Program Performance and Contracts Manager (COM3)

Washington Department of Natural Resources; Washington; Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance benefits

Retirement and deferred compensation

11 paid holidays

14-25 vacation days

8 hours of sick leave

Bereavement leave

Employee assistance program

Other benefits

Job summary

Washington State Department of Commerce is seeking a Program Performance and Contracts Manager (COM3) within the Community Services Division. This role leads complex contract work with WorkFirst partners, coordinating with DSHS and community organizations to improve performance and outcomes.

The position emphasizes collaboration, policy analysis, data interpretation, and stakeholder engagement to drive efficiency and impact in services for low-income families across Washington.

Qualifications

• Seven (7) years of professional-level experience or education in project management, policy development, compliance monitoring, performance management, human services, or related fields.
• Three (3) or more years in policy analysis, project management, data management, reporting, or improving operational systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to growth in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Antiracism competencies.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex and competing issues within WorkFirst contracts and programs.
• Coordinate program operations and collaborate with staff, contractors, and partners.
• Conduct policy research and data analysis to support program performance.
• Facilitate contract improvements through gap analysis and collaborative work.
• Connect ideas and support program performance through effective stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Policy analysis

Project management

Data management

Reporting

Operational systems

Reviewing requirements

Facilitation

Coaching

Relationship-building

DEI/antiracism

Job description

Description

Program Performance and Contracts Manager (COM3) The Department of Commerce is the one agency in state government that touches every aspect of community and economic development: planning, infrastructure, energy, public facilities, housing, public safety and crime victims, international trade, business services and more. We work with local governments, tribes, businesses and civic leaders throughout the state to strengthen communities so all residents may thrive and prosper.

The Community Services Division (CSD) partners with local governments, Tribes, community-based organizations, and nonprofits to provide community assistance, promote individual and family self-sufficiency, address the causes and effects of crime and violence, and reduce poverty.

Within the Community Economic Opportunities (CEO) Unit of CSD, this position performs professional, journey-level program work for the Commerce WorkFirst Programs. These programs provide transitional employment and work training to low-income families in partnership with DSHS, other state agencies, and community-based organizations. The goal of this program is to improve the economic stability and mobility of vulnerable families through employment. This position is part of the Commerce WorkFirst contracts management team, and key skills include collaboration, curiosity, candor, synthesizing information, inventiveness, and efficiency. Primary responsibilities include managing complex and competing issues; coordinating program operations; conducting policy research and data analysis; facilitating contract improvements through gap analysis and collaborative work; and working closely with other staff, contractors, and key partners to connect ideas and support program performance.

Qualifications

Required Position Qualifications:

Seven (7) total years of professional-level experience or education in project management, policy development, compliance monitoring, technical assistance, performance management, human services, or related which includes:

• Policy analysis, project management, data management and/or reporting, and/or improving operational systems.


• Reviewing, interpreting and implementing state and federal requirements


• Facilitating, coaching, and relationship-building skills across diverse partners

Three (3) or more years of the following:

• Policy analysis, project management, data management and/or reporting, and/or improving operational systems.


• Reviewing, interpreting and implementing state and federal requirements


• Facilitating, coaching, and relationship-building skills across diverse partners

Lived experience with TANF, SNAP, or other publicly funded programs may substitute for two years of professional experience.

• What is lived experience? Lived experiences is relevant expertise derived from the accumulated personal life and professional experiences of an individual. Experience can be gained through life events.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 7 years of experience


• 6 years of experience and one year of education


• 5 years of experience and two years of education


• 4 years of experience and three years of education


• 3 years of experience and four years of education


• 2 years of experience and five years of education


• 1 years of experience and six years of education

AND

Demonstrated commitment to growth Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism competencies, including: able to learn and understand the language and concepts of DEI; commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness related to DEI; demonstrated the understanding that all people are valued by contributing to an equitable, inclusive and respectful environment when working with members of the team, agency, and community; and commitment to being an active participant in continually evaluating and improving strategies that promote equity, belonging, and antiracism in our organization.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of workforce development, case management, and social services practices


• Ability to produce high-quality work in an efficient manner while managing multiple projects


• Ability to use software and cloudware programs to create complex documents and tools


• Demonstrated high-level interpersonal communication skills: two-way communication, strong writing skills, information sharing, leveraging customer feedback, and creating and facilitating presentations


• Ability to develop and maintain meaningful relationships with community partners and stakeholders


• Experience with data analysis, and/or policy research.


• Experience working for, or in partnership with, WorkFirst or employment and training programs


• Experience working in the Department of Social and Health Services’ Electronic Jobs Automated System (eJAS) or a similar case management database systems


• Experience in contracting public funds to community agencies

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: [e-mail] - please reference the job number in your message.

Supplemental Information

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 will 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 [e-mail].

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 [e-mail]. 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.