What are the responsibilities and job description for the Local Permit Review Program Manager position at State of Washington?
JOB
Local Permit Review Program ManagerAt the Department of Commerce we strive to be creative, collaborative, and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities and aim to promote equity in all aspects of our work. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our success, and we work to foster an environment where all individuals are valued and respected. We cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and we own our work. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the richness of the communities we serve. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future.The Local Government Division (LGD) partners with local governments, nonprofits, and others to strengthen the ability of all forms of local governments and community based organizations to fund and develop critical services to their citizens. The division provides leadership in local government finance and statewide infrastructure initiatives that help create and retain jobs. We also provide grants, loans, and planning and technical assistance to local governments for community development needs, infrastructure improvements, and economic development opportunities.Position Objective: This position, located in the Growth Management Services (GMS) Unit within the Local Government Division (LGD), provides advanced professional level program administration, technical assistance and contract management activities for the statewide Local Permit Review program to provide statewide technical assistance to local governments on project development permit requirements, and to strengthen accountability to project applicants and the public. This position serves as the state’s technical expert for the statewide Local Permit Review program providing technical expertise on the state’s implementation of the guidance and grant program for jurisdictions that wish to provide additional efficiencies and coordination in building permit review of residential development. The position is responsible for establishing procedures to implement the annual reporting of the Local Permit Review program, also referred to as SB 5290 (2023), codified under Chapter 36.70B RCW; developing and publishing an annual report, which includes the performance report data for each county and city subject to the requirements; and managing the local government permit grant programs under RCW 36.70B.240-241.. This position functions as a statewide expert level technical specialist and state authority on the local permit review process.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Local Permit Review expert and program manager in compliance with SB 5290 (2023), andcodified under Chapter 36.70B RCW.Tasks include: • Establish statewide policies for oversight and management of Washington State’s Local PermitReview Program, and statewide policies, procedures and documents to implement theallocation of grants to eligible applicants in compliance with state regulations and requirements.• Serve as state technical expert on Local Permit Review eligible activities and state requirementsgoverning the award and management of grants.• Analyze local government data to produce, maintain and present the statewide annual localgovernment permitting performance report.• Provide a high level of consultation to the agency, division and external program partnersincluding state and federal resource providers and technical experts, nonprofit and stateassociation organizations, local governments, legal counsel, and the Office of the AttorneyGeneral.• Develop courses of action and resolve complex, critical issues affecting the eligible uses of thestatewide Local Permit Review funding allocation.• Lead programmatic research, analysis and interpretation of applicable state directives, laws,regulations, requirements for state policy initiatives.• Provide expert advice and recommendations on policy and other key issues on the program tothe Growth Management Services Unit Managing Director, the Assistant Director of LGD, otheragency Assistant Directors, Policy leads, and the Director of Commerce.• Establish program priorities, objectives and work schedules for the Local Permit Reviewprogram.• Monitor the economic and legislative environment for factors affecting the statewide LocalPermit Review program.• Respond to requests for information on the Local Permit Review program from localgovernments, stakeholders, state and federal legislators, public associations, and privatecitizens.• Work with agency-wide and intra-agency coordinating groups and initiatives on state agencycollaboration of locally identified community needs.• Develop and implement program priorities, objectives, application rating and selection process,underwriting, funding recommendations, and award decisions for all Local Permit Reviewprogram funds.• Manage the application and eligibility review process and determine grant/loan awards andcontracts.• Evaluate and report program performance and trends through quarterly reporting and budgetand financial management activities.• Lead the coordination of Local Permit Review program funding with the program managers andmanaging directors of other affected Commerce units and divisions.• Develop a communications plan including stakeholder outreach and consultation regarding localpermit review projects and programs.• Develop and tailor communications effectively for the target audience of the statewide LocalPermit Review program.• Provide expert advice to customers of emerging issues and the current positions ofstakeholders regarding Local Permit Review issues.• Develop performance thresholds and standards for the identification and escalation ofcompliance issues and finalize decisions on the recapturing of State funding for infrastructureprojects benefitting the public.• Convene and lead local government training and informational meetings on permitting processand program related funding opportunities for stakeholders.• Develop and maintain expert knowledge of internal quality assurance with stakeholders for localpermit files by running or reviewing reports and reviewing grant files.