Description

At the Department of Commerce (Commerce), we are creative, collaborative, and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities, we cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and we own our work.

The Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness (OEDC) partners with local, regional and international economic development agencies, companies, site selectors and decision makers to strengthen communities and grow Washington’s economy through increased exports, investment, retention and expansion.

The Contract & Project Manager (CS3) is part of the Grants, Contracts and Procurement Unit within the Department of Commerce’s Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness. This position conducts project management activities with little technical oversight for OEDC projects especially as they related to small business and rural development, The primary responsibility is to manage assigned OEDC projects, contract administration, assist with procurement, technical assistance to stakeholders, consultation with work groups, and project assessment and reporting in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations.

This posting may be used to fill other vacant positions within 60 days once position is filled.

Duties

The Contract & Project Manager (CS3) works with OEDC clients, stakeholders, elected officials and their staff, accounting staff, as well as federal and state program staff. This work includes negotiating, drafting, executing and managing project/program contracts; processing all associated invoices, and managing project applicants and stakeholders. Here are some of the duties performed in this role.

Oversight of Project, Fiscal, and Contract Management Activities

• Manage contracts and programs as assigned.
• Research programmatic requirements and applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and legislative directives to manage projects.
• Maintain cooperative relationships and communication with Commerce, OEDC clients, elected officials, stakeholders, as well as federal and state program staff.
• Monitor contractor compliance with technical aspects of sometimes very complex contracts.
• Ensure implementation of all contractor deliverables is obtained and state and federal requirements are met in a timely manner.
• Manage accounts payable functions for all assigned contracts.
• Notifies supervisor of discrepancies or issues during contract period.
• Manage projects using Contract Management System.
• Understand and communicate project compliance conditions such as: contract documentation requirements; insurance requirements; funding; and related state/federal law and programmatic policy.
• Develop and coordinate documentation to support the Executive Order 05-05 cultural review process, if applicable.

Technical assistance

• Provide technical assitance to clients and stakeholders on assigned OEDC projects.
• Develop and present programatic, contract management, and other training onsite, at conferences, and workshops, as needed.
• Develop reference materials for assigned OEDC projects and associated tasks.
• Alert clients to key project milestones and guide them through the time extension, project closure, and contract close out processes.

Contract Procurement

• Provide services on state and federal contracting regulations, policies and procedures. Ensures to obtain the tools and knowledge necessary to execute proper contracts as required by RCW, WAC, SAAM, federal and agency policy.
• Liaise with OEDC Commerce Specialist 5 and Commerce’s Chief Legal Officer to remain current on contract law and the administrative guidance from the state.
• Ensure all policy initiatives relating to procurement are being executed in an effective and efficient fashion. Specific examples include which contracts have to be competitively procured, filed with DES, posted on the Commerce website, and which must be posted on WEBS.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• BA bachelor's degree (professional level experience may substitute year for year for the degree).

AND

• Three years of professional experience in procurement or contract management, or related discipline.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Outstanding written and verbal English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Ability to translate complex technical, regulatory, and financial services specifications into digestible information for consumers.
• Demonstrated skill in writing concisely, clearly, accurately, objectively and with appropriate analytical rigor about policy and regulatory issues that may be technically complex.
• Professional-level proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel. Aptitude for learning new software.
• Demonstrated record of abilities and experience related to development, implementation, and monitoring of projects and programs
• Demonstrated experience with development, negotiation, and monitoring of procurements and contracts.
• Track record of establishing and maintaining outstanding relationships with external partners, stakeholders and customers
• Experience in working with stakeholders and subject matter experts to solve complex analytical problems.
• Knowledge of state or local retirement security initiatives.
• Skills in administering a Content Management System (CMS) or similar online platform for a general public audience.
• Advanced skills in program development and operations in the field of small business development or consumer financial capability.
• Skills and experience in developing interactive web-based applications that translate technical requirements into actionable information.
• Outreach and/or marketing experience.

Supplemental Information

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

• 
  A complete and detailed online application;
• A Cover letter (enter online);
• At least three (3) professional references (enter online).

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application. All information may be verified and documentation may be required. For questions about this recruitment, please contact Jose Dominguez at 360-810-0182 or jose.dominguez@commerce.wa.gov.

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 remote or have a hybrid schedule. However, it is anticipated that interviews for this position will be held using virtual videoconferencing. You will work with your supervisor to identify an appropriate work schedule and balance, including telework and reporting to a duty station for work activities, if needed.

Important Notice
Per Governor Inslee’s Directive #22-13.1, state employees must be fully vaccinated prior to your first day of employment. Your vaccine status will be verified prior to an offer of employment. Please reach out to Human Resources Specialist Jimmie Wimberly at jimmie.wimberly@commerce.wa.gov if you need information on medical or religious accommodation.

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 call Human Resources at (360) 725-2650.