Economics Jobs in Rochester, WA (NOW HIRING)

Description Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Program Manager (COM3) 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.

This position supports program delivery for the Washington Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), a statewide initiative that expands capital access for small businesses by deploying and recycling federal funds awarded through the U.S. Dept of the Treasury through capital and technical assistance support programs implemented by the state. This role has a direct impact on equitable economic development by ensuring program compliance, supporting and coordinating contract lifecycle activities from award through reporting, and supporting accountability and compliance for millions of dollars in federal funds

The position serves as a liaison and contract manager with program administrators and contractors, ensuring that loans and investments align with program parameters, reduce barriers to credit for underserved businesses, and uphold transparency in the stewardship of federal resources. Analysis and recommendations developed in this role inform program design, support fiscal integrity, and contribute to the long-term success of Washington's equitable lending and technical assistance ecosystem. The position helps support the statewide SSBCI programs, both capital and technical assistance - from implementing established policies, coordinating contract administration activities, monitoring contractor performance and reporting, and engaging with lenders, stakeholders, and the public to provide technical assistance or present information.

It's a chance to be part of the team of professionals that directly influences Washington's equitable lending landscape. Duties Program & Contract Management: Implements SSBCI programs by overseeing administrative program and contract management activities. Responsibilities include managing complex contracts and overseeing program administration activities to ensure federal and state compliance, fiscal integrity, and successful outcomes.

Tasks include: Implements and administers established SSBCI program policies, procedures, and guidance for assigned programs, ensuring consistent application of approved program requirements. Acts as the primary operational point of contact for assigned programs by independently overseeing day-to-day activities with program administrators under established guidelines. Independently conducts eligibility, compliance, and documentation reviews using established criteria; identifies deficiencies, follow-up needs, and compliance issues, and leads resolution to maintain program integrity.

Coordinates post-award grant and contract administration activities, including award documentation, setup, performance milestones, deliverables, reporting schedules, amendments and closeout in accordance with executed agreements. Monitors contractor and program performance by tracking deliverables, reporting timelines, compliance requirements, and outcomes, and independently resolves issues, keeping supervisor aware of issues and resolutions. Reviews and processes contractor and vendor invoices for accuracy, allowability, and compliance with federal and state eligibility requirements, routes payments through established financial systems and resolves discrepancies as necessary.

Independently develops, updates, and maintains program materials including SOPs, guidance documents, templates, tracking tools, presentations, and reference resources to support consistent program operations, staff continuity, and compliance. Documents program processes, workflows, and procedures and organizes program, contract, and fiscal files to ensure completeness, accuracy, audit readiness, and compliance with state and federal record-retention requirements. Prepares and delivers program presentations to external partners, lenders, businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders to explain program requirements, processes, and expectations.

Provides technical assistance, training, and programmatic guidance to internal staff, contractors, lenders, businesses, and stakeholders, and manages and responds to information requests from legislators, partners, and the general public through various channels. Researches and applies applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and directives to support program design and improvement, advance strategies and assist leadership to meet statewide economic development goals. Maintains specialized working knowledge of applicable SSBCI statutes, Treasury guidance, contracts, and state and federal requirements to independently support day-to-day program operations and compliance.

Compliance, Monitoring and Reporting: Leads SSBCI compliance and accountability through monitoring activities, documentation, and required reporting. Tasks include: Independently Conducts detailed review and analysis of venture capital fund materials, including fund worksheets, capital call documentation, and investment activity, to lead program compliance, monitoring, and reporting requirements. Maintains and updates internal tracking tools, databases, and monitoring logs and independently performs data analysis for program administration, reporting, and performance monitoring.

Reviews audit files and supporting documentation from fund managers and contractors to verify compliance with program and federal requirements, identifies issues or risks, independently resolves discrepancies, and reports findings to supervisors with suggested next steps or process improvements. Prepares documentation and data to support federal and state reporting, audits and monitoring reviews and conducts required contract monitoring activities established under agency policy and division or program requirements. Performs eligibility and compliance screenings for capital or VC activities as required, consulting with supervisors and U.S

Department of the Treasury as appropriate, and documents findings and recommendations to inform next steps. Maintains organized and auditable compliance and monitoring records in accordance with program and record-retention schedules. Responds to audit or information requests by compiling documentation, coordinating responses, and supporting resolution of identified issues under established guidance.

