State of Washington
Join to apply for the
Knowledge Economy Lead (EMS 3)
role at
State of Washington .
The Department of Commerce is seeking a strategic, team-oriented professional to advance global health, life sciences, and information and communication technology (ICT) industry sectors to strengthen Washington’s economic future. This role can be based in Olympia, Seattle, or Spokane, with hybrid work flexibility.
About Commerce Commerce is the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community development and economic vitality in Washington. It manages a diverse portfolio that includes five divisions, all focused on helping communities achieve positive growth. Commerce offers flexible work options with many employees working remotely or on a hybrid schedule.
About the Opportunity As the Knowledge Economy Lead within the Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness (OEDC) division, you will advance the growth, innovation, and global competitiveness of the state’s global health, life sciences, and ICT sectors by driving investment and job creation across the state. You will lead a broad portfolio of industries, coordinate initiatives, and serve as a strategic liaison between government, industry, and community stakeholders.
What You’ll Do
Industry Engagement & Investment – Partner with private sector leaders, associations, and stakeholders to attract investment, secure funding, and expand employment in high‑growth knowledge‑economy sectors.
Economic & Market Analysis – Conduct research and analysis to assess market trends, inform policy decisions, and strengthen Washington’s long‑term economic resilience.
Policy & Strategy Development – Design and implement policies and strategies that advance the state’s knowledge economy and align with broader economic development goals.
Executive Advisement – Provide timely, strategic briefings and recommendations to Commerce leadership through the Innovation and Industry Partnerships Director.
Cross‑Agency & Government Collaboration – Coordinate efforts with internal teams, other state agencies, and the Governor’s Office to align programs and ensure policy coherence.
Public Representation & Advocacy – Represent Washington at legislative hearings, industry forums, and stakeholder events, serving as a visible and trusted spokesperson on knowledge‑economy issues.
Legislative & Regulatory Support – Prepare legislative reports, policy analyses, fiscal notes, and recommendations, including draft language for proposed legislation.
Professional Relationship Management – Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across government, industry, and community to ensure effective communication and advance shared objectives.
Equity & Ethical Leadership – Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of Washington’s knowledge economy while upholding the highest ethical standards.
Qualifications We’re seeking candidates with a strong mix of education and experience – at least seven (7) years through a combination of formal education and professional work in public policy, economic development, business, or a related field within the mobility economy, including, but not limited to, advanced manufacturing, global health, life sciences, and/or ICT.
The ideal candidate demonstrates excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills; proven ability to work effectively with diverse external partners; sensitivity to public perspectives; and the capacity to balance the needs of global health, life sciences, and ICT industries with broader economic development goals.
A master’s degree, relevant professional certifications, or prior experience in a legislative or public policy environment are strongly preferred. If you bring transferable skills, unconventional career paths, or unique experiences that align with this role, we encourage you to apply.
How to Apply
A letter of interest—1 page maximum—addressing why you are interested in the Department of Commerce and this specific opportunity (submitted online).
A complete and detailed online application.
At least three professional references (submitted online) who can speak to your skills, collaboration, and results.
For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email: comrecruitment@commerce.wa.gov – please reference the job number in your message.
Where You’ll Work
Your duty station will be at a Commerce office in Olympia, Seattle, or Spokane, with hybrid work flexibility.
Upon hire, you must live within Washington state.
Your Schedule
This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
You may telework most of your work, apart from in‑person meetings and activities.
Schedules are dependent upon the position needs and are subject to change.
This position requires occasional travel to in‑state events and meetings, as well as periodic out‑of‑state and international travel to represent Washington in industry forums, trade missions, and stakeholder engagements. While many Commerce employees work remotely or on a hybrid schedule, if selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive initial instruction.
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 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 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 Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov. 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.
Benefits Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and deferred compensation plans, paid holidays, vacation days, sick leave, bereavement leave, and an employee assistance program. For full details, please view the benefits tab on the job posting.
Updated 07‑21‑2025
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Knowledge Economy Lead (EMS 3)
role at
State of Washington .
The Department of Commerce is seeking a strategic, team-oriented professional to advance global health, life sciences, and information and communication technology (ICT) industry sectors to strengthen Washington’s economic future. This role can be based in Olympia, Seattle, or Spokane, with hybrid work flexibility.
About Commerce Commerce is the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community development and economic vitality in Washington. It manages a diverse portfolio that includes five divisions, all focused on helping communities achieve positive growth. Commerce offers flexible work options with many employees working remotely or on a hybrid schedule.
About the Opportunity As the Knowledge Economy Lead within the Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness (OEDC) division, you will advance the growth, innovation, and global competitiveness of the state’s global health, life sciences, and ICT sectors by driving investment and job creation across the state. You will lead a broad portfolio of industries, coordinate initiatives, and serve as a strategic liaison between government, industry, and community stakeholders.
What You’ll Do
Industry Engagement & Investment – Partner with private sector leaders, associations, and stakeholders to attract investment, secure funding, and expand employment in high‑growth knowledge‑economy sectors.
Economic & Market Analysis – Conduct research and analysis to assess market trends, inform policy decisions, and strengthen Washington’s long‑term economic resilience.
Policy & Strategy Development – Design and implement policies and strategies that advance the state’s knowledge economy and align with broader economic development goals.
Executive Advisement – Provide timely, strategic briefings and recommendations to Commerce leadership through the Innovation and Industry Partnerships Director.
Cross‑Agency & Government Collaboration – Coordinate efforts with internal teams, other state agencies, and the Governor’s Office to align programs and ensure policy coherence.
Public Representation & Advocacy – Represent Washington at legislative hearings, industry forums, and stakeholder events, serving as a visible and trusted spokesperson on knowledge‑economy issues.
Legislative & Regulatory Support – Prepare legislative reports, policy analyses, fiscal notes, and recommendations, including draft language for proposed legislation.
Professional Relationship Management – Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across government, industry, and community to ensure effective communication and advance shared objectives.
Equity & Ethical Leadership – Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of Washington’s knowledge economy while upholding the highest ethical standards.
Qualifications We’re seeking candidates with a strong mix of education and experience – at least seven (7) years through a combination of formal education and professional work in public policy, economic development, business, or a related field within the mobility economy, including, but not limited to, advanced manufacturing, global health, life sciences, and/or ICT.
The ideal candidate demonstrates excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills; proven ability to work effectively with diverse external partners; sensitivity to public perspectives; and the capacity to balance the needs of global health, life sciences, and ICT industries with broader economic development goals.
A master’s degree, relevant professional certifications, or prior experience in a legislative or public policy environment are strongly preferred. If you bring transferable skills, unconventional career paths, or unique experiences that align with this role, we encourage you to apply.
How to Apply
A letter of interest—1 page maximum—addressing why you are interested in the Department of Commerce and this specific opportunity (submitted online).
A complete and detailed online application.
At least three professional references (submitted online) who can speak to your skills, collaboration, and results.
For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email: comrecruitment@commerce.wa.gov – please reference the job number in your message.
Where You’ll Work
Your duty station will be at a Commerce office in Olympia, Seattle, or Spokane, with hybrid work flexibility.
Upon hire, you must live within Washington state.
Your Schedule
This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
You may telework most of your work, apart from in‑person meetings and activities.
Schedules are dependent upon the position needs and are subject to change.
This position requires occasional travel to in‑state events and meetings, as well as periodic out‑of‑state and international travel to represent Washington in industry forums, trade missions, and stakeholder engagements. While many Commerce employees work remotely or on a hybrid schedule, if selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive initial instruction.
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 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 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 Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov. 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.
Benefits Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and deferred compensation plans, paid holidays, vacation days, sick leave, bereavement leave, and an employee assistance program. For full details, please view the benefits tab on the job posting.
Updated 07‑21‑2025
#J-18808-Ljbffr