NEOGOV · 4 hours ago
Assistant Director, Community Engagement & Outreach Division
Thurston County - Multiple Locations, WA
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$99K/yr - $160K/yr
10+ years expThe Washington State Department of Commerce is seeking an Assistant Director for the Community Engagement & Outreach Division. This role involves leading strategies for equitable community engagement, overseeing initiatives that connect communities with resources, and fostering partnerships to enhance community supports across Washington.
GovTechHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologySoftware
Responsibilities
Set clear vision and direction for CEOD. Lead daily operations, policy implementation, and change-management efforts that foster innovation, accountability, inclusion, and belonging across teams
Develop and execute a strategic regional engagement strategy prioritizing small, rural, and diverse communities with the highest needs. Expand technical assistance, navigation support, and capacity-building opportunities to increase equitable access to Commerce programs
Design and oversee community-centered initiatives, grants, and pilots; conduct needs assessments; and lead innovative programs that improve outcomes and reduce disparities. Represent Commerce and the Director in high-priority workgroups, task forces, and legislative or interagency forums
Build durable partnerships with Tribes, local governments, community-based organizations, advocacy groups, business leaders, and other public agencies. Partner with Communications to amplify messages and opportunities that reach diverse communities
Advance special initiatives that remove systemic barriers and expand equitable access. Coordinate activities related to community compensation in consultation with the Office of Equity. Ensure statewide community feedback informs agency strategy and operations
Manage CEOD’s operating budget (approx. $10M per biennium) and recurring one-time capital funds (up to $3M). Attract, support, and retain a diverse, high-performing team; coach managers and staff to develop leadership, management, and policy competencies. Serve as appointing authority for CEOD, with full scope over hiring, development, accountability, and discipline
Speak on behalf of the agency on matters within your portfolio; anticipate risks and opportunities; align investment decisions with strategic priorities; and initiate partnerships and agreements that advance community-led solutions
Qualification
Required
Community engagement expertise— Deep knowledge of engagement principles and practices; experience with historically excluded communities and Tribes; familiarity with Washington's regulatory environment and RCW 70A.02.050
Executive leadership — Proven ability to lead teams, coach managers, drive organizational effectiveness, and model ethical, inclusive leadership
Organizational savvy — Skilled at navigating formal/informal structures and operating in political environments; builds strategic relationships across agencies and sectors
Judgment and decision-making — Strong analytical skills; able to gather input, assess risks, and make timely, strategic decisions, using consensus when possible
Strategic and systems thinking — Articulates long-term vision while balancing near-term outcomes; adapts to emerging opportunities
Change leadership — Leads organizational change; modernizes systems; manages complex transitions in public or nonprofit settings
Commitment to equity — Applies an anti-racist and equity lens to policy, operations, resource allocation, and decision-making; advances DEIB outcomes
Collaborative leadership — Builds trust across differences; works effectively with local governments, Tribes, Legislature, Governor's Office, community organizations, and agency partners
Fiscal management — Develops and manages large budgets; makes strategic fiscal decisions that maximize impact and accountability
Quality and accountability — Sets and upholds high standards; drives toward measurable results; continuously improves
Communication — Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills across diverse audiences
Interpersonal effectiveness — Emotionally intelligent; builds respectful relationships; flexible and open to feedback
Preferred
Bachelor's or Master's degree in public/business administration, public policy, or related field
Effective budgeting experience with public funds; extensive experience with state/local legislative processes
Demonstrated expertise in community engagement, public speaking, negotiation/persuasion, issue analysis, and decision-making in fast-paced environments
Benefits
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
Other benefits
Company
NEOGOV
NEOGOV is the leading provider of workforce management software uniquely designed for the public sector, education, and public safety.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$700MKey Investors
Warburg Pincus
2025-07-28Secondary Market· $700M
2025-07-28Acquired
2021-06-02Private Equity
Leadership Team
Shane Evangelist
CEO
Brandon McDonald
Head Of Marketing
Recent News
Canada NewsWire
2025-11-14
2025-11-14
Government Technology US
2025-10-31
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