Description

This position works within the State Efficiency and Environmental Performance Office (SEEP) in the Energy Division. This position is responsible for providing supervision of professional staff and is the primary program manager for the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) program in the SEEP Office. This position leads implementation of Executive Order 21-04 (Zero Emissions Vehicles) and directs efforts related to state fleet electrification. This position works closely with internal and external stakeholders including state agencies, the Governor’s Office, the SEEP Governing Council, and state program and policy partners.

The SEEP Office supports and guides state agency efforts related to electric vehicles (EVs), energy-efficient and zero energy facilities, sustainable purchasing and clean electricity. It identifies and pursues opportunities to fund cost-effective improvements in state agency environmental performance.

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

Duties

• Plans, develops, and tracks ZEV program goals and objectives in accordance with EO 21-04, seeking input from internal and external subject matter experts and stakeholders as needed.
• Implements and oversees requirements of EO 21-04 including fleet electrification implementation plans, vehicle purchase exemption criteria, data analysis and reporting, and corrective measures.
• Oversees the coordination with program managers at the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) and works collaboratively to drive progress towards the fleet electrification targets in EO 21-04.
• Ensures that implementation guidance for EO 21-04 prioritizes Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) deployment in overburdened communities.
• Works to build strong collaborative relationships that will support the work of SEEP and the State Energy Office, both internally to Commerce and externally with stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with Energy Office staff focused on transportation electrification and ZEVs, and represent the SEEP Office at interagency meetings and other collaborative opportunities related to the duties of the position.
• Supports the participation of the SEEP Director in the Interagency Electric Vehicle Coordinating Council (IEVCC) and serves as a back-up at IEVCC meetings when the SEEP Director is unavailable.
• Provide regular updates to Energy Division staff and management on ZEV initiatives.
• Oversees staff conducting program coordination, evaluation, and alignment of processes and policies, ensuring compliance with relevant state and federal regulations.
• Provides leadership and supervision of team of professional staff including program planners, coordinators and support staff.
• Develops and recommends statewide policies for programs within area of supervision.
• Ensures program data is current and accessible to facilitate inquiries and reporting of key metrics.
• Organizes, leads, and solicits input from program advisory groups, technical experts, and external stakeholders to advance program goals.
• Handles service problems professionally and efficiently and follows established procedures to solve customer problems.
• Oversees outreach and communications to generate interest in fleet electrification programs and services.
• Represents agency at professional meetings and conferences.
• Coordinates with others to streamline processes, develop best practices, and implement program delivery improvements.
• Oversees the application of federal/state laws, executive orders and regulations.
• Oversees the long-range budgetary planning and organizational design for the ZEV program and related activities.
• Oversees program budgets and expenditures. Monitors contractor and grantee expenditures, compliance with deliverables, and reporting to ensure projects are implemented on time and within budget.
• Collaborates with state agency partners to develop budget proposals and ensure sufficient funding is available to meet the goals of EO 21-04.
• Finalizes and submits budget proposals for approval by the SEEP Director and executive SEEP Governing Council.
• Provides strategic oversight to identify, develop, and target funding opportunities that align with ZEV program goals and targets.
• Leads development and coordination of project/proposal team. Aligns approach and brings together key partners and funding match requirements.
• Leads staff members in the development and administration of request for proposals and procurement processes.
• Convenes and facilitates application review and makes funding recommendations to management.
• Oversees contract and grant development and provides direction to ZEV program staff conducting the grant application and funding process
• Serves as subject matter expert in provide technical assistance to contractors as fiscal discrepancies and/or issues arise or as requested by contractors.
• Supervise a team of professional staff.
• Oversee all work performed for the solar energy grant programs, and any related direct appropriations.
• Delegate workload responsibilities, priorities, and assignments to staff.
• Provide regular feedback, coaching, and guidance to staff.
• Evaluate staff performance and address concerns as necessary.
• Recommend corrective or disciplinary action to the Supervisor.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• 
  Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or related field (Additional professional level work experience in community, trade, or economic development may be substituted year-or-year for Bachelor’s degree).

AND

• Five years of professional level experience in community, trade or economic development which include at least one year of supervisory or managerial experience.

