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State of Washington

Preschool Development Grant (PDG) Commerce Specialist 1 (CS1) - (NP) - Olympia

State of Washington, Olympia, Washington, United States, 98502

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Salary:

$49,428.00 - $66,372.00 Annually Location :

Thurston County - Olympia, WA Job Type:

Full Time - Non-Permanent Remote Employment:

Flexible/Hybrid Job Number:

2025-06647 Department:

Dept of Children, Youth, and Families Division:

Early Learning Division Opening Date:

10/02/2025 Closing Date:

10/9/2025 11:59 PM Pacific Salary Information:

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description Our vision is to ensure that "Washington state's children and youth grow up safe and healthy-thriving physically, emotionally and academically, nurtured by family and community."

Job Title:

Preschool Development Grant (PDG) Commerce Specialist 1 (CS1) (Non-Perm) - Olympia Location:

Olympia, WA - Full-Time/Non-Permanent/Hybrid - This is a non-permanent position and is scheduled to end approximately one (1) year from the date of hire. Closes:

Thursday, October 9th, 2025 Salary:

$49,428 - $66,372 Annually

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) was created to be a comprehensive agency exclusively dedicated to the social, emotional, and physical well-being of children, youth, and families regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other socioeconomic factors. We believe our workforce should reflect on the communities we serve and are actively searching for candidates that reflect that diversity. We're looking for a Preschool Development Grant (PDG) Commerce Specialist 1 (CS1) to serve as a subject matter expert on contracts and procurement, compliance, and coordination regarding the Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five and join us in working toward the common goal of eliminating child and youth outcome disparities based on race and ethnicity. Our vision is that "All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community." Click here to learn more about The Opportunity: As a Preschool Development Grant (PDG) Commerce Specialist 1 (CS1), you will exercise collaboration within the team and agency as occasionally an independent decision-making authority often with competing interests. The incumbent of this position must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with community groups, tribal representatives, and state and federal partners. The incumbent of this position must be able to multi-task and perform a variety of skilled duties daily, including grant and contract management drafting and delivering scopes of work, drafting and communicating proposal and project plans, and problem solve daily with little oversight. As the incumbent in this position, you must be able to coordinate and communicate effectively in internal and external team meetings to support schedules, tactical collaboration, and consultation with external partners and team members.

Some of what you will get to do:

Grant application coordination and management, including tracking and reporting on the status of applications. Coordinate stakeholder meetings with community partners, grant participants and management teams. Represent the PDG B-5, at internal and external meetings such as hiring committees, contracting, steering committee meetings, community outreach, and with key state and national partners. Collaborate with PDG's B-5 Integration Specialist to develop and implement project plans, monitor, suggest recommendations, community outreach, and action plans. Facilitates the overall PDG B-5 work plan to ensure all activities are completed in compliance with specific grant requirements and timelines. Track the overall PDG B-5 work plan to ensure all activities are completed in compliance with specific grant requirements and timelines. Independently resolve daily issues and reach out to both internal and external partners, coordinate the problem-solving process for more complex or unusual problems with PDG's B- 5 Grant Specialist Senior. Manage, prepare, and analyze contracts and procurement agreements for grant funded organizations. Draft, review, and support procurement and contract negotiations. Compliance monitoring with federal, state, and organizational regulations, and maintaining accurate records of grant expenditures and progress. Communicate with contractors to clarify contract terms and provide technical assistance. Research and collaborate with PDG team leads to support procurement decisions. Resolve contract disputes and issues in a timely manner. Maintain detailed records of contract documents and communications. Collaborate with finance, legal, and other divisions in execution of contracts and grant deliverables. Required Qualifications:

A comparable combination of education and professional experience with grant compliance and reporting; coordinating and tracking grant application activities for grant program(s); contract management and compliance including procurement coordination totaling five (5) years. OR

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Law, Finance, or Business and one (1) year of professional experience with grant compliance and reporting; coordinating and tracking grant application activities for grant program(s); or contract management and compliance including procurement coordination. AND

Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace principles.

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

Strong analytical and organizational skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential. Attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously are also important. Ability to manage multiple contracts simultaneously. Prior experience in a procurement or legal role. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent time management and prioritization skills. Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities. Proficiency with Outlook, Word, Excel and databases applications. Professional experience using virtual meeting platforms such as Teams Meetings, Zoom Meeting, and others, to include meeting facilitation. Professional experience displaying strong written and oral communications skills. Knowledge of Washington State's Early Care and Education System. Experience with non-profit organizations or government agencies. How do I apply? In addition to completing the online application in detail, please attach the following:

Cover Letter Resume (current/updated) Supplemental Information: The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington's children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies. This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214 or NGB Form 22, or other verification of military service. Please blackout (redact)the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible,

If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment or if you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact Veronica Jones (Talent Acquisition Specialist) at If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (360) 664-1960. 2025-06647 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 (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 (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 , 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

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay

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

Updated 07-21-2025 01

Which of the following best describes how you meet the required qualifications for this position?

A comparable combination of education and professional experience with grant compliance and reporting; coordinating and tracking grant application activities for grant program(s); contract management and compliance including procurement coordination totaling five (5) years. Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Law, Finance, or Business and one (1) year of professional experience with grant compliance and reporting; coordinating and tracking grant application activities for grant program(s); or contract management and compliance including procurement coordination. I have none of the above.

02

Please briefly describe how/where you gained the experience/education indicated in the previous questions. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, please write "none." Please do not write "see application/resume/cover letter." 03

Which of the following best describes your experience with grant application coordination and management, including tracking and reporting on the status of applications?

I have one (1) to two (2) years of this experience. I have three (3) to four (4) years of this experience. I have five (5) to six (6) years of this experience. I have seven (7) to eight (8) years of this experience. I have nine (9) to ten (10) years of this experience. I have ten (10) or MORE years of this experience. I have none of the above.

04

Please briefly describe how/where you gained the experience/education indicated in the previous questions. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, please write "none." Please do not write "see application/resume/cover letter." 05

Which of the following best describes your years of experience managing, preparing, and analyzing contracts and procurement agreements for grant funded organizations?

I have one (1) to two (2) years of this experience. I have three (3) to four (4) years of this experience. I have five (5) to six (6) years of this experience. I have seven (7) to eight (8) years of this experience. I have nine (9) to ten (10) years of this experience. I have ten (10) or MORE years of this experience. I have none of the above.

06

Which of the following best describes your experience drafting, reviewing, and supporting procurement and contract negotiations?

I have one (1) to two (2) years of this experience. I have three (3) to four (4) years of this experience. I have five (5) to six (6) years of this experience. I have seven (7) to eight (8) years of this experience. I have nine (9) to ten (10) years of this experience. I have ten (10) or MORE years of this experience. I have none of the above.

07

Which of the following best describes your experience independently leading projects?

I have one year or less. I have (1) to (2) years of this experience. I have (2) to (3) years of this experience. I have (3) to (4) years of this experience. I have (4) to (5) years of this experience. I have (6) to (7) years of this experience. I have (8) or MORE years of this experience. I have none of the above.

08

If claiming veteran's preference in obtaining state employment, have you attached a redacted DD214, NGB22 or other signed document validating service type and discharge?

Yes No Not applicable

09

How did you hear about this career opportunity (select all that apply)?

Washington State's career website: www.careers.wa.gov Washington State Work Source office or website (Go2WorkSource.com) Washington State employee DCYF DCYF Recruiter College/university career fair or website Diversity network meeting/event Online job boards LinkedIn Other

Required Question