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NEOGOV · 1 day ago

Commerce Specialist 4

Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$70K/yr - $94K/yr

8+ years exp

NEOGOV is part of the Washington State Department of Commerce, which focuses on innovative solutions for community development and economic growth. The Commerce Specialist 4 role involves serving as a technical specialist for the Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP), providing guidance and assistance to local governments and utilities in optimizing infrastructure improvements for affordable housing projects.

GovTechHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologySoftware

Responsibilities

Enhance access to the CHIP program through strategic outreach and the delivery of consultative, expertise-driven technical assistance related to capital facilities

Develop a comprehensive outreach and technical assistance program to help communities understand the CHIP grant program and identify suitable projects for CHIP program applications. Deliver effective presentations and training sessions through various platforms (in-person, conference calls, webinars, video recordings) to disseminate information and engage stakeholders

Partners with communities in the preliminary development of CHIP applications and prioritize strategic opportunities that enhance housing development ensuring alignment with funding criteria and community needs in preparation for the CHIP grant application process

Using subject matter expertise, provide expert hands-on technical assistance to cities, counties and utilities to unlock housing capacity through strategic capital facility investments and selecting projects for CHIP assistance

Aid small and rural communities in identifying eligible projects for the Connecting Housing to Infrastructure through coordination with Housing Trust Fund and other funding technical assistance teams that provide capacity building or pre-application support

Develop and distribute document templates and guidance materials for potential applicants and stakeholders enhancing the quality of project submissions for funding consideration

Support CHIP manager with strategic program evaluation

Lead comprehensive and high-level strategic evaluations of the CHIP program related to supporting affordable housing projects and unlocking housing capacity. Gather, process, and analyze complex data sets from all grant applicants and those that receive funds to assess the use of CHIP funds

Conduct in-depth analysis of program data and legislative requirements to create detailed reports and articulate success and challenges in meeting housing need with CHIP funding

Develop and propose innovative strategies that improve accountability, enhance decision-making processes, optimize resource allocation, and effectively manage associated risks

Formulate actionable recommendations that drive impactful policy changes and enhance community housing solutions

Develop presentations and written reports that communicate findings to stakeholders ensuring clarity and fostering understanding of program impacts

Manage complex CHIP contracts

Using subject matter expertise, negotiate complex contracts for CHIP funding, including issues related to project eligibility, securitization, and other grant terms necessary to execute contract

Identify, research and resolve contractual issues and elevate when necessary

Provides expert guidance to grantees on prevailing wage requirements, funding structures (loans vs. grants), eligible activities and project types; resolves programmatic issues through coordination with partner agencies and policy makers to ensure contract compliance

Perform compliance checks, including reviewing monitoring activities from other funding partners to meet long term affordability requirement for CHIP projects

Support communities in capital facilities fee programs related to CHIP funding

Provide technical assistance on proportional system development charge programs and fee waiver programs, offering examples, reviewing draft ordinances, and suggesting improvements

Other duties as assigned

May represent the CHIP program manager at outreach events, meetings, or opening events

May represent the agency at legislative hearings or state and national meetings

May provide expert testimony at local government hearings related to CHIP projects

Qualification

Local government land useInfrastructure planningAffordable housing developmentEnvironmental lawConstruction managementPublic works projectsMicrosoft OfficeResearch skillsProblem-solvingProject managementCommunication skills

Required

Eight (8) years of combined experience and/or education as described below:

Experience in two or more of the following areas:

Local government land use

Infrastructure planning or finance

Construction Management

Public works projects

Affordable housing development

Environmental law and rules including the Growth Management Act

Education involves urban planning, construction management, environmental sciences, engineering, public administration/policy or related field

Qualifying education post High School or equivalent may be substituted year for year for experience

Strong problem-solving skills

Intermediate skill level in Microsoft Office suite products including Teams, Excel, Word and Outlook

Ability to successfully prioritize and manage complex projects in a fast-paced environment

Excellent written and verbal communications skills including presenting complex information to diverse audiences

A strong understanding of program design, management, and implementation

Ability to interact with business members and community members from diverse backgrounds

Understands state and local government decision making structures

Ability to perform research as complex programmatic questions arise

A complete and detailed online application

A cover letter (enter online)

At least three professional references (enter online)

Preferred

Experience with Infrastructure planning, funding or construction, impact fees or system development charges

Experience with housing planning and / or affordable housing development

Experience with leading a program, including budgeting, supervision, communication skills such as press releases, coordinating with other funding programs

Experience with managing contracts in a state process