Director of New Market Business Development, Exempt

Overview Description Director of New Market Business Development, Exempt Recruitment #2026-3-A254 Full-time, Exempt, Non-represented Location: Natural Resources Building – Olympia, WA Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered Relocation Compensation may be available and considered Salary: $125,016 - $145,824 Annually About The Washington Department Of Natural Resources The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) protects Washington State’s heritage of natural resources by sustainably managing millions of acres of state lands in forests, under the sea and across agricultural plains. DNR has an annual operating budget of approximately $245 million and has over 1300 permanent employees with approximately 500 additional staff hired during the summer fire season. Responsibilities About The Position The Director of New Market Business Development is a senior leadership role within the State Uplands program responsible for identifying, evaluating, and advancing innovative business opportunities that strengthen the long-term performance and sustainability of DNR’s uplands portfolio. Reporting directly to the Deputy Supervisor for State Uplands and serving at the pleasure of the statewide elected Commissioner of Public Lands, this position functions as a strategic catalyst for portfolio diversification, revenue innovation, and emerging market participation. As a member of the Uplands Leadership Team, the Director directs and coordinates cross-division efforts related to innovation in business and operational models. The Director is responsible for advancing the priorities of DNR by integrating carbon life-cycle science, pursuing innovative revenue opportunities, and challenging traditional land management approaches to support climate-responsive, forward-thinking stewardship of trust lands. Key Responsibilities Identify and evaluate new business lines and market opportunities within the uplands portfolio, including carbon sequestration, ecological harvesting, ecosystem services, commercial recreation, new trust land acquisition, and participation in mass timber markets Develop strategies to diversify asset classes and enhance reliability and consistency of trust revenue streams Research and analyze market conditions, emerging trends, and organizational capacity gaps Collaborate across programs to pilot, refine, and scale new business initiatives Provide professional briefings and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and decision-makers Develop legislative concepts, policy proposals, and decision packages that advance new market opportunities Financial and Portfolio Innovation Propose alternative funding mechanisms to support uplands management activities, including exploration of voluntary fund structures Identify authorities, policies, and processes enabling capital retention and reinvestment in profitable asset classes Advance strategies that improve cash flow management, asset performance, and long-term portfolio value Leadership and Partnership Build and sustain collaborative relationships across DNR divisions, executive leadership, and external partners Engage with Tribes, local governments, beneficiaries, industry stakeholders, and community partners to advance shared objectives Promote inclusive workplace practices and model principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion Continuously seek opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and stewardship of state resources Qualifications The Ideal Candidate DNR seeks a forward-thinking and collaborative leader who brings curiosity, strategic vision, and disciplined execution to emerging opportunities in natural resource markets. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to balance innovation with fiduciary responsibility while building alignment among diverse stakeholders. The Preferred Candidate Will Demonstrate Knowledge of ecosystem service and emerging natural resource markets Ability to develop business plans, financial models, and budgets Strong relationship-building skills with public and private partners Comfort convening diverse stakeholders and facilitating collaborative processes Political awareness and ability to operate effectively within an elected leadership environment Experience forming public private partnerships Capacity to translate visionary concepts into actionable strategies and implementation steps Skill in analyzing complex and sensitive issues and guiding initiatives through uncertainty Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver timely strategic recommendations Strong problem-solving and financial analysis capabilities Visionary leadership and strategic planning capability Cultural competency and effectiveness in cross cultural environments Skill navigating complex planning, policy, and stakeholder landscapes Strong relationship-building capacity across industry, environmental, Tribal, and governmental partners Commitment to workforce equity and inclusive leadership Political acuity and credibility with decision-makers Creativity, openness, and accessibility in leadership approach Ability to influence, align, and mobilize others toward shared outcomes Desired Qualifications A bachelor’s degree in natural resources, business, finance, or a related field and at least seven years of professional experience in natural resource management, including experience with ecosystem service and carbon sequestration markets Key Behavioral Competencies All employees of the DNR are required to consistently demonstrate the following core competencies: Personal Accountability Value Others Compassionate Communication Inspire Others Commitment to Excellence Live and Work in a Great State Washington State offers a total work/life package of pay, benefits, flexibility and workplace opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Washington is a great place to work, play, and be part of a community. The position is located in Olympia, the capital city of Washington State, with nearby natural beauty and a vibrant community. The position is located in Olympia, WA. Olympia is a vibrant city with a small-town feel between Seattle and Portland, Oregon. Supplemental Information Application Requirements Persons interested in this position must submit a cover letter and a current resume. For first-round consideration, please submit materials by May 11, 2026 at www.karrasconsulting.net under “view open positions.” For questions, call Marissa Karras at 360-956-1336. The annual salary range is $125,016 - $145,824. The starting salary may be less than the maximum. The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer and supports diversity in its workforce. Assistance is provided to applicants with disabilities upon request. Benefits Overview Washington State offers a comprehensive benefits package with health, retirement, paid leave, and other programs. Details vary by appointment type. Read about our benefits and eligibility in the job posting. Updated 01-07-2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr