Upper Southwest Regional Community Engagement Specialist (Program Specialist 5)
State of Washington, Bay View, Washington, United States
Upper Southwest Regional Community Engagement Specialist (Program Specialist 5)
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 our employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, 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.
Job Overview The Commerce Community Engagement Unit is committed to identifying and supporting historically excluded communities across the state. By fostering long‑term relationships with tribal leaders, community‑based organizations, elected officials, faith‑based groups, and informal community leaders, we ensure a no‑wrong‑door approach to access Commerce. The Upper Southwest Regional Community Engagement Specialist acts as Commerce’s expert community liaison for communities in the Upper Southwest Region (Grays Harbor, Lewis, Pierce, and Thurston Counties). The position proactively establishes and maintains positive ongoing relationships with community leaders of all types throughout the region to support the goal of strong, sustainable, equitable and vibrant communities.
Responsibilities include reporting emerging and urgent community needs to agency leadership and advising on program development that responds to local needs, emphasizing equitable access and investment of funding. The Specialist serves as a navigator for community leaders and groups to understand and access resources and funding. The role supports community involvement in a facilitative role and works collaboratively within the Community Engagement and Outreach Team.
Responsibilities
Manage community engagement efforts in the assigned region, serving as a regional expert and acting as an agency representative, coordinator, and liaison to communities.
Provide connections to agency programs and funding resources, actively tracking funding notices.
Plan and execute community events and meetings, including on‑site staffing for the Commerce Director, and recommend stakeholder engagement strategies.
Analyze Commerce funding data and other economic, public health or social justice indicators to research towns/cities and entities, conduct outreach, and maintain relationships with community leaders, elected officials, stakeholders, state agency partners, and potential customers.
Prepare comprehensive community engagement plans, listen to Commerce program needs, and use planning tools to design engagement across the continuum of practices.
Follow up on capacity‑building requests, assist communities in developing strategic action plans for accessing funding or programs, and consult on organizational capacity.
Monitor local news, community meeting minutes, and recordings weekly to understand unique needs of local areas, populations, communities, and tribes.
Organize, conduct, and facilitate large and small group workshops, meetings, training, and listening sessions in person and virtually.
Schedule monthly meetings with Governor’s Office Regional Outreach colleagues.
Prioritize multiple projects, manage time effectively, and use organizational tools to meet commitments.
Assist communities in navigating funding after disasters and emergency events, acting as the point of contact with local leadership and coordinating with state leadership.
Support strategic planning, meetings facilitation, and community engagement meetings or surveys to gather input for long‑term recovery processes.
Communications and Outreach
Maintain a list of contacts in the region.
Increase equitable access to resources by proactively engaging marginalized and underserved entities.
Collaborate with the Communications Division to develop and distribute clear and concise outreach materials and online content.
Support Special Projects
Provide planning consultation and day‑of staffing support for priority agency and divisional efforts to engage community and gather feedback or input on program design.
Contribute assignments from the Community Engagement and Outreach Division’s pilots or project‑based programs related to sharing community perspectives or needs in program design and planning.
Lead project aspects as requested by the supervisor.
Use regional expertise to address programmatic barriers and biases through presentations, reviews, and comments on written plans, applications, or policy.
Offer assistance to local communities in reviewing and assessing the effectiveness of their engagement and equity efforts.
Develop plans and recommendations for the most effective community engagement.
Qualifications
Required Position Qualifications:
Eight (8) years of combined experience and/or education as described below.
Experience in community or economic development, ideally with local, state, or tribal governments, non‑profits, and community‑based organizations, working with diverse and multicultural communities in at least two or more of the following areas:
Implementing capacity‑building efforts that support operational development and growth within an entity.
Presenting and facilitating large and small community groups.
Providing coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies.
Implementing community engagement principles and practices.
Working with the non‑profit, business, philanthropy, inter‑cultural, and legislative sectors, including successful experience navigating a political environment.
Developing outreach materials, external communication pieces such as reports, proposals, summaries, project plans, and newsletters.
Integrating equity, environmental and/or racial justice into organizational practices and policies.
Education in community development, economic development, public administration, communications or related field. Post‑High School or equivalent education can substitute for years of experience on a year‑for‑year basis.
