Communications Coordinator (COM 2)

Communications Coordinator (COM 2) 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.

The Housing Division (HD) partners with local governments, Tribes, housing authorities, nonprofits and other organizations to develop and preserve affordable housing, promote individual and family self-sufficiency, and reduce adult and youth homelessness.

This position works in the Multifamily Housing Unit (MHU) of HD, with the state Housing Trust Fund (HTF) and the federal HOME and National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) programs.

This position reports to the Managing Director and acts as the liaison for all program coordination and assistance to both internal and external parties, including unit teams, Commerce management, and multiple clients and partners, stakeholders, the public, legislative staff, and advisory board members.Multifamily Housing Unit programs’ coordination of communication with internal and external customers Tasks include:

• Assist with annual legislative report and preparation of communications related to data collection.
• Assist with the implementation of special projects or provisos, as required by the Legislature and/or Commerce Management. • Develop meeting logistics, schedules and agendas, provide program details in presentations, organize, and support stakeholder or committee meetings, public funders meetings, and other external or public meetings as needed on behalf of the Managing Director and the other unit leads within MHU.
• Use and train staff and external partners on various media and software tools (such as email, calendar, videoconferencing, webinars, Commerce web pages, Smartsheet, SharePoint, etc.) to create documents, reports and other materials needed.

Program Development and Divisional Communications Coordinator Tasks include:

• Implement communications as provided by the Managing Director and provided by MHU team members.
• Develop quarterly newsletter with program announcements, reports and accomplishments of the unit.
• Develop briefing materials, reports and one-pagers that support the operation of MHU programs.
• Prepare data analysis and evaluation of program databases and existing program guidelines as outlined for MHU in the Data Governance Agreement.
• Respond to questions related to MHU programs. Seek assistance from the program manager and managing director as needed for challenging or unresolved issues and track them until resolved.
• Manage and ensure MHU website information is current and accurate, so that applicants and partners have the relevant and necessary information to apply for funds.
• Conduct queries and generate reports for the unit’s data in the Contracts Management System (CMS) and the Housing Contracts Management System (HCMS) databases in response to communications queries from Director, Governor, or MD requests.
• Ensure adherence to effective and inclusive community engagement practices.
• Maintain distribution lists relevant to specific projects.

Other duties as assigned Tasks include:

• May back up the Unit AA3 when AA3 is absent or as workload requires Required Position Qualifications: Six (6) years of combined professional experience, lived experience and/or education as described below: Experience in affordable housing, housing finance, real estate/lending, community, trade, or economic development with a focus in two or more of the following areas:

• Contract Management

• Project Development

• Project Management

• Demonstrated understanding of multifamily/rental housing development and lending, and related real estate transactions and legal documentation.

• Demonstrated understanding of affordable housing finance, including layered financing using private and public funds, tax credits, and partnership structures. Education involves housing finance, business, public administration or related field. Qualifying education post High School or equivalent may be substituted year for year for experience. Lived experience with housing instability and/or experience navigating and receiving services from public systems such as homeless and housing services systems, foster care, the criminal legal system, or behavioral health system will substitute for one (1) year of education beyond high school equivalency and/or professional-level experience.

• What is lived experience? Lived experience is relevant expertise derived from the accumulated personal life and professional experiences of an individual. Experience can be gained through life events, volunteer role/capacity, any experience gained outside of professional paid and unpaid experience, academic or a combination of experiences. Examples of how to qualify:

• 6 years of experience

• 5 years of experience and one year of lived experience

• 4 years of experience, one year of lived experience, and one year of education

• 4 years of experience and two years of education

• 3 years of experience and three years of education

• 2 years of experience and four years of education

• 1 year of experience and five years of education Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Good understanding of state and federal low-income housing program regulations.

• Experience with the Washington State Housing Trust Fund or with U.S. HUD programs, such as HOME or federal Housing Trust Fund, Low-Income Tax Credit Program, or other similar programs.

• Experience developing rental housing or home ownership opportunities in rural communities.

• Experience with writing and implementing policies and procedures.

• Willingness to work flexible hours and in a collaborative, team-based environment. Required Position Competencies:

• Demonstrated skills in organization, team building, and succession planning.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and build partnerships, develop work teams, and work effectively with the authorizing and external environment.

• Demonstrated ability to manage and work with diverse personalities, styles, and cultures.

• Ability to apply negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, as well as interpersonal and relationship building skills.

• Knowledge of agencies, institutions, and processes involved in real estate development.

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and ability to create and manipulate pro forma financial models. 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:[email protected] please reference the job number in your message. 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 [email protected].

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 [email protected]. 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.