The Thurston County Commissioners’ Office is seeking a highly qualified and motivated candidate for the position of Economic and Community Development Manager. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is skilled in leading and managing programs and policies that will positively impact the residents of Thurston County. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, creative, adaptable, and motivated; and have strong communication and project management skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively to build trusting working relationships with staff at all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Responsible for developing and implementing a holistic economic development strategy for our growing county that takes into consideration building and revenue increases balanced with open space preservation that defines our local quality of life.
• Create a clear and achievable strategy to achieve the goals of promoting and advancing sustainable economic vitality and opportunity for all Thurston County residents.
• Provide data-based business analysis of potential opportunities to increase the financial standing of the county through a variety of funding pathways.
• Explore and obtain funding from Federal and State and related agencies.
• Monitor and manage Federal and State legislation.
• Collaborate with other agencies such as Economic Development Council, Visitor and Convention Bureau, Chambers of Commerce and other municipalities.
• Engage with residents who may need support and education working through development, zoning, and other land use complexities. These duties are performed in a way that is removed from political influence and serves residents in a well-rounded and impartial manner.
• Write, develop, strategize and submit grant applications. Assist in implementing grant awards. Evaluates contract requirements submitted to ensure requirements are met, monitor quality of deliverables, track performance, which may include some financial and program audits.
• Partner with internal offices and departments in planning and implementation of Economic Development
• Promote positive and productive customer service, quality service delivery in support of the vision, mission, values, goals, and objectives of the County.
• This position is a direct report to the County Manager, with supervision by an Assistant County Manager.

To view the full job classification, click here: Class Specifications | Senior Program Manager | Class Spec Details

Who We Are
Thurston County is governed by a five-member elected Board of County Commissioners who serve as the County’s legislative body. The office consists of 30 FTEs and provides leadership and oversight of county government, providing services, programs, and infrastructure that meets the needs of citizens; foster regional collaboration and partnership to find solutions to community needs and advance opportunities for consolidation and cooperation of the delivery of local services; preserve and enhance our physical environment and natural resources; promote community conditions that support the health and wellbeing of citizens; support a strong, diverse, and sustainable economy; and adopt and maintain a fiscally responsible budget.

The County is comprised of an additional 23 separately elected county officials and their offices, as well as 11 departments including the Budget Office, Community Planning and Economic Development, Emergency Management, Medic One, Human Resources, Information Technology, Pretrial Services, Public Defense, Public Health and Social Services, and Public Works.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Learn more at Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

What We Offer Our Employees
• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why You’ll Love It Here
Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in a field closely related to the specific position. Additional experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience related to public program and policy development at a regional level, including experience working with elected officials.
• Demonstrated competence in the principles and practices of public policy development and administration. Must be able to demonstrate competency in supervising personnel involved in program implementation and in establishing and controlling budgets.
• Current Washington State Driver’s License or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation.
• Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.

Desired Skills
• Exceptional communicator and presenter of complex ideas and technical information to a variety of audiences in a clear, concise, effective, and professional manner.
• Knowledge of economic development strategy and the principles and methods used in the preparation and review of bids, RFP’s, and contracts
• Ability to identify communication solutions to various organizational issues.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with local groups.
• Ability to plan, organize, schedule, and carry out multiple tasks and priorities.
• Knowledge of basic supervisory skills and techniques.
• Experience working in the public sector.
• Master’s degree in business administration or related field.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and local policies and regulations pertaining to sustainability and economic development.
• Action-oriented, creative thinker willing to do the hard work to take an idea through research, analysis, decision, action, and review that understands working in a fast-paced environment with potential varying points of view.

Other Related Recruitment Information
Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: Joshua Cummings, Assistant County Manager, 360-754-4995.
This position is:
- Eligible for benefits
- At-Will
- Not represented by a union
- Not eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Items requested for consideration:
- Application
- Resume
- Letter of Interest

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498. Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.