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.

Step into a role where your leadership will shape the future of technology at the Washington State Department of Commerce. As the IT Project Manager Senior/Specialist, you will serve as a strategic driver of high-impact initiatives that strengthen how Commerce delivers services across the state.

You will join a collaborative and forward-thinking IT Project Management Office (PMO) working on projects that matter, starting with the statewide One Washington (OneWA) Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) modernization effort. This landmark initiative is transforming how state government delivers core business operations and is creating a more connected, efficient, and resilient foundation for the future. In this highly visible role, you will partner with talented project, business, and technology professionals to shape solutions that have agency-wide and statewide impact. You will serve as the agency’s lead working with the statewide project office for coordination and communication.

Beyond OneWA, you will help lead a diverse portfolio of transformative technology and business projects that support Commerce’s mission to strengthen communities and spark economic growth. This is an opportunity to influence strategic decisions, mentor emerging project leaders, and guide teams through complex, meaningful work.

As a senior project management expert, you will bring clarity to complex challenges, translate executive vision into actionable plans, and ensure projects deliver real and measurable value. You will navigate change, champion best practices, and serve as a trusted advisor to leadership while empowering teams to deliver their best work.

If you are energized by strategic problem solving, thrive in a dynamic environment, and want your work to positively impact communities across Washington, this is your opportunity to lead with purpose.

Summary of Duties

Required Qualifications:
Eight (8) years of combined professional IT experience in the following IT disciplines:
Project Management – Leading cross-functional technology initiatives, developing project plans, managing resources, and ensuring compliance with statewide IT governance.
Policy and Planning – Developing and maintaining IT policies, conducting compliance analyses, supporting audits, and contributing to strategic IT governance
System Administration – Overseeing the deployment, configuration, and maintenance of enterprise IT platforms; implementing secure system configurations and patching strategies; automating remediation workflows; collaborating with infrastructure teams to integrate security controls; and ensuring compliance with standards throughout the project lifecycle.

OR

Associate’s degree in IT program or closely related field and six (6) years of recent professional experience listed above.

OR

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Information Technology program or closely related field and four (4) years of recent professional experience listed above.

Experience must include one (1) year of leading IT professionals or consulting as a technical lead and can be obtained concurrently with other professional experience listed above. Experience in effectively communicating and aiding a diverse set of information technology peers.

Desired/Preferred Qualifications:
•Project management certification/training (PMP®, CSM, etc.)
•Change management certification/training (Prosci, etc.)

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

• A complete and detailed online application.
• A cover letter (enter online) - that details how your skills and experience make you an ideal candidate for this position
• At least three professional references (enter online).

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.