CERB Contract Manager (COM 3)

Our agencys 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 youre ready to challenge the status quo and build meaningful connections we want to meet you.

Manages advanced professional level contract management activities from inception to closeout
Tasks include:
Manage the full project lifecycle by developing negotiating and monitoring the technical aspects of complex contracts between the CERB and local governments as well as providing technical assistance to local governments ensuring contracts are successful and compliant with all state and federal regulations.
Process contracts through signature using digital signing system and maintain physical contract files according in alignment with CERB Commerce and OFM policies and procedures.
Oversee the entire reimbursement process from reviewing documentation to ensuring timely payments for CERB contracts.
Identify and resolve programmatic or funding conflicts facilitating negotiated resolutions in compliance with state/federal regulations Board statute and policies.
Prepare and present detailed reports to the Board including rationale for project extensions and scope changes.
Serve as a primary point of contact for local governments and their contractors communicating complex contract requirements and technical specifications.
Build and maintain cooperative relationships with key stakeholders including government officials business leaders and community organizations by attending industry conferences forums and workshops hosted by the CERB.
Maintain meticulous contract data and records within CERBs systems ensuring all documentation standards are met in accordance with CERBs statute 43.160 and providing clear communication to the Board and other interested parties.
Monitor and enforce project timelines for planning and construction contracts guiding clients through key milestones time extensions and contract closeout processes.
Ensure all contractor deliverables are met confirming that projects adhere to all state/federal requirements Board statute and policies in a timely manner.
Proactively identify and address discrepancies or issues that arise during the contract period notifying the CERB Executive Director and seeking swift resolution.
Follow up with CERB contractors and businesses benefiting from CERB assistance to gather outcome data to meet statutory requirements of 43.160.900.

Community Relationship Development & Technical Assistance
Tasks include:
Develop and maintain relationships with existing and potential CERB applicants partner agencies economic development organizations and stakeholder groups to facilitate funding access streamline project implementation and enhance community development outcomes.
Provide technical assistance to CERB potential applicants to ensure programmatic and process knowledge as they prepare to apply to CERB for funding. Follow up on identified potential projects monthly or at the direction of the community.
Prepare and present funding requests preparing the project analysis and staff recommendations for submitted applications to the Board.
Serves as a subject matter expert for communities to identify how CERB and other funding programs can help meet their growth and development needs.
Represent CERB administered programs in relevant community meetings conferences and other events to educate stakeholders about CERB partnership opportunities.
Identify and connect potential partnerships to collaborate on specific projects and strategic opportunities and plans.
Lead and participate in technical assistance funding teams with funding partner agencies.
Ensure timely delivery of follow-up activities and deliverables from meetings on potential CERB funding applications.
Work directly with local governments & Tribes to facilitate preparation of new project proposals for the Boards consideration; to include but not limited to consulting with applicant representatives state and federal partners etc.
Participate in the Community Builders Collective CERBs community of practice to include but not limited to attend monthly zoom calls invite and prepare presenters for zoom calls answer questions in the private group pose weekly questions to the private group.

Required Position Qualifications:
Seven (7) years of combined experience and/or education as described below: Experience working in community trade or economic development consisting of two or more of the following areas:
Federal/state infrastructure financing
Grant and loan administration
Contract management
Project management
State or Local Board Administration
Research and analysis related to local governments and infrastructure
Communication as it relates to project management contract management and contract negotiation

Education involves business public administration/policy or related field. Qualifying education post High School or equivalent 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:
Intermediate skill level in the Microsoft Office suite products including Access OneDrive Teams SharePoint Excel Word and Outlook.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to build trusting relationships and loyal partnerships with customers employees and executive management.
Ability to maintain technical knowledge of CERB program requirements related to financing contract management and compliance.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to participate in multi-stakeholder processes.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Experience working with state federal or local policy boards.
Experience collaborating working with and providing technical assistance to stakeholders including local state federal and tribal partners.
Proficient in using state agency accounting and finance database systems.
Experience with Commerce internal software for example Contract Management System (CMS) Mercury and Travel and Expense Management System (TEMS)

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

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

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.

Technical support is provided by NEOGOV (cant log in password or email issues error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at.

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 Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-.

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.