Deputy Assistant Director - OEDC; WMS

Deputy Assistant Director - OEDC (WMS
3)

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. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we’re turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places.

Our agency’s strength lies in the diversity of our workforce and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, which is reflected in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged, bold thinking is welcomed, and collaboration drives our impact.

Let’s build what’s next, together.

Within the Department of Commerce, the Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness (OEDC) partners with local, regional, federal and international economic development organizations, businesses, investors, site selectors and other stakeholders to develop, manage and support a range of programs and services designed to create living wage jobs, create economic vitality and strengthen business resilience and growth, particularly those in rural and underserved parts of the state.

This position of Deputy Assistant Director serves as a member of the OEDC leadership and management team and fills in for the Assistant Director in their absence, including for semi-regular public speaking events with the business community as the audience.

This position leads the internal operations related to OEDC such as HR, budgetary, contractual, and performance management, as well as systems and coordination with all other operational divisions and units at Commerce such as IT, audit, payroll, contracts, and Communications. They also help to oversee management of the full range of business development, export promotion, and international trade development programs designed to strengthen the state’s economy and further position Washington state as a known source for world-class products and services.

This position needs to be familiar with all aspects of the agency and OEDC and it maintains relationships internally and externally that allow the position to make day-to-day decisions with a high degree of independence.

This position is based in Seattle - and can follow a hybrid schedule - but is expected to be in the Seattle Commerce office no fewer than 2 days per week.

This position provides strategic leadership for OEDC by setting and managing the division’s strategic plan, operational goals, and internal controls in coordination with the Assistant Director, establishing specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timebound (SMART) goals that align with the division’s broader direction, and serving as appointing authority in the Assistant Director’s absence.

The position supports effective communication across the organization and contributes to cross-divisional initiatives by providing leadership and resources that enhance efficiency and effectiveness. It plans, organizes, directs, and delegates the work of OEDC staff to ensure resources are allocated and managed effectively for grantees and client groups.

The role also ensures compliance with federal and state financial policies, laws, regulations, and guidelines, including audit requirements and performance standards, while maintaining strong internal controls and operational oversight to support the division’s mission and the agency’s strategic objectives.

In coordination with the Assistant Director, the position sets the strategic direction for OEDC’s programs by managing financial resources within established allotments and identifying external funding opportunities that support the division’s mission.

The position distributes economic development programming in alignment with state policy priorities, ensuring that all contracts comply with agency, state, and federal requirements.

Working closely with the Assistant Director, the role also oversees division operations within authorized budgets,…