Examples of how to qualify: 8 years of experience; 7 years of experience and 1 year of education; 6 years of experience and 2 years of education; 5 years of experience and 3 years of education; 4 years of experience and 4 years of education; 3 years of experience and 5 years of education; 2 years of experience and 6 years of education; 1 year of experience and 7 years of education.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Advanced facilitative skills, including planning, convening and facilitating meetings and events to successful outcomes.
Working knowledge of the Upper Southwest region in Washington, including the economy, communities, demographics and culture.
Knowledge of state, federal, local and other funding programs and mechanisms that can help meet community needs.
Knowledge of grant, loan and assistance programs managed by the Department of Commerce.
Required Position Competencies:
Effectively facilitates group interactions.
Provides clear, easy to comprehend messages and demonstrates excellent public speaking skills.
Exceptional interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to conduct outreach and invite engagement, initiate and maintain positive and effective relationships, and work collaboratively and effectively with a broad spectrum of individuals and groups internally and outside the agency.
Ability to communicate persuasively at all levels of the agency and externally.
Understanding of local, state level government, tribes and community organizations.
Effective listening, verbal, written and digital communication skills appropriate for a variety of audiences.
Highly developed anticipatory and creative thinking and problem‑solving abilities, including the ability to exercise sound judgment and discernment.
Ability to plan and coordinate successful completion of complex projects.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team to develop and achieve agency goals.
How to Apply
A complete and detailed online application.
A cover letter (entered online).
At least three professional references (entered online).
Contact: comrecruitment@commerce.wa.gov – reference the job number in your message.
Supplemental Information The position is based in Thurston County. 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. DES job seeker support may answer general questions at careershelp@des.wa.gov.
Benefits Department of Commerce offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and additional leave options. Employees and families are covered by medical, vision, and dental plans with affordable premiums and a flexible spending account. Eligibility for the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System and the Deferred Compensation Program is available. Federal Social Security and Medicare are covered, and public service loan forgiveness may be available. Additional details can be found in the Benefits Tab of the job posting.
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. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process can contact Human Resources at Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov.
Application Instructions Applicants must complete the online application, provide a cover letter, and supply at least three references. All questions and application components must be submitted electronically. For further information, contact the recruiting team.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 our employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, 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.
Job Overview The Commerce Community Engagement Unit is committed to identifying and supporting historically excluded communities across the state. By fostering long‑term relationships with tribal leaders, community‑based organizations, elected officials, faith‑based groups, and informal community leaders, we ensure a no‑wrong‑door approach to access Commerce. The Upper Southwest Regional Community Engagement Specialist acts as Commerce’s expert community liaison for communities in the Upper Southwest Region (Grays Harbor, Lewis, Pierce, and Thurston Counties). The position proactively establishes and maintains positive ongoing relationships with community leaders of all types throughout the region to support the goal of strong, sustainable, equitable and vibrant communities.
Responsibilities include reporting emerging and urgent community needs to agency leadership and advising on program development that responds to local needs, emphasizing equitable access and investment of funding. The Specialist serves as a navigator for community leaders and groups to understand and access resources and funding. The role supports community involvement in a facilitative role and works collaboratively within the Community Engagement and Outreach Team.
Responsibilities
Manage community engagement efforts in the assigned region, serving as a regional expert and acting as an agency representative, coordinator, and liaison to communities.
Provide connections to agency programs and funding resources, actively tracking funding notices.
Plan and execute community events and meetings, including on‑site staffing for the Commerce Director, and recommend stakeholder engagement strategies.
Analyze Commerce funding data and other economic, public health or social justice indicators to research towns/cities and entities, conduct outreach, and maintain relationships with community leaders, elected officials, stakeholders, state agency partners, and potential customers.
Prepare comprehensive community engagement plans, listen to Commerce program needs, and use planning tools to design engagement across the continuum of practices.
Follow up on capacity‑building requests, assist communities in developing strategic action plans for accessing funding or programs, and consult on organizational capacity.
Monitor local news, community meeting minutes, and recordings weekly to understand unique needs of local areas, populations, communities, and tribes.
Organize, conduct, and facilitate large and small group workshops, meetings, training, and listening sessions in person and virtually.
Schedule monthly meetings with Governor’s Office Regional Outreach colleagues.