• Develop mechanisms to collect and report contract performance data. Participate in quarterlytarget reviews and ensure any associated data for the unit is reported accurately and timely.Contract ManagementTasks include: • Provide technical assistance to awardees throughout the contracting process, and coordinateand track completion of pre-contracting due diligence by awardee, including: • Negotiate contract terms, budget and scope of work for each project’s contract.• Work with Commerce's Assistant Attorney General (AAG) and the Commerce ChiefContracting Officer (CCO) on contract language and grantee negotiations as neededto limit agency liability.• Work with legislative staff to resolve issues regarding the legislative intentsupporting direct appropriated projects.• Monitor contract deliverables and perform risk assessments as necessary of contractorsand/or projects, including: • Utilize the Department's Contracts Management System (CMS) and the GrantsPrograms' Database to record, track, and manage various contractingcomponents and tasks.• Ensure ongoing grantee compliance with contract performance criteria,program requirements and applicable RCW/WACs.• Provide ongoing technical assistance and support to contractors to ensureproper use of funds and program success.Program AdministrationTasks include: • Create and assist in development and implementation of competitive funding rounds. Toinclude but is not limited to: • Review, utilize and provide guidance on state requirements.• Convene and facilitate meetings of subject matter experts and key stakeholders.• Work with subject matter experts to develop application questions for competitivefunding rounds.• Develop application tracking and scoring tools, review worksheets, and otherresources in word processing and online formats.• Provide technical assistance to interested parties and applicants. This includeswritten and verbal information sharing (i.e. telephone or online calls, email, lettercorrespondence) and creating and delivering presentations both in-person andthrough technology (i.e. conference calls, webinars, video recordings).• Read, evaluate and score applications.• Support the process of notifying applicants that are and are not successful inreceiving an award and provide feedback on the reasoning according to applicablepolicies and requirements.• Develop or maintain cooperative relationships with government, industry and communityorganizations by participating in workgroups.• Assist in the preparation of data requests, spreadsheets, reports, presentations and publicrecord requests.Fiscal ManagementTasks include: • Review, authorize, and process contract reimbursements, including.• Ensure expenditures are within the appropriated authority and are submitted forallowable expenses.• Track contract budgets, expenditures, and balances using the Department’s ContractManagement System (CMS) and the unit’s Grants Programs Database.• Assist in the allotment process by determining the timing and estimated dollar amounts forprojected contract reimbursements.• Provide technical assistance to grantees as fiscal discrepancies and/or issues arise or asrequested.
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.This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.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.
Local Permit Review Program ManagerAt the Department of Commerce we strive to be creative, collaborative, and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities and aim to promote equity in all aspects of our work. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our success, and we work to foster an environment where all individuals are valued and respected. We cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and we own our work. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the richness of the communities we serve. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future.The Local Government Division (LGD) partners with local governments, nonprofits, and others to strengthen the ability of all forms of local governments and community based organizations to fund and develop critical services to their citizens. The division provides leadership in local government finance and statewide infrastructure initiatives that help create and retain jobs. We also provide grants, loans, and planning and technical assistance to local governments for community development needs, infrastructure improvements, and economic development opportunities.Position Objective: This position, located in the Growth Management Services (GMS) Unit within the Local Government Division (LGD), provides advanced professional level program administration, technical assistance and contract management activities for the statewide Local Permit Review program to provide statewide technical assistance to local governments on project development permit requirements, and to strengthen accountability to project applicants and the public. This position serves as the state’s technical expert for the statewide Local Permit Review program providing technical expertise on the state’s implementation of the guidance and grant program for jurisdictions that wish to provide additional efficiencies and coordination in building permit review of residential development. The position is responsible for establishing procedures to implement the annual reporting of the Local Permit Review program, also referred to as SB 5290 (2023), codified under Chapter 36.70B RCW; developing and publishing an annual report, which includes the performance report data for each county and city subject to the requirements; and managing the local government permit grant programs under RCW 36.70B.240-241.. This position functions as a statewide expert level technical specialist and state authority on the local permit review process.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Local Permit Review expert and program manager in compliance with SB 5290 (2023), andcodified under Chapter 36.70B RCW.Tasks include: • Establish statewide policies for oversight and management of Washington State’s Local PermitReview Program, and statewide policies, procedures and documents to implement theallocation of grants to eligible applicants in compliance with state regulations and requirements.• Serve as state technical expert on Local Permit Review eligible activities and state requirementsgoverning the award and management of grants.