Public Disclosure Specialist (PS5)

About the Department

*INTERNAL ONLY*

Public Disclosure Specialist (PS5)
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.

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.

This position serves as the Department of Commerce’s senior specialist and lead authority for all public disclosure responsibilities under RCW 42.56. This position independently administers the agency’s public records program, ensuring consistent, timely, and legally compliant public disclosure of records across all Commerce divisions.

The position provides expert-level consultation to agency leadership, program managers, and staff on statutory requirements, agency policy, and disclosure procedures. It develops and delivers agency-wide guidance and training to ensure staff understand their responsibilities in identifying, compiling, and transmitting records for disclosure within required timelines.

This position exercises delegated decision making authority to evaluate public records requests, determine applicable exemptions, apply required redactions, and ensure protected information is managed in accordance with state and federal law. The role coordinates complex public disclosure activities, oversees legal documentation such as affidavits and sworn statements, and ensures defensible compliance with the Public Records Act. It serves as the primary point of contact for the public and external partners, including the Attorney General’s Office, regarding all Commerce public disclosure records inquiries.

This position directs daily operational activities of the public disclosure program, supervises professional staff, and ensures consistency, accuracy, and compliance across all phases of the disclosure process. This position is critical to maintaining transparency, public trust, and operational integrity within the Department of Commerce.

This position is duty stationed at the Olympia office and will be required to be in-office 2 days per week. 

Position Duties

Public Disclosure Program Management:
•Provide administrative direction and oversite of the agency’s public disclosure management system which ensures accurate and effective processing of all public records requests.
•Maintain authoritative and up to date knowledge of PRA case law and legislative changes to the PRA.
•Complete an expert level review of all requests to determine the scope of the requests and seek clarification, determine which division or divisions have responsive records.
•Demonstrate expert level of proficiency with advanced technologies used for public records searches (E-discovery e-mail searches, SMARSH text message searches, Everlaw production of e-mail from E-discovery into pdf format for redacting).
•Oversee the review and redaction of sensitive, exempt and privileged information to ensure full legal requirements under the PRA RCW 42.56.
•Provide authoritative interpretation from reviewing requests of the PRA requirements and communicating those as needed with requestors and agency Stakeholders.
•Identify requests of a complex and sensitive nature and escalate appropriately for legal consultation with the AG.
•Ensure that statutory timelines are met, such as the five-day letter, and directs workload assignments across the public disclosure unit.
•Directs public disclosure requests to division records coordinators to oversee timely collection of responsive records.
•Applies exemptions or redacts accurately and consistently to ensure a defensible outcome.
•Provides expert advice and consultation agency wide to public disclosure inquiries.
•Serve as an agency subject matter expert on public disclosure requirements, procedures and compliance obligations for the agency PRA program.
•Provides professional expert customer focused communications that reflects the transparency of public service and the PRA.
•Advises agency leadership and staff on public disclosure laws and risks along with best practices.
•Applies expert sound judgement and problem-solving skills and evaluates complex situations and provides recommended and effective solutions.
•Provides clear and concise written communication to both internal and external individuals.
•Ensures accurate records management that is aligned with legal required retention policies.

Lead the development and continuous improvement of agency procedures and guidance for public disclosure (PRA) compliance:
•Conduct annual review of the public disclosure policy and procedure and identify gaps and needed updates and improvements.
•Authors policy updates to align with legislative changes, case law and operational needs.
•Provides expert guidance to staff to ensure consistent interpretation of agency public disclosure procedures and tasks.
•Partners with the Policy administrator for policy review approval and updates.
•Ensure the public disclosure policy is written clearly and is understood by staff and is consistent with legal operations.

Supervise professional staff in the public Disclosure unit, ensuring high performance, accountability and encourages professional development:
•Provide direct supervision, direction and oversight as needed to a team of professional staff.
•Delegate workload and helps establish priorities and assign responsibilities to ensure a balanced distribution of caseloads.
•Deliver ongoing guidance with professional guidance and feedback to staff.
•Evaluate employee performance and recommend corrective action if needed.
•Identifies and addresses workplace to support a productive and collaborative work and team environment.
•Encourages professional growth and supports staff achieving development goals and encourages appropriate training opportunities.
•Assess unit training needs and coordinate skill building activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
Eight (8) years of professional-level experience and/or education that involves processing public records requests, policy analysis, business administration or related field. Experience must include:
•One (1) or more years (full-time equivalency) of experience supervising staff.

