure resources are allocated and managed effectively for grantees and client groups.
- The role also ensures compliance with federal and state financial policies, laws, regulations, and guidelines, including audit requirements and performance standards, while maintaining strong internal controls and operational oversight to support the division’s mission and the agency’s strategic objectives.
- In coordination with the Assistant Director, the position sets the strategic direction for OEDC’s programs by managing financial resources within established allotments and identifying external funding opportunities that support the division’s mission.
- The position distributes economic development programming in alignment with state policy priorities, ensuring that all contracts comply with agency, state, and federal requirements.
- Working closely with the Assistant Director, the role also oversees division operations within authorized budgets, maintaining strong fiscal stewardship and operational alignment across OEDC.
- This position represents Commerce and OEDC to a wide range of stakeholders by developing and maintaining strong partnerships and participating in statewide, regional, and federal economic development strategies.
- The position collaborates with associations, state agencies, local governments, and other partners on economic development activities that advance Commerce’s mission.
- It provides guidance on the state’s role in funding critical economic development projects and ensures OEDC’s engagement supports strategic priorities, strengthens relationships, and promotes coordinated economic development efforts across Washington.
- This position oversees the management of division staff by setting clear expectations, understanding the diverse work performed across OEDC, and ensuring that all activities align with the division’s service-oriented approach. This includes holding inclusive staff meetings, managing performance, conducting evaluations, and providing leadership, oversight, and direction to supervisors and program staff who deliver financial and technical assistance to businesses and local communities. Technical assistance efforts include outreach that builds strong working relationships with Associate Development Organizations, the business community, and other stakeholders.
- The position manages and directs staff using sound management principles, results- and data-driven operations, customer-focused service, and clear accountability. It establishes results-based performance expectations, sets priorities, and conducts timely, meaningful evaluations while leading, coaching, mentoring, and training staff.
- The Deputy Assistant Director works closely with agency leadership, Human Resources, and employees to plan for, attract, acquire, and retain high-quality talent, maintaining the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct and supporting the state’s goals for a diverse and inclusive workforce.
- The Deputy Assistant Director develops and analyzes policy proposals originating from division staff, legislation, and internal and external partners, and leads rulemaking activities, including determining when revisions are necessary.
- The position ensures that all division staff adhere to agency, state, and federal rules and regulations and that associated policies are implemented accurately and with integrity. As a member of the agency leadership and management team, the Deputy Assistant Director contributes to agency-wide policy setting and maintains professional relationships with other divisions, state agencies, and the Governor’s Office on matters related to economic development.
- The role speaks on behalf of the Assistant Director and the agency at legislative hearings and public events, exercising independent judgment in decisions related to policy and program implementation.
- The position leads cross-divisional collaborations that support statewide economic development activities, including policy development and research for economic development programs and projects, and develops program performance and outcome measures used to inform biennial budgets and work plans.
- Ten (10) years of combined experience and education as described below:
- Experience: must include:
- Minimum of five (5) or more years of experience in the following
- Government administration or administration of programming with governmental resources
- Trade promotion (attended trade fairs) and/or economic development experience (business support and/or technical assistance), or leadership of a profitable business.
- Minimum of two (2) or more years of supervisory experience
- And any combination of two or more of the following:
- Experience managing complex budgets which include multiple fund sources
- Implementing executive and legislative policies and make internal policy decisions with large-scale implications
- Strategic Leadership and Planning
- Working with a wide range of stakeholders
- Education involves business, finance or public administration or closely aligned fields. Qualifying education post High School or equivalent may be substituted year for year for experience.
- Examples Of How To Qualify
- 10 years of experience
- 9 years of experience and 1 year of education
- 8 years of experience and 2 years of education
- 7 years of experience and 3 years of education
- 6 years of experience and 4 years of education
- 5 years of experience and 5 years of education
- 4 years of experience and 6 years of education
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion – Collaborates with and involves others with divergent viewpoints, as well as diverse people and groups, contributing to developing an environment that is equitable, inclusive, respectful and cooperative. Demonstrates a commitment to learning about and advancing environmental and climate justice initiatives.
- Communication – key in this role because of the duties of drafting correspondence, planning events, expressing ideas, dealing at a peer level with colleagues as well as superiors and external stakeholders. Keeping division management informed of key issues and activities regarding the operations of the division, active participation in departmental and division meetings.
- Decision Making – must be able use sound judgment to make decisions that directly affect programs. Must also be able to make decisions as issues arise that keep a project moving and on the right track.
- Interpersonal Skills – developing strong relationships with the division, agency and with external partners is important. Building strategic alliances to develop programs and deliver services.
- Leadership – demonstrating good leadership skills is important when working in a peer-to-peer work environment. Demonstrating self-confidence and relating assurance to others will greatly assist in the objectives of this position.
- Planning – is critical in this position. Establishing priorities, working out timelines, identifying potential problems and ways to mitigate or solve them, managing budgets and keeping projects on schedule, within budget and in line with goals are critical elements to this job.
- Human Resource Management – excellent human resource management, administration and leadership are critical to this position. Ability to coach and mentor staff is key. Clear communication of goals and objectives will be necessary for success as well as frequent and regular meetings with all direct reports.
- Program/Project Management – critical skill for this position. Managing programs and projects, ensuring their quality, performance, results and implementation are very important. Making sure resources are used efficiently is also key.
- Analytical Skills – the ability to analyze policies and processes is essential for this position. To analyze and assess multiple situations in a timely and often quick manner leads to good decision making and the ability to make excellent recommendations to superiors and partners.
- Budget Management – excellent budget management is required in this position. Exercising excellent judgment.
- 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 is based in Seattle with an expectation of a minimum 2 days/week in office. 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 business, finance or public administration or closely aligned fields 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
- Experience managing complex budgets which include multiple fund sources
- Implementing executive and legislative policies and make internal policy decisions with large-scale implications
- Strategic Leadership and Planning
- Working with a wide range of stakeholders
- Less than 5 years
- More than 5 years but less than 6 years
- More than 6 years but less than 7 years
- More than 7 years but less than 8 years
- More than 8 years but less than 9 years
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