Assistant Director Housing Division
Apply NowCompany: State of Washington
Location: Olympia, WA 98501
Description:
Salary : $95,825.00 - $165,119.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2025-01852
Department: Dept. of Commerce
Division: Housing Division
Opening Date: 03/11/2025
Closing Date: 4/1/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Assistant Director, Housing Division
The Department of Commerce seeks a leader committed to pursuing safe and affordable housing for all residents. This position is based in the Olympia or Seattle office.
About Commerce
Commerce is the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community development and economic vitality in Washington. We are the one agency in state government that impacts every aspect of community and economic development. Commerce manages a diverse portfolio that includes five divisions, all focused on helping communities achieve positive growth. Commerce offers flexible work options with many employees working remotely or on a hybrid schedule. Join us at one of Washington's fastest growing state agencies!
About the opportunity
We seek an innovative, inclusive, and decisive leader to serve as the Assistant Director (AD) of the Housing Division. The AD leads a dynamic team of 188 professionals within the Housing Division (HD), all working to provide tools to local governments, nonprofits, and community action agencies to ensure that everyone is housed in their communities. The HD is separated into eight units: Multifamily Housing Unit, Homeownership Unit, Apple Health & Homes and Permanent Supporting Housing Unit, Housing Policy and Strategic Initiatives Unit, Data and Performance Unit, Administration, Homelessness Assistance Unit, and Office of Homeless Youth Protection and Prevention. The AD is responsible for further improving the successful community-based service delivery system through effective business and contracting practices while planning innovative strategies to address affordable housing, homelessness, and emerging needs and issues in housing policy.
This position serves as a member of Commerce's Executive Leadership Team, sharing in overall policy development for the agency and as an advocate for the division, the staff, and its programs.
What you'll work on
Among the varied range of responsibilities of this role, the Assistant Director of the Housing Division will:
Who should apply?
As part of the Commerce leadership team, the Assistant Director of the Housing Division is expected to be a strategic and action-oriented leader with deep housing expertise.
Professionals with any combination of nine (9) total years of education or experience are encouraged to apply. This could be gained by a combination of relevant education, beyond high school equivalency, or senior level public management experience, including the management of a large operating budget, team, or equivalent.
A minimum of five (5) years of the above referenced experience must be in senior management, advising, supervising, and leading within state government or a large organization.?
We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have transferable experience, please tell us about it or contact us with questions about the required qualifications and how your experience relates to them.
What we need you to bring
Required competencies:
Preferred qualifications:
Master's degree in public administration, public policy, social work, or a closely related field.
How to Apply
For questions about this recruitment, please contact Jon Rodriguez via email: Jon.Rodriguez@commerce.wa.gov - please reference the job number in your message.
Where you'll work
Your schedule
Additional Information
Supplemental Information
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 .
The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and application materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
In the space below, please write a formal cover letter describing your interest and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
02
How many total years of professional experience and/or formal education, combining relevant education beyond high school equivalency or senior-level public management experience, including the management of a large operating budget or team, do you have?
03
If you indicated you have experience noted above, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must also be reflected in the work experience of your application). If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.)
04
Can you confirm whether at least five years of the required experience includes senior management, advising, supervising, and leading roles within state government or a large organization?
05
Are you a current or former employee of the state of Washington?
06
If you answered yes to the question above, what is the agency you are currently or formerly with? If you answered no, please type N/A.
07
As a condition of employment, I understand and agree that I must reside in the state of Washington prior to or on the first day of state employment.
08
Please select the option below that best indicates where you heard about this job opportunity.
Required Question
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2025-01852
Department: Dept. of Commerce
Division: Housing Division
Opening Date: 03/11/2025
Closing Date: 4/1/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Assistant Director, Housing Division
The Department of Commerce seeks a leader committed to pursuing safe and affordable housing for all residents. This position is based in the Olympia or Seattle office.
