Policy and Strategic Initiatives Manager (EMS 2)

Policy and Strategic Initiatives Manager (EMS 2) 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. The objective of the Policy and Strategic Initiatives Manager is to initiate and support division-wide legislative and policy initiatives that will substantially advance the organization's mission to strengthen communities as well as to lead special strategic projects to effective completion. The position is a key advisor to the Division, including the director's office and management team, on complex policy and legislative issues and special and strategic initiatives. The position is responsible for researching, analyzing, and developing effective policy proposals, bill analysis and fiscal notes that enhance the agency mission and programs. The position also is responsible to lead and deliver outcomes for highly visible public policy and legislative initiatives. The position's impact is highly consequential in terms of the quality, visibility and professionalism of the agency's carrying out of new policy initiatives. In the course of carrying out policy and legislative work, the position works directly with high-level agency management, policy, legislative, research and other staff within the agency and with other agencies. The incumbent also works with the Governor's Office and relevant legislative staff and legislators. This position also establishes and maintains effective working relationships with industry representatives and national policy, governmental and academic organizations. The position provides professional level technical and facilitation consultation to both formal and informal teams across the organization. The incumbent represents the agency on committees and boards and with stakeholder groups, legislative committees and professional organizations and entities as assigned by the Assistant Director. This position can be based in Seattle or Olympia - and will follow a hybrid schedule.

The position is responsible to:

• Serve as a lead legislative and policy advisor to the assistant director, OEDC, and on economic development issues to the agency as a whole.

Provide advice and counsel to leadership team, economy leads on various matters pertaining to the division.

Including:

small business financial capability, business development, trade, workforce development, innovation economy, legislative priorities and most effective forms of communication with the leg. and other issues as assigned.

• Serve as a core member of the division leadership team, collaborating with the AD, DAD, managing directors to provide leadership program management, policy guidance, resource management and program direction.
• Communicate and help advance policy, special and strategic initiatives within and outside the agency.
• Effectively leads highly complex policy development efforts that involve engagement and facilitation of stakeholders with diverse and potentially conflicting interests, and that may involve unproven or untried policy approaches and/or politically charged environments.
• Performs advanced level research and analysis to develop recommendations on policy positions, programs, and strategies at the state and national levels, as appropriate. Assist with compilation and analysis of data and reports and workgroup recommendations as well as strategy and execution of effective communications. Present to key stakeholders to seek strategic input on initial direction.
• Serve as the legislative lead to review and analyze legislative proposals and budget packages, prepare fiscal notes and bill analysis of pending legislation affecting the Division.
• Anticipate needs and opportunities for the division and advice on policy direction, communications, and actions.
• At the direction of the Assistant Director, work with departments across government and economic and community stakeholders to build connections between various levels of government, community not for profits and businesses to better achieve the agencies mission to strengthen communities.
• Initiate, analyze and make recommendations on proposed legislation and regulations.
• At the direction of the Assistant Director and Deputy Assistant Director, speak on behalf of the agency at legislative hearings, public events, committees and boards, and with the media.
• In the absence of the Assistant Director, this position may act on their behalf representing the division and agency on legislative and policy matters.
• Provide expert-level technical assistance to communities, commerce teams and stakeholders on assigned special projects, initiative implementation efforts, and implement new or improved policies.
• As directed by the AD, envisioned to serve as project lead for special divisional, legislative, and gubernatorial strategic initiatives that are related to OEDC.
• Lead and/or contribute to agency priority policy, planning and other strategic efforts.
• Lead the Division's Legislative workflow that includes but not limited to; bill tracking, drafting bill/proviso language, legislative reports, post-session learning, and coordinating and advising legislative work session/hearing presentations.
• If/ as OEDC's budget grows, supervise strategic and special initiatives staff.
• Lead Associate Development Organization (ADO) strategy and relations, maximizing the partnership and its results.
• Analyze what is needed, propose a vision, strategy and course of action, and assist in packaging and formatting key messages to external stakeholders such as to the leg, the ADOs, businesses in WA, local governments, etc.

Required Education, and Experience:

Any combination of Eight (8) total years of experience. This could be gained by a combination of relevant education beyond high school equivalency and/or professional-level experience in trade, economic development, financial services, or related field.

Experience must include the following:

• Minimum five years of experience in public policy, including research, analysis and writing
• Minimum of 3 years trade, economic development, financial services, or business-related work.

Education involves study in public/business administration, public policy, economics or a related field.

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 education
• 5 years of experience and three years of education

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies:

• Master's degree or other related professional certifications strongly desired
• Strategic planning experience
• Budgeting experience
• Extensive experience with state and local legislative processes
• Demonstrated project management experience

Required Position Competencies:

• Strong written, verbal and presentation skills
• Ability to engage and build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• High level facilitative and collaborative skills
• Ability to write, read and interpret legislation and laws
• Understanding of state legislative process 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. This position can be based in Seattle or Olympia 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 is likely to 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 . 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. 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.