Racial Equity Performance Specialist (MA4)

State of Washington

Washington

Hybrid

USD 85,000 - 120,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance benefits

Retirement and deferred compensation

11 paid holidays and generous leave

Job summary

The State of Washington's Department of Commerce seeks a Racial Equity Performance Specialist to lead equity-based performance measurement across Housing Division programs. The role develops contract language and benchmarks to reduce disparities in homeless systems and advance policy aligned with statewide equity goals.

The position involves directing technical assistance, monitoring compliance, and representing Washington in national equity initiatives, with remote or hybrid work options within

Qualifications

Eight (8) years of combined professional-level experience and/or education that involves program management, policy development, compliance monitoring, technical assistance, performance management, or administration of homelessness, housing, human services, or related publicly funded programs.
Three (3) or more years (full time equivalency) of professional-level experience which can be gained concurrently in equity-focused policies, programs, or initiatives.

Responsibilities

Develop equity-based performance measurement theories and metrics and translate into technical specifications and collection procedures in compliance with state legislation.
Draft, refine and maintain equity-based performance requirements and contract language for HD programs in compliance with state legislation.
Examine and test fidelity of data sources, calculations and methodologies needed to measure equitable outcomes in homeless systems.
Provide expert direction and consultation in housing equity performance management to HD staff, external partners and grantees.

Skills

Equity analysis

Policy development

Data analysis

Training facilitation

Stakeholder engagement

Tools

HMIS data systems

Job description

Racial Equity Performance Specialist (MA4)

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 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.

The Data & Performance Unit (DPU) within the Housing Division (HD) is responsible for large scale system-wide initiatives related to homelessness and housing data systems, analysis, research, evaluation, and technical assistance. DPU teams work to support communities by:

Strengthening data collection methods
Safeguarding the privacy and security of protected data
Improving data quality and data literacy
Producing actionable and accessible analysis
Evaluating performance and disparities
Providing technical assistance to strengthen responses to homelessness and housing crisis

The Racial Equity Performance Specialist position develops equity‑based performance requirements and associated language that are integrated into applicable HD programs. The work of this position has a broad scope and significant impact on communities, directly governing how performance is measured in contracts. Contracted performance measurements and benchmarks developed and managed by this position determine which contracts will continue to be funded in applicable HD programs. This position is a leader, technical expert regarding equitable access and outcomes in homeless systems, including the identification, measurement, and reduction of disparities experienced by historically marginalized and underserved populations.

Develop and Maintain Equity‑Based Performance Measurement System

Develop equity‑based performance measurement theories and metrics and translate those metrics into technical specifications and collection procedures in compliance with state legislation.
Draft, refine and maintain equity‑based performance requirements and contract language for applicable HD programs in compliance with state legislation.
Examine and test fidelity of necessary data sources, calculations and methodologies needed to measure equitable outcomes in homeless systems. Determine how equity in homeless systems is assessed, measured and communicated.
Provide expert direction, advice and consultation in housing equity performance management to HD staff, external partners and grantees.
Champion equity‑based performance measures so that the agency executive management, the Legislature, county executives, grant managers, grantees and impacted parties understand how required performance improvement will reduce disparities in homeless systems and advance equity for better policy and funding decisions that impact marginalized communities.
Author equity‑based performance improvement elements of State Homeless Housing Strategic Plan required under RCW 43.185C.040.
Represent the State in national policy development process for equity in homeless systems, crafting responses to proposed rule changes in consultation with Commerce executive leadership and participating in federal rule setting meetings.

Monitor Compliance with Performance Requirements

Develop and implement an annual monitoring plan to assess compliance with equity‑based performance requirements.
Develop and implement the ongoing annual process for measuring compliance. Review and update the process as needed or legislatively required. Work with DPU staff to develop reports and visualizations of complex performance metrics and benchmarks that communicate progress toward achieving requirements to agency executive management, the Legislature, local elected officials, contract managers, and the public.
Communicate monitoring results, develop and lead corrective action plans with grantees who are out of compliance with requirements. This includes leading and participating in long‑term and comprehensive performance improvement processes with county government representatives and community‑based organizations.
Per state legislation, track monitoring results, required actions and compliance over time. Determine which grantees will be recommended for reduced funding based on outcomes from performance monitoring.

Deliver Technical Assistance to Low Performing and Non‑compliant Grantees

Oversee implementation of technical assistance and corrective action plans with low‑performing and non‑compliant grantees.
Provide coaching and assistance to applicable HD program managers and local executive leadership to ensure successful implementation of technical assistance and corrective action plans.
Provide comprehensive technical assistance on a variety of data related and programmatic topics using various methods such as live and recorded training or workshops, and written self‑help materials; Ensure grantees are performing at their highest abilities and understand how their best work contributes to reductions in homelessness and the promotion of equity in homeless systems.
Provide educational opportunities and self‑help materials to homeless systems, community members and programs on common issues that contribute to disparities, low performance and non‑compliance.

Participate in State and National Equity Initiatives

Participate directly in HD and Commerce initiatives relating to promoting equity which can include assisting with development of policies, procedures and other work that improves the ability of Commerce to promote racial equity.
Participate in national equity initiatives.
Research and stay informed about national trends and emerging best practices related to addressing disparities in homeless systems.
Present at national conferences on the success of Washington’s equity‑based performance management system, with the goal of influencing the national policy direction to align with Washington State priorities.

Required Qualifications

Eight (8) years of combined professional‑level experience and/or education that involves program management, policy development, compliance monitoring, technical assistance, performance management, or administration of homelessness, housing, human services, or related publicly funded programs and: Three (3) or more years (full time equivalency) of professional‑level experience which can be gained concurrently must be in the following areas:

Advancing equity, including developing, implementing, or evaluating equity‑focused policies, programs, or initiatives.
Facilitating discussions, training, or strategic planning related to equity.
Analyzing disparities, identifying root causes, and recommending equity‑centered solutions.

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 may substitute for two (2) years 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

8 years of experience
7 years of experience and one year of education
6 years of experience and two years of lived experience
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

Preferred/Desired Qualifications

Advanced knowledge of federal initiatives and existing local strategies to reduce homelessness.
Experience analyzing Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) data, or other large data sets.
Knowledge of HMIS specifications and capabilities.
Demonstrated experience in advanced level homeless program evaluation.
Experience with statistics, output, and outcome measurement.

Required Position Competencies

Collaborative and inclusive teamwork: Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams, valuing differing perspectives and contributing positively to group dynamics.
Cultural humility and equity awareness: Applies an understanding of power, privilege, and inequity when engaging with individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Practices and promotes principles of anti‑racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Equity‑centered analysis and planning: Applies an equity lens applies to evaluation, planning, and decision‑making processes.
Relationship Building & Conflict Navigation: Effectively builds relationships across lines of difference and works constructively with individuals who hold opposing viewpoints.
Systems Change & Negotiation: Demonstrates skill in negotiating, influencing, and championing efforts that advance organizational or system‑level change.
Project Management: Plans, organizes, and manages projects to achieve objectives, including coordinating tasks, timelines, and stakeholders.
Technical Communication: Translates technical or complex information into accessible, user‑friendly language for non‑technical audiences.
Digital & Technology Proficiency: Uses digital tools, databases, and software applications effectively, including advanced proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite and web‑based applications.

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: comrecruitment@commerce.wa.gov - please reference the job number in your message.

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 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 position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

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.

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.

Benefits