About Commerce
Commerce is the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community development and economic vitality in Washington. We are the one agency in state government that impacts every aspect of community and economic development. Commerce manages a diverse portfolio that includes five divisions, all focused on helping communities achieve positive growth. Commerce offers flexible work options with many employees working remotely or on a hybrid schedule. Join us at one of Washington's fastest growing state agencies!
About the opportunity
We seek an innovative, inclusive, and decisive leader to serve as the Assistant Director (AD) of the Housing Division. The AD leads a dynamic team of 188 professionals within the Housing Division (HD), all working to provide tools to local governments, nonprofits, and community action agencies to ensure that everyone is housed in their communities. The HD is separated into eight units: Multifamily Housing Unit, Homeownership Unit, Apple Health & Homes and Permanent Supporting Housing Unit, Housing Policy and Strategic Initiatives Unit, Data and Performance Unit, Administration, Homelessness Assistance Unit, and Office of Homeless Youth Protection and Prevention. The AD is responsible for further improving the successful community-based service delivery system through effective business and contracting practices while planning innovative strategies to address affordable housing, homelessness, and emerging needs and issues in housing policy.
This position serves as a member of Commerce's Executive Leadership Team, sharing in overall policy development for the agency and as an advocate for the division, the staff, and its programs.
What you'll work on
Among the varied range of responsibilities of this role, the Assistant Director of the Housing Division will:
- Provide strategic leadership of the Housing Division's daily operations, providing overall management and policy implementation.
- Oversee the administration of 8 units and over 82 programs focused on housing and homelessness, including being responsible for compliance with all state, federal, and program requirements.
- Responsible for the effective management, development, and spending of a $2.5 billion division budget in accordance with laws, rules, processes, and directives.
- Advise the Director and Commerce staff on political and policy implications for broad issues related to housing and homelessness programs.
- Communicate with national and state organizations, federal, state, and local policy makers, legislative and congressional staff, the Office of the Governor, and the Office of Financial Management.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships and strategic partnerships with Tribes, local governments, advocacy groups, non-profit organizations, and the business community.
- Collaborate with Commerce leadership to attract, train, support, and retain a diverse and skilled workforce.
- Cultivate a positive work environment that promotes a sense of belonging, leadership, and accountability.
Who should apply?
As part of the Commerce leadership team, the Assistant Director of the Housing Division is expected to be a strategic and action-oriented leader with deep housing expertise.
Professionals with any combination of nine (9) total years of education or experience are encouraged to apply. This could be gained by a combination of relevant education, beyond high school equivalency, or senior level public management experience, including the management of a large operating budget, team, or equivalent.
A minimum of five (5) years of the above referenced experience must be in senior management, advising, supervising, and leading within state government or a large organization.?
We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have transferable experience, please tell us about it or contact us with questions about the required qualifications and how your experience relates to them.
What we need you to bring
Required competencies:
- Housing expertise - Extensive knowledge in multiple aspects of affordable housing, including development, funding, compliance, and assistance programs across federal, state, and local levels.
- Leadership - Able to provide leadership and direction to managers and staff. Demonstrated executive management level experience in a team environment. Able to enhance the effectiveness of employees through timely appraisal and professional development opportunities. Maintains the highest standards of personal and professional ethical conduct.
- Organizational savvy - Able to plan, lead, organize, and manage the internal operations of the division. Operates within the organization's formal and informal structures, builds allies and relationships across divisions, uses allies to build consensus and create results, is appropriately diplomatic, understands others' roles and perspectives, and can champion projects and ideas across the organization. Understands legislative processes and operating in a political environment.
- Decision making and judgment - Recognizes problems and responds, systematically gathers information, sorts through complex issues, seeks input from others, addresses root cause of issues, makes timely decisions, can make difficult decisions, uses consensus, when possible, and communicates decisions to others.
- Strategic thinking - Creates and communicates a long-term vision, balances short and long term goals, keeps own and team's work aligned with overall goals, and creates and adjusts strategic plans. Prioritizes well, shows energy, reacts to opportunities, and meets deadlines.
- Change management - Experience leading change initiatives, improving organizational efficiency, and navigating complex governmental or nonprofit organizations.