Prioritize multiple projects, manage time effectively, and use organizational tools to meet commitments.
Assist communities in navigating funding after disasters and emergency events, acting as the point of contact with local leadership and coordinating with state leadership.
Support strategic planning, meetings facilitation, and community engagement meetings or surveys to gather input for long‑term recovery processes.
Communications and Outreach
Maintain a list of contacts in the region.
Increase equitable access to resources by proactively engaging marginalized and underserved entities.
Collaborate with the Communications Division to develop and distribute clear and concise outreach materials and online content.
Support Special Projects
Provide planning consultation and day‑of staffing support for priority agency and divisional efforts to engage community and gather feedback or input on program design.
Contribute assignments from the Community Engagement and Outreach Division’s pilots or project‑based programs related to sharing community perspectives or needs in program design and planning.
Lead project aspects as requested by the supervisor.
Use regional expertise to address programmatic barriers and biases through presentations, reviews, and comments on written plans, applications, or policy.
Offer assistance to local communities in reviewing and assessing the effectiveness of their engagement and equity efforts.
Develop plans and recommendations for the most effective community engagement.
Qualifications
Required Position Qualifications:
Eight (8) years of combined experience and/or education as described below.
Experience in community or economic development, ideally with local, state, or tribal governments, non‑profits, and community‑based organizations, working with diverse and multicultural communities in at least two or more of the following areas:
Implementing capacity‑building efforts that support operational development and growth within an entity.
Presenting and facilitating large and small community groups.
Providing coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies.
Implementing community engagement principles and practices.
Working with the non‑profit, business, philanthropy, inter‑cultural, and legislative sectors, including successful experience navigating a political environment.
Developing outreach materials, external communication pieces such as reports, proposals, summaries, project plans, and newsletters.
Integrating equity, environmental and/or racial justice into organizational practices and policies.
Education in community development, economic development, public administration, communications or related field. Post‑High School or equivalent education can substitute for years of experience on a year‑for‑year basis.
Examples of how to qualify: 8 years of experience; 7 years of experience and 1 year of education; 6 years of experience and 2 years of education; 5 years of experience and 3 years of education; 4 years of experience and 4 years of education; 3 years of experience and 5 years of education; 2 years of experience and 6 years of education; 1 year of experience and 7 years of education.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Advanced facilitative skills, including planning, convening and facilitating meetings and events to successful outcomes.
Working knowledge of the Upper Southwest region in Washington, including the economy, communities, demographics and culture.
Knowledge of state, federal, local and other funding programs and mechanisms that can help meet community needs.
Knowledge of grant, loan and assistance programs managed by the Department of Commerce.
Required Position Competencies:
Effectively facilitates group interactions.
Provides clear, easy to comprehend messages and demonstrates excellent public speaking skills.
Exceptional interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to conduct outreach and invite engagement, initiate and maintain positive and effective relationships, and work collaboratively and effectively with a broad spectrum of individuals and groups internally and outside the agency.
Ability to communicate persuasively at all levels of the agency and externally.
Understanding of local, state level government, tribes and community organizations.
Effective listening, verbal, written and digital communication skills appropriate for a variety of audiences.
Highly developed anticipatory and creative thinking and problem‑solving abilities, including the ability to exercise sound judgment and discernment.
Ability to plan and coordinate successful completion of complex projects.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team to develop and achieve agency goals.
How to Apply
A complete and detailed online application.
A cover letter (entered online).
At least three professional references (entered online).
Contact: comrecruitment@commerce.wa.gov – reference the job number in your message.
Supplemental Information The position is based in Thurston County. 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. DES job seeker support may answer general questions at careershelp@des.wa.gov.
Benefits Department of Commerce offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and additional leave options. Employees and families are covered by medical, vision, and dental plans with affordable premiums and a flexible spending account. Eligibility for the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System and the Deferred Compensation Program is available. Federal Social Security and Medicare are covered, and public service loan forgiveness may be available. Additional details can be found in the Benefits Tab of the job posting.
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. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process can contact Human Resources at Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov.
Application Instructions Applicants must complete the online application, provide a cover letter, and supply at least three references. All questions and application components must be submitted electronically. For further information, contact the recruiting team.
#J-18808-Ljbffr