Stakeholder Coordination and Technical Assistance: Provides coordination and technical assistance to grantees, contractors and various stakeholders for consistent program implementation. Tasks include: Provides technical assistance and programmatic guidance, by interpreting program requirements and applying established guidelines to support consistent implementation, compliance, and stakeholder understanding. Coordinates with lenders, program administrators, contractors, and partners, facilitating communication and resolving program-related questions regarding SSBCI requirements.

Represents the program(s) at stakeholder meetings, workgroups and public events communicating program requirements, updates, and implementation expectations to ensure consistent program messaging, share updates, and provide general program information. Data Analysis, Internal Coordination & Process Support: Supports program effectiveness through data tracking, analysis, and internal coordination activities. Tasks include: Reviews and interprets data and reports, evaluating program performance and compliance with statutory and policy requirements.

Independently tracks program activity and analyzes data trends to develop summaries, insights, and recommendations for program leadership. Proactively develops, implements, and maintains performance metrics and evaluation tools to assess program effectiveness and measure impacts on underserved communities, using findings to inform program monitoring, reporting, and continuous improvement. Provides backup support and cross-coverage for team members during periods of increased workload, staff absences, or critical deadlines, including cross-training to ensure continuity of SSBCI capital, venture capital, and technical assistance program operations.

Coordinates with contract and fiscal staff to ensure consistency between program reports, financial records, and required internal processes. Qualifications Required Position Qualifications: Seven (7) total years of combined education and/or experience in community trade or economic development. OR Associate's degree in business or public administration or a related field and five years of professional-level experience in community, trade, or economic development.

OR Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience in community, trade, or economic development. Preferred/Desired Qualifications: Small business assistance experience. Social services development and/or direct assistance delivery experience.

Experience working with and providing technical assistance for rural communities or partners. Knowledge of federal and state grant and contract administration. Experience collaborating with local, state, federal and non-profit partners.

Required Position Competencies: Decision Making & Judgment: Makes timely, informed decisions that take into account the facts, goals, constraints, and risks. Gathers data and others' input when making decisions. Considers lessons learned from experience, differing needs, and the impact of the decision on others.

Balances analysis, wisdom, experience, and perspective when making decisions. Finds solutions that are acceptable to diverse groups with conflicting interests and needs. Weighs the pros and cons of each option before making a decision and moving forward.

Can explain the rationale for a decision. Makes necessary decisions even when information is limited or unclear. Learns from the consequences of decisions.

Results Focus & Initiative: Focuses on results and desired outcomes and how best to achieve them. Gets the job done. Sets high goals and works doggedly to achieve them.

Pushes self and others to reach milestones. Looks for opportunities to help move a project along; volunteers to help others with projects or assignments. Sees when analysis and discussion have served their purpose and moves to action.

Responds to setbacks with renewed and increased efforts; is persistent in the face of difficulty. Willingly puts in extra time and effort in crisis situations; goes the "extra mile" to ensure the goal is met. Self-Management: Manages own time, priorities, and resources to achieve goals.

Prioritizes tasks by importance and deadline. Discerns what is crucial from what is just urgent. Adjusts priorities as situations change.

Focuses time and effort on key tasks. Groups related tasks to be more efficient. Easily transitions between tasks and picks up where left off when interrupted.

Makes reasonable estimates of resource needs to achieve goals or complete projects. Uses sound methods to plan and track work, appointments, and commitments. Evaluates progress on tasks and adjusts work style as needed.

Completes high volumes of work, keeping a rapid pace without sacrificing accuracy. Meets and exceeds deadlines through efficient Computer skills: Proficiency in programs like Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Teams for office productivity and communication. Skilled in the use of computers Adapts to new technology quickly and keeps abreast of changes Uses appropriate tools to support work and communication needs Uses computers and programs to improve productivity.

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. Supplemental 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.