Examples of how to qualify:
•Eight (8) years of professional level experience in processing public records requests, policy analysis, business administration or related field totaling eight (8) years.
•Seven (7) years of experience and one (1) year of education.
•Six (6) years of experience and two (2) years of education.
•Five (5) years of experience and three (3) years of education.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
•Completed Attorney General public disclosure training.
•Strong working knowledge of RCW 42.56 and related disclosure requirements.
•Sound, independent decision-making abilities.
•Advanced analytical and evaluation skills.
•Consistent, timely completion of work.

Position Competencies:
Knowledge and Creativity: Develop and maintain a knowledge base, including a deep understanding of Commerce programs, authorities, and resources and creativity that facilitates high-level problem-solving. Demonstrate leadership to achieve consistent outcomes that addresses a client’s needs while achieving the Agency’s mission.
•Understand the organization's vision, mission, functions, resources, values, culture, business strategies, and the origin and reasoning behind key policies, practices, and procedures.
•Maintains and considers the perspective of broad agency and program priorities in relation to own programs and priorities.
•Comprehends and clearly describes the purpose of programs and projects, linking work to the organization's mission and emphasizing state/agency goals.
•Understands and articulates connections between strategies and agency priorities.
•Builds credibility, internally and externally, by demonstrating personal commitment and through clear and effective communication.
Strategic Thinking: Develop innovative ideas that provide solutions to all types of workplace challenges. Ability to see around the corners. Display balanced thinking that combines tactical and strategic approaches, producing decisions that withstand “the test of time.”
•Sees and employs opportunities for creative problem-solving while staying within the parameters of good practice; generates unique but workable and useful solutions to complex problems. Considers a full range of perspectives.
•Visualizes potential problems and solutions even when tangible evidence is lacking. Notices similarities between current and past situations and considers impacts.
• Identifies the internal and external considerations that impact the organization's work; effectively formulates and proposes strategies to adjust for them.
•Articulately describes strategies and directions to help others understand, developing commitment to new strategic directions.
•Uses strategic thinking to observe and evaluate social, fiscal, and political trends that affect the agency.
• Allocates and manages budget and resources effectively and responsibly. Is deliberate and efficient in the assignment of resources for their full utilization; redirects and mobilizes resources as necessary.
Decision Making: Use knowledge and understanding of the organizational and political climate to make decisions and take actions that recognize, appreciate, and value diverse interests and contribute effectively to organizational goals. Make timely decisions without sacrificing quality, even under ambiguous circumstances or when data is limited.
•Recognizes when a decision must be made and moves forward with that decision. Is willing an able to make the “hard/difficult” decisions.
•Moves quickly to find common ground for solutions among diverse interests.
•Demonstrates adaptability in the event a decision is determined unsatisfactory. Takes responsibility, fixes it, and moves forward.
•Make corrections and adjustments quickly and readily when results are not being achieved or circumstances change.
•Exercises calculated risk taking, using comprehensive consideration and good judgement. Considers the impact of decision on co-workers and other organizational units.
•Willingly acts and advocates for an important position or organizational objective, even though it may be unpopular.
Trust and Integrity: Earn trust, respect and confidence of co-workers and clients through consistent honesty, forthrightness and professionalism in all interactions. Show fairness and objectivity at all times, ensuring that professional judgement, rather than personal opinion, is the basis for Agency decisions. Lead by example and set standards for professional behavior.
•Earn the trust of others by consistently being an exemplary role model.
•Keeps promises and commitments made to others; meets goals and deadlines.
•Adheres to an appropriate and effective set of core values/beliefs and acts in accordance with those values at all times. Represents agency Core Competencies.
•Demonstrates ethical behavior and impresses its importance upon others. Knows when a conflict of interest may be present and acts responsibly.
•Uses the public’s funds and resources appropriately.
Performance and Accountability: Create and nurture a performance-based culture that supports efforts to accomplish the organizational mission and goals. Influence others within the organization to be motivated and committed to furthering the organization’s objectives.
•Effectively communicates goals and strategies in a manner that motivates others; demonstrating enthusiasm and linking mission/vision/values to everyday work.
•Acts as a positive influence on others; positively impacts morale. Actively supports and champions the good ideas and work of others. Recognizes and celebrates workplace success and achievement.
•Establishes clear, realistic, measurable goals and objectives to ensure others understand the directions

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

Work from Anywhere in Washington State
This position is duty stationed in the Olympia office. 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 (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

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