• Analyze local government data to produce, maintain and present the statewide annual localgovernment permitting performance report.• Provide a high level of consultation to the agency, division and external program partnersincluding state and federal resource providers and technical experts, nonprofit and stateassociation organizations, local governments, legal counsel, and the Office of the AttorneyGeneral.• Develop courses of action and resolve complex, critical issues affecting the eligible uses of thestatewide Local Permit Review funding allocation.• Lead programmatic research, analysis and interpretation of applicable state directives, laws,regulations, requirements for state policy initiatives.• Provide expert advice and recommendations on policy and other key issues on the program tothe Growth Management Services Unit Managing Director, the Assistant Director of LGD, otheragency Assistant Directors, Policy leads, and the Director of Commerce.• Establish program priorities, objectives and work schedules for the Local Permit Reviewprogram.• Monitor the economic and legislative environment for factors affecting the statewide LocalPermit Review program.• Respond to requests for information on the Local Permit Review program from localgovernments, stakeholders, state and federal legislators, public associations, and privatecitizens.• Work with agency-wide and intra-agency coordinating groups and initiatives on state agencycollaboration of locally identified community needs.• Develop and implement program priorities, objectives, application rating and selection process,underwriting, funding recommendations, and award decisions for all Local Permit Reviewprogram funds.• Manage the application and eligibility review process and determine grant/loan awards andcontracts.• Evaluate and report program performance and trends through quarterly reporting and budgetand financial management activities.• Lead the coordination of Local Permit Review program funding with the program managers andmanaging directors of other affected Commerce units and divisions.• Develop a communications plan including stakeholder outreach and consultation regarding localpermit review projects and programs.• Develop and tailor communications effectively for the target audience of the statewide LocalPermit Review program.• Provide expert advice to customers of emerging issues and the current positions ofstakeholders regarding Local Permit Review issues.• Develop performance thresholds and standards for the identification and escalation ofcompliance issues and finalize decisions on the recapturing of State funding for infrastructureprojects benefitting the public.• Convene and lead local government training and informational meetings on permitting processand program related funding opportunities for stakeholders.• Develop and maintain expert knowledge of internal quality assurance with stakeholders for localpermit files by running or reviewing reports and reviewing grant files.• Develop mechanisms to collect and report contract performance data. Participate in quarterlytarget reviews and ensure any associated data for the unit is reported accurately and timely.Contract ManagementTasks include: • Provide technical assistance to awardees throughout the contracting process, and coordinateand track completion of pre-contracting due diligence by awardee, including: • Negotiate contract terms, budget and scope of work for each project’s contract.• Work with Commerce's Assistant Attorney General (AAG) and the Commerce ChiefContracting Officer (CCO) on contract language and grantee negotiations as neededto limit agency liability.• Work with legislative staff to resolve issues regarding the legislative intentsupporting direct appropriated projects.• Monitor contract deliverables and perform risk assessments as necessary of contractorsand/or projects, including: • Utilize the Department's Contracts Management System (CMS) and the GrantsPrograms' Database to record, track, and manage various contractingcomponents and tasks.• Ensure ongoing grantee compliance with contract performance criteria,program requirements and applicable RCW/WACs.• Provide ongoing technical assistance and support to contractors to ensureproper use of funds and program success.Program AdministrationTasks include: • Create and assist in development and implementation of competitive funding rounds. Toinclude but is not limited to: • Review, utilize and provide guidance on state requirements.• Convene and facilitate meetings of subject matter experts and key stakeholders.• Work with subject matter experts to develop application questions for competitivefunding rounds.• Develop application tracking and scoring tools, review worksheets, and otherresources in word processing and online formats.• Provide technical assistance to interested parties and applicants. This includeswritten and verbal information sharing (i.e. telephone or online calls, email, lettercorrespondence) and creating and delivering presentations both in-person andthrough technology (i.e. conference calls, webinars, video recordings).• Read, evaluate and score applications.• Support the process of notifying applicants that are and are not successful inreceiving an award and provide feedback on the reasoning according to applicablepolicies and requirements.• Develop or maintain cooperative relationships with government, industry and communityorganizations by participating in workgroups.• Assist in the preparation of data requests, spreadsheets, reports, presentations and publicrecord requests.Fiscal ManagementTasks include: • Review, authorize, and process contract reimbursements, including.• Ensure expenditures are within the appropriated authority and are submitted forallowable expenses.• Track contract budgets, expenditures, and balances using the Department’s ContractManagement System (CMS) and the unit’s Grants Programs Database.• Assist in the allotment process by determining the timing and estimated dollar amounts forprojected contract reimbursements.• Provide technical assistance to grantees as fiscal discrepancies and/or issues arise or asrequested.
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.This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.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.
