North Central Community Engagement Specialist Job at SNAP-Ed in Olympia

Overview

North Central Community Engagement Specialist (Program Specialist 5)

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. The Commerce Community Engagement Unit is committed to identifying and supporting historically excluded communities across the state. By fostering long-term relationships with Tribal leaders, community-based organizations, elected officials, faith-based groups, and informal community leaders, we ensure a no-wrong-door to access Commerce.

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.

Responsibilities

• Manage community engagement efforts in the assigned region.
• Serve as a regional expert and agency representative, coordinator, and liaison to communities in the North Central Region (Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Grant, Kittitas, and Okanogan Counties).
• Provide relevant updates about Commerce programs, resources, and funding opportunities as they are available.
• Independently determine the level of involvement with community leaders and navigate highly political situations as needed.
• Plan and staff professional community events and meetings, including day-long on-site staffing for the Commerce Director within the region; provide engagement recommendations to the Director and executive leadership.
• Prepare comprehensive internal community engagement plans and identify effective data collection methods based on regional knowledge and community engagement principles.
• Provide capacity building consultation, assessment support, and strategic planning assistance.
• Monitor local news to understand the needs of local governments, populations, communities, and tribes; reach out as indicated.
• Organize, conduct, and facilitate large and small group interactions in-person and virtually.
• Work closely with Governor’s Office Regional Outreach Representatives.
• Assist communities to navigate funding after disasters and emergencies; support strategic planning and ongoing engagement as needed.

Communications and Outreach

• Increase equitable access to resources by proactively engaging with diverse and historically marginalized and underserved entities.
• Collaborate with the Commerce Communications Division to develop and distribute clear outreach materials.

Support Special Projects

• Provide planning consultation and day-of staffing support for priority agency and divisional efforts to engage with communities.
• Collaborate with pilots or capacity projects within the Community Engagement and Outreach Division; lead project aspects as requested by supervisor.
• Use experience and regional expertise to help Commerce programs address barriers and biases; make presentations, share community feedback, and review plans, applications, or policy.
• Aid communities in developing plans and assessing the effectiveness of their own engagement and equity efforts; follow up with appropriate support as needed.

Required Position Qualifications

Eight (8) years of combined experience and/or education as described below. Experience in community or economic development with local government, state government, non-profit, for-profit, and community-based organizations, including intercultural work and engagement with diverse multicultural communities and organizations in two or more areas such as:

• Implementing capacity building efforts that support operational development and growth within an entity.
• Presenting and facilitating large and small community groups.
• Providing coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies.
• Implementing community engagement principles and practices.
• Working with non-profit sector, business sector, philanthropy, community-based organizations including inter-cultural organizations, and legislative processes.
• Developing outreach materials and external communications (reports, proposals, summaries, project plans, newsletters).
• Integrating equity, environmental and/or racial justice into organizational practices and policies.

Education involves community development, economic development, public administration, communications or related fields. Qualifying education post high school or equivalent may be substituted year-for-year for experience.

Examples of How to Qualify

• 8 years of experience
• 7 years of experience and one year of education
• 6 years of experience and two years of education
• 5 years of experience and three years of education
• 4 years of experience and four years of education
• 3 years of experience and five years of education
• 2 years of experience and six years of education
• 1 year of experience and seven years of education

Preferred/Desired Qualifications

• Advanced facilitative skills for planning, convening and facilitating meetings and events to successful outcomes.
• Working knowledge of northwest Washington’s economy, communities, demographics, and culture.
• Knowledge of state, federal, local funding programs and mechanisms to meet community needs.
• Knowledge of grant, loan and assistance programs managed by the Department of Commerce.

Required Position Competencies

• Facilitates group interactions effectively.
• Delivers clear, easy to understand messages and demonstrates excellent public speaking skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to conduct outreach and build positive relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate persuasively at all levels of the agency and externally.
• Understanding of local, state, tribal governments, organizations, and communities.
• Strong listening, verbal, written and digital communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities; exercises sound judgment and discernment.
• Ability to plan and coordinate complex projects; work independently and as part of a team.

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

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

For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email: comrecruitment@commerce.wa.gov - reference the job number in your message.

Work anywhere in the North Central Washington Region. The North Central Washington Region includes Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Grant, Kittitas, and Okanogan Counties. 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. DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at careershelp@des.wa.gov.

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 with disabilities, persons over 40, 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 Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call via the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

Department of Commerce offers a competitive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year, 8 hours of sick leave per month, bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, and other benefits. See Benefits Tab for details.