Competencies:

• Strong communication skills, demonstrating an ability to clearly convey information and ideas to individuals and groups through a variety of communications modes, including formal presentations and informal discussions. Practices attentive and active listening.
• Develops challenging but achievable goals, has excellent follow-through, approaches challenging tasks and obstacles with a “can-do” attitude. Works with honesty and integrity, keeps commitments, takes ownership of work and one’s own actions, and seeks opportunities for improvement
• Stays focused under pressure, performs duties with minimal supervision, uses time efficiently and effectively to accomplish priorities. Motivates and encourages project team members to persevere through change and adversity, skillfully negotiates competing needs and priorities, and facilitates consensus-based decision-making when appropriate.
• Operates within the organization's formal and informal structures, builds allies and relationships across the division and agency, seeks to understand others' roles and perspectives, and navigates organizational structure with diplomacy and goodwill.
• Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and 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.
• Effectively adjusts to changes in work processes and environment and alters behavior to align with evolving situations. Openly receives new ideas and accepts other perspectives.
• Skilled in the use of computers and database applications. Learns new technology quickly, keeps abreast of changes, use computers to improve productivity.

Desired Qualifications:

• Three years’ experience managing energy projects or working in the energy sector. Solid knowledge of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
• Two years’ experience navigating and complying with federal and state procurement, contracting, and budgeting policies and practices.
• Experience collaborating with marginalized communities, Tribal communities and vulnerable populations and/or experience centering equity in program design and implementation.
• Advanced level proficiency in project management software, MS Office Suite, contract management databases, cloud-based productivity tools

Supplemental Information

I want to work for Commerce! How do I apply?

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

• 
  A complete and detailed online application
• A letter of interest (enter online);
• At least three professional references (enter online).

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement

For questions about this recruitment, please contact Lindsey Henderson at 360-725-2652 or Lindsey.Henderson@Commerce.wa.gov.

Who we are:

At Commerce, we're a little different. But for you, it might just be the perfect fit. We're a state agency but operate like a business with the understanding we need to know our customer's needs to fulfill them. Our Olympia offices are open Monday through Friday (flexible schedules are available). Our parking is free and many of our employees bike year round.

Washington State offers commuting programs, including free, subsidized and reduced public transportation incentives. There are approximately 520 employees in our agency. We are committed to our work and value balance in our personal lives. We hire people for a position and encourage them to train for growth opportunities.

If this sounds like a good fit for you and you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply today!

What we do:

We are the lead state agency charged with strengthening communities. We administer a diverse portfolio of programs and services, and we support several state boards and commissions.

Our key customers include businesses, local governments and community-based organizations. We also play the crucial role of convening numerous local, state, regional and federal partners and stakeholders, public and private. Together we work to support the Governor's priorities and achieve shared goals and objectives for the citizens of Washington.

Work From Anywhere...
This position may be located remote within Washington state; however, there is an expectation of commute to the Olympia office to attend regularly scheduled meetings, yet to be determined. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction while observing social distancing. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected. When approved to return, the incumbent will work with their supervisor to identify an appropriate work schedule and balance, including telework and reporting to the Olympia, Washington duty station for work activities, if needed.

Where we work:

Commerce's main office is located in Olympia; however we also have locations in downtown Seattle and Spokane.

Olympia

As the state's capitol, Olympia is located off Interstate 5 at the south end of the Puget Sound roughly half-way between Seattle and Portland, and less than a two hour drive to the coast, temperate rainforest, mountains, urban city, or farmlands. With year-round art festivals, parades, theater shows, concerts, and community events, Olympia and its surrounding cities have something for everyone. For parents, it boasts some of the best schools in the nation and the renowned HandsOn Children's Museum. Home to two universities (The Evergreen State College and Saint Martin's University), Olympia residents also have the opportunity to pursue a degree while working!

Spokane

Spokane is located in the heart of the Inland Northwest and is the second most populous city in Washington. The Spokane River runs through the city and beautiful Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane. An array of enjoyable outdoor activities are right out our back door; including ski resorts, white-water rafting, camping areas, hiking trails, lakes, and the Centennial trail. Amazed by the arts? Show some love to your artistic side with a trip to the Spokane Region. Broadway performances, intriguing art galleries, world-class museums and powerful stage performances are waiting to be discovered.

Seattle

Being surrounded by greenery year round has earned the Seattle the nickname of the Emerald City. Seattle is an exciting urban city surrounded by unmatched natural beauty with a wide variety of outdoor attractions within the city such as Discovery Park and Olympic Sculpture Park. Feel like getting away from the city? Seattle is centrally located surrounded by the Puget Sound and miles of hiking trails within driving distance. Seattle is home to a variety of attractions to include the Seattle Art Museum, Pike Place Market, and historic Pioneer Square. Art and Culture more your style? Seattle is home to more than 100 theater companies, the Seattle Symphony, as well as museums and galleries. Sports enthusiast? Seattle is home to professional football, soccer and baseball teams as well as a variety of collegiate sports to choose from.

Additional Information:

The Washington State Department of Commerce complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal Form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.

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 call Human Resources at (360) 725-2650. 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.