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion - Understands and has experience applying the language and concepts of a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) culture. Committed to creating and maintaining a DEI and anti-racist work environment. Committed to applying a DEI and anti-racist lens to policy setting and decision-making, including program planning and development, community outreach, and allocation of resources.
- Collaboration -Helps team and impacted parties meet goals and responsibilities, listens to others and values opinions, promotes a collaborative environment, and is a trusted partner who communicates openly and honestly. Experience building and maintaining relationships and facilitating differences with a wide array of parties, including local governments, Tribes, the legislature, the Governor's office, nonprofit service providers, other state agencies, and associations.
- Budget and cost control - Plans for and uses resources efficiently, always looks for ways to reduce costs, creates accurate and realistic budgets, tracks and adjusts budgets, and contributes to budget planning. Experience managing and developing a large, complex budget.
- Quality - Is committed to excellence, looks for improvements continuously, monitors quality levels, finds root causes of issues, owns/act on issues, and turns mistakes into learning opportunities.
- Communication - Excellent written, oral and public speaking skills. Clear, transparent, and effective communicator, both verbally and in writing. Creates accurate and punctual reports, delivers presentations, shares information and ideas with others, and has good listening skills.
- Interpersonal skills - Possess good listening skills, builds strong relationships, is flexible/open-minded, negotiates effectively, solicits performance feedback, and handles constructive criticism.
Preferred qualifications:
Master's degree in public administration, public policy, social work, or a closely related field.
How to Apply
- A letter of interest specifying why Commerce and this position is of interest to you, an example of your life or work that demonstrates your ability to learn and how you meet the qualifications listed above. (enter online)
- A complete and detailed online application.
- At least three professional references (enter online) who can attest to your work performance, skills, and job-related competencies.
For questions about this recruitment, please contact Jon Rodriguez via email: Jon.Rodriguez@commerce.wa.gov - please reference the job number in your message.
Where you'll work
- Your duty station will be Commerce Headquarters in Olympia, WA or the Commerce Seattle Office in Seattle, WA.
- Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
Your schedule
- This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
- A minimum of one day per week is required in the office for this position.
- You may telework most of your work time outside of the required in-office day, with the exception of in-person meetings and activities.
- Schedules are dependent upon the position needs and are subject to change.
Additional Information
- The full range for the position is $95,825.00 - $165,119 yearly. The initial salary offered will consider internal equity and will be based on relevant knowledge, skills, and experienced and may be less than the top of the range.
- This high-level leadership position may occasionally speak or act for the Director. Working extra hours on weekends, holidays, or evenings is often normal for a position at this level.
- 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.
- The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and application materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required.
Supplemental Information
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 .
The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and application materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
In the space below, please write a formal cover letter describing your interest and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
02
How many total years of professional experience and/or formal education, combining relevant education beyond high school equivalency or senior-level public management experience, including the management of a large operating budget or team, do you have?
- I do not have this experience
- I have more than 5 but less than 6 years of combined professional experience and/or formal education
- I have 6 but less than 7 years of combined professional experience and/or formal education
- I have 7 but less than 8 years of combined professional experience and/or formal education
- I have 8 but less than 9 years of combined professional experience and/or formal education
- I have 9 or more years of combined professional experience and/or formal education
03
If you indicated you have experience noted above, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must also be reflected in the work experience of your application). If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.)
04
Can you confirm whether at least five years of the required experience includes senior management, advising, supervising, and leading roles within state government or a large organization?
- Yes
- No
05
Are you a current or former employee of the state of Washington?
- Yes
- No
06
If you answered yes to the question above, what is the agency you are currently or formerly with? If you answered no, please type N/A.
07
As a condition of employment, I understand and agree that I must reside in the state of Washington prior to or on the first day of state employment.
- Yes
- No
08
Please select the option below that best indicates where you heard about this job opportunity.
- www.careers.wa.gov
- Aggregate job search website (Indeed.com, Simplyhired.com)
- Department of Commerce website
- Department of Commerce employee
- Social Media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)
Required Question