Policy and Strategic Initiatives Manager (EMS 2)

State of Washington•Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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
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
A complete and detailed online application.
A cover letter (enter online).
At least three professional references (enter online).

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.