Clean Energy Program Manager (COM 3)

Full Job Description

Clean Energy Program Manager (COM 3)
**THIS IS AN INTERNAL RECRUITMENT FOR COMMERCE EMPLOYEES**
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.

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.

Let’s build what’s next, together.

The Energy Division catalyzes the transition to a clean, just, and resilient energy future.

The Clean Energy Program Manager works within the Energy Programs in Communities (EPIC) Unit of the Energy Division. This position is a specialist responsible for providing advanced professional-level program development, administration, and contract management expertise for clean and renewable energy programs, as well as related state energy initiatives. This position primarily focuses on administering assigned programs from state and federally funded clean energy grant programs. This position works closely with internal and external stakeholders including federal and state agencies, local government, and tribal communities, in addition to federal and state program and policy partners.

This is a non-permanent position.

Requirements

Program Management and Evaluation
Tasks include:
• Plans, develops and tracks program goals and objectives, seeking input from internal and external subject matter experts and stakeholders as needed.
• Conducts grant application and procurement processes which includes creating requests for proposals, convening subject matter experts and key stakeholders to assist with proposal review, reading, evaluating and scoring proposals, organizing and conducting review meetings, and making recommendations to management for grant and contract awards.
• Conducts complex program implementation, evaluation, and oversight of processes and policies. Establishes priorities and develops policies for assigned program(s).
• Develops, updates, maintains, reviews, and analyzes spreadsheets, databases, and information systems to conduct program evaluation and reporting.
• Ensures program data is current and accessible to facilitate inquiries and reporting of key metrics.
• Organizes, leads, and solicits input from program advisory groups, technical experts, and external stakeholders to advance program goals.
• Interprets and applies federal and state laws and regulations.

Grant and Contract Management and Technical Assistance
Tasks include:
• Develops and maintains technical expertise of Commerce program requirements related to contract management, budgeting, invoicing, and compliance.
• Negotiates, drafts, and executes grants and contracts and subsequent amendments to scopes of work and special terms and conditions.
• Works with Commerce’s Assistant Attorney General (AAG) and the Commerce Chief Contracting Officer (CCO) on contract language and negotiations to limit agency liability.
• Evaluates proposals, convenes and facilitates proposal review teams, leads evaluation committee scoring, and makes funding recommendations.
• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of state and federal requirements for administering grant and loan programs.
• Oversees and monitors contract management and compliance activities.
• Develops, updates, and maintains grant-specific contracts, scopes of work, and budget documents.
• Works closely with program support staff to track, route, and keep grantee records current.
• Serves as a technical specialist for assigned grant programs.
• Provides technical support to grantees. Identifies and resolves programmatic, scope of work, or funding condition conflicts.
• Provides technical assistance to contractors as fiscal discrepancies and/or issues arise or as requested by contractors.
• Monitors contractor and grantee expenditures, compliance with deliverables, and reporting to ensure tasks are implemented on time and within budget.

Cross Unit, Division, and Agency Collaboration
Tasks include:
• Participates in unit, division and agency-wide project workgroup opportunities including outcome measures, contracting risk workgroup, strategic breakthrough initiatives and other opportunities that align with the duties of this position.
• Provides regular updates to division staff and management on work of these initiatives.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
Seven (7) years of combined experience and/or education as described below:
Experience in at least one of the following areas or work related to the position:
• Development, negotiation and management of contracts, this could include grant agreements with specific outcomes, construction contracts, professional services contracts, etc. Contract experience within the public sector is preferred but not required.
• Grant solicitation and evaluation coordination processes, or other formal procurement processes.

Education involves studying political science, environmental policy, public administration, environmental studies, renewable energy or a related field. Qualifying education post High School/GED may be substituted year for year for experience.

Examples of how to qualify:
• 7 years of experience
• 6 years of experience and one year of education
• 5 years of experience and two years of education
• 4 years of experience and three years of education
• 3 years of experience and four years of education
• 2 years of experience and five years of education
• 1 year of experience and six years of education

Required Position Competencies:
• Stays focused under pressure, performs duties with minimal supervision, uses time efficiently and effectively to accomplish priorities.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, contract management databases, cloud-based productivity tools.
• Ability to quickly master new software, platforms, or tools.
• Ability to build and strengthen relationships with clients, stakeholders, and Co-workers.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
• Three years’ experience managing energy projects or working in the energy sector. Solid knowledge of clean energy technologies.
• Two years’ experience navigating and complying with federal and state procurement, contracting, and budgeting policies and practices.
• Experience collaborating with marginalized communities, tribal communities and vulnerable populations.
• Advanced-level proficiency in project management software, MS Office Suite, contract management databases, cloud-based productivity tools.

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

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

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

Additional Information

Work from Anywhere in Washington State
This position may be located anywhere within Washington State though occasional travel to a Commerce office building or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction. 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 (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.

Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: 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, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.