State Energy Strategy Project Lead (MA5)

State-of-Washington-Dept.-of-Commerc; Washington; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Commerce seeks a State Energy Strategy Project Lead (MA5) to guide the development of the next State Energy Strategy. This role will manage research, data analysis, public engagement, advisory committee coordination, and drafting efforts across diverse energy topics.

You will collaborate with state executives, subject matter experts, industry sectors, utilities, and tribes to translate complex data into actionable policy recommendations.

Qualifications

• Five (5) years of combined experience and/or education as described below.
• Experience in two or more of the following areas is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead production of the next Washington State Energy Strategy.
• Analyze policies, laws, rules, and regulations with data.
• Coordinate advisory committees and public involvement processes.
• Develop metrics, analysis, and reporting tools.
• Collaborate with tribal nations, utilities, and stakeholders.
• Present findings to executives and legislators.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Energy policy

Public policy

Environmental science

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

SharePoint

Visio

Database software

Job description

State Energy Strategy Project Lead (MA5)

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.

This job is a commitment to reshape systems so they work better for everyone. If you’re ready to challenge the status quo and build meaningful connections, we want to meet you.

Let’s build what’s next, together.

The Energy Division (Energy) leads Washington’s transition to a clean, affordable, and equitable energy future by providing statewide energy policy leadership, guiding investments, and advancing initiatives that serve all communities.

This position works within the Energy Policy team of the Energy Division. This position is the project lead responsible for supporting the development of the next State Energy Strategy in accordance with RCW 42.21F.088 and RCW 42.21F.090.

The State Energy Strategy is published every eight years, delivered to the Governor and the Legislature, and provides Washington’s roadmap for meeting climate and clean energy goals while prioritizing reliability and affordability. It is relied upon by legislators, state agencies, utilities, advocates, and many others as the state’s foundational planning document.

The position will manage the analysis, drafting, public engagement process, advisory committee coordination, and other guidance supporting the final publication of the State Energy Strategy, working with complex datasets across diverse energy topics and collaborating with state executives, subject matter experts, industry sectors, utilities, labor unions, tribal nations, elected officials, interested parties and stakeholders.

View the 2021 Washington State Energy Strategy: Washington State Energy Strategy – Washington State Department of Commerce.

This project position is expected to be funded for a minimum duration of 18 months with a possibility of extending to 24 months.

Production and development of State Energy Strategy report - Tasks include:

• Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Energy Division and the Energy Policy Director, manage the production of the next Washington State Energy Strategy in accordance with RCW 43.21F.088, a document of statewide impact and importance
• Manage key research efforts and conducts analysis of technological developments, state and federal legislation, and regulations. This will include managing and overseeing the work of a contracted energy modeling firm.
• Lead collaboration with diverse groups including state agency representatives, subject matter experts, contracted consultants, utilities, and others to support research and analytical efforts. This may include coordination with other state agencies and programs to compile, review and incorporate data regarding progress from 2021 findings and recommendations.
• Establish and oversee process and methodology for complex data collection and performance analytics, in support of SES initiatives and overall program coordination.
• Consult with diverse groups of executive management, interagency representatives, and subject matter experts to develop metrics, analysis and reporting tools.
• Coordinate with agency teams and leaders as part of report review and finalization process, including ensuring communications and accessibility standards and review deadlines are met.
• Develop recommendations to ensure that tribes, rural communities and low-income households are partners and benefactors in our state’s clean energy transition.

State Energy Strategy Advisory Committee and public involvement processes - Tasks include:

• Facilitate 25-person State Energy Strategy Advisory Committee in accordance with RCW 43.21F.090, and any technical advisory groups.
• Develop, lead and implement public involvement and tribal engagement process including briefings, hearings, public comment periods, and other engagement forums.
• Coordinate with Office of Tribal Relations, engagement teams, and others to develop and implement plans to solicit additional feedback on report development and content.
• Develop and implement outreach to involve young people and youth-led organizations in the development of report content and outreach plans and activities.

Dissemination of findings and next steps for use of report recommendations - Tasks include:

• Oversee the production of communications resources to be used in dissemination of findings, including data visualizations and dashboards, to effectively communicate results to senior leadership, policy makers, and the public. This may involve coordinating with and overseeing work of contractors as well as working with Commerce communications teams.
• Present research findings, recommendations and draft report to executive level decision-makers, elected officials, and others in a variety of formats and settings.
• Provide recommendations regarding how to communicate research results and findings
• Collaborate with Energy Division and agency legislative staff regarding dissemination of key findings to legislators and/or use of findings to inform legislative development.

Required Position Qualifications:

Five (5) years of combined experience and/or education as described below:

Experience must include:

• A minimum of five years of technical experience in two or more of the following areas:
• Conducting research
• Analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations
• Leading large, multi‑stakeholder processes and projects
• Analyzing and using complex data sets of varied sources and wide‑ranging topics
• Writing and/or presenting concise analytical findings using compelling graphical and narrative communication
• Experience with statistical analysis, performance assessment, and results measures.
• Experience developing data management strategies, processes, and tools.
• Experience creating dashboards and interactive tools to display data and results.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data, perform trend analysis, and communicate conclusions.
• Skill in presenting data in a variety of ways to best display the meaning and implications of the data.
• Ability to engage diverse stakeholders and translate input into recommendations
• Knowledge of state agency processes including policy development and planning or similar processes.
• Ability to communicate clearly with diverse groups, including senior level management, elected officials, subject matter experts, and other interested parties.
• Intermediate skill level for MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Visio, and database software.
• Ability to connect detailed analyses to big picture strategy
• Excellent time management, ability to work independently

Education involves energy policy, public policy, environmental science, business administration or related field. Qualifying education post High School or equivalent may be substituted year for year for experience.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 5 years of experience
• 4 years of experience and one year of education
• 3 years of experience and two years of education
• 2 years of experience and three years of education
• 1 year of experience and four years of education

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in energy policy, public policy, environmental science, business administration or related field
• Experience with GHG emissions accounting, modeling and tracking tools
• Experience with software and web-based tools for analytics and data visualization including Tableau, Power BI, and/or Socrata.
• Experience collaborating directly with tribal, rural, underrepresented communities and organizations
• Project management certification (PMP)

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 recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

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.

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.