Commerce Specialist 1

About the Department

Commerce Specialist 1
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 Housing Division (HD) partners with local governments, Tribes, housing authorities and nonprofits to develop and preserve affordable housing, promote individual and family self-sufficiency, and reduce adult and youth homelessness. 

This position reports to the HOU Assistant Managing Director (AMD).

This position provides professional level programmatic assistance and administrative support to the Homeownership Unit (HOU), including the Managing Director (MD), Assistant Managing Director (AMD), program managers and unit staff. 

This position is a member of the Lead Support Team and assists with the development and recommendation of division policies and best practices, with a substantial focus on development and implementation of the HOU admin procedures to ensure quality, streamlining, and cohesiveness that meet the needs of our internal and external customers. 

This position relies on knowledge of state government and administrative policies and procedures, office methods, research methods and data collection to support day-to-day functions and the smooth operation of the HOU.

This position may also provide support for special projects as assigned by the Managing Director, HOU’s Management Team, or the division Deputy Assistant Director or Assistant Director.

This position requires being in the Olympia office at least two times a week.

Position Duties

Homeownership programs development, maintenance, and implementation

Tasks include: 

• Develops, drafts, and reviews program guidelines for provisos and other special projects closely associated with legislative initiatives and intent.
• Provides advice and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders including but not limited to Assistant Directors, Managing Directors, and the Government Affairs & Policy Director or designee on the progress of program development which may include recommendations, considerations, and observations.
• Facilitates program peer-to-peer sessions and stakeholder comment periods, Participants may include grantees, local governments, advocacy groups, and external legislative representatives.

• Develops, updates, and monitors contracts, RFP development, and evaluation of reports for review by higher level program employees.
• Assist unit in data input, updates, and compilation in CMS, HMCS, and other systems. 
• Participates in funding round application review process to select funding recipients as a member of the review team.
• Manage sending and receiving HOU mail, scanning and forwarding it to the appropriate staff.
• Manage and maintain electronic and hard copy filing systems for Foreclosure Fairness, Manufactured Housing, and Capital Program files, and ensure program compliance with state and federal recordkeeping requirements.
• Coordinate responses to public records requests.  
• Assist unit management team with writing, updating, and improving processes, procedures, and desk manuals.
• Prepare program reports to the legislature, management, and/or external stakeholders.

Administrative support 

 Tasks include: 

• Act as liaison/coordinator with all agency offices, including but not limited to, the offices of Information Services, Human Resources, and Office Services and between the MD, AMD, and other staff members.
• Keep the MD and AMD aware of internal and external deadlines and maintains prioritization of work activities.
• Attend advisory meetings as assigned and conduct meeting scheduling, logistics, agendas, and note-taking for unit meetings and meetings with homeownership stakeholder groups and other advisory or stakeholder groups
• Update office policy and procedure manuals.
• Establish and ensure adherence to administrative protocols. Responsible for developing new office protocols and strategies or modifying existing ones. 
• Prepare responses to Governor’s Office referrals, correspondence, and phone calls for individuals asking for help finding or keeping housing.
• Track all unit documents routed for signatures.
• Track expenditures for assigned councils or workgroups.
• Manage the MD’s and AMD’s schedules, including regular meetings with staff and external clients.

• Coordinate training and conferences for all unit staff.
• Assist hiring managers with scheduling interviews and routing required documents to candidates and panelists.
• Assist unit supervisors with acquiring equipment and supplies and getting items to staff. 

• Participate in the Division Lead Support team and perform additional duties associated with division-wide support such as helping with division meetings and working collaboratively to develop division procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Position Qualifications: 

Five (5) years of combined experience and/or education as described below:

Experience in affordable housing, housing finance, real estate, homeless housing, victim services, human service organizations with a focus in two or more of the following areas:

• Administrative/clerical experience supporting a team
• Preparing written communications for various audiences 
• Interpreting and developing policies and procedures 
• Data entry and management
• Providing process development support to a team including but not limited to building auditing, records management, retention procedures, and creating process documents

Lived experience with housing instability and/or experience navigating and receiving services from public systems such as homeless and housing services systems, foster care, the criminal legal system, or behavioral health system may substitute for two years of professional experience.

• What is lived experience? Lived experiences is relevant expertise derived from the accumulated personal life and professional experiences of an individual. Experience can be gained through life events, volunteer role/capacity, any experience gained outside of professional paid and unpaid experience, academic or a combination of experiences. The above-listed experience will demonstrate that a candidate possesses the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies to successfully qualify for and perform the duties of the position.

Education involves housing finance, business, public administration or related field. Qualifying education post High School or equivalent may be substituted year for year for experience.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 5 years of experience 
• 4 years of experience and one year of education   
• 3 years of experience and two years of education   
• 2 years of experience and three years of education   
• 1 year of experience and four years of education   

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with database systems.
• Customer Service experience working in a variety of settings.
• Experience negotiating, developing, managing, and/or monitoring contracts. 
• Experience applying for and/or managing grants.

Required Position Competencies: 

• Ability to communicate fluently and effectively, both verbally and in writing; writing skills necessary to develop letters and provide summary reports; comprehension skills to successfully translate verbal and written information. 
• Ability to independently determine, organize, and prioritize workload. 
• Strong organizational and coordination skills to insure a smooth-flowing, productive work unit.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work with all levels of internal management and staff and maintain a respectful demeanor in stressful situations.
• Ability to meet commitments, accept accountability, set personal standards, maintain confidentiality and stay focused under pressure.
• Understanding and commitment to anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ability to assess a situation and independently take action
• Ability to anticipate future issues and strive to make things happen with a specific goal in mind.
• Intermediate experience managing complex assignments and projects using MS Outlook, Word and Excel. 
• Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple assignments and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong ability and desire to meet deadlines with quality work and high degree of accuracy.

To be considered for this position, the following are needed:

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

For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email: [email protected] - please reference the job number in your message.

Other Qualifications

This position requires being in the Olympia office at least two times a week.  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. 

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

Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at [email protected].
 
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 email Human Resources at [email protected].  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.
               
Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Supplemental Questions

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Agency Information

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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov