Assistant Director - Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness

The Department of Commerce is seeking a bold, collaborative leader to drive innovation and shape Washington’s economic future. This role can be based in Olympia or Seattle, with hybrid work flexibility. 

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 

As Assistant Director (AD) of the Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness (OEDC), you’ll lead a dynamic portfolio that includes international trade and business development, working with a mission-driven team of experts across industry sectors to drive inclusive prosperity and position Washington as a global leader in equitable, sustainable economic growth. We’re looking for a systems-thinker and changemaker with a track record of leadership in economic and business development, innovation strategy, or public-private partnerships. Someone ready to foster industry transformation, empower small businesses, and deliver results that matter to people and communities across Washington.  

The AD oversees a portfolio of programs and contracts focused on statewide competitiveness, including small business assistance, trade promotion, and rural economic development. You’ll help modernize the state’s economic infrastructure, accelerate high-impact growth strategies, and ensure benefits reach communities often left behind. 

As a key member of Commerce’s Executive Leadership Team, you’ll help shape agency-wide strategy and influence how we serve communities across Washington. We are looking for a changemaker with an exceptional ability to lead through complexity and build trusted partnerships. 

What you’ll lead 

As Assistant Director of the OEDC, you will shape strategy, drive innovation, and build partnerships to better position Washington for inclusive economic growth.  

Strategic vision & organizational leadership 

• Set and lead the strategic direction for OEDC in alignment with the state’s economic development priorities and Commerce’s mission.  
• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary division of ~50 staff across high-impact portfolios.  
• Promote a culture of innovation, equity, and data-informed decision making. 
• Champion continuous improvement through modernized systems, technology, and service delivery. 
• Cultivate and develop a high-performing, purpose-driven leadership team. 
• Lead initiatives to embed equity and inclusion in all programs and partnerships. Ensure economic benefits are accessible to historically underserved and rural communities. Monitor and report progress using defined equity metrics.  

Program management & fiscal stewardship 

• Oversee a diverse suite of programs on multiple teams managed by almost 50 staff.  
• Manage a complex multi-source budget ensuring efficient resource allocation and measurable outcomes.  
• Hold final signature authority on contracts, grants, and procurement for the division.  
• Ensure programs deliver tangible economic value to underserved, rural, and historically excluded communities. 

External relations & policy alignment  

• Serve as a senior advisor to the Director and Commerce staff on economic trends and strategic opportunities. 
• Coordinate closely with the Governor’s Office, Legislature, and Commerce leadership on high-priority policy matters. 
• Lead proactive engagement with Tribal and local governments, business leaders, community-based organizations, and regional partners. 
• Build and maintain trusted relationships across public and private sectors to support long-term systems change. 

Trade & investment strategy 

• Direct the state’s global trade promotion efforts and international engagement, including support for Washington exporters and participation in trade missions. 
• Oversee business attraction, expansion, and retention initiatives. 
• Represent Washington in trade missions and diplomatic exchanges to strengthen economic ties. 
• Lead statewide initiatives to attract high-impact investments that drive job creation and economic growth. Oversee major business recruitment efforts and align regional and agency partners to strengthen Washington’s competitiveness in a global market. 

Who should apply? 

This is a high-impact, senior leadership role for someone who is passionate about driving economic development and competitiveness in Washington State. We’re seeking a strategic, action-oriented systems leader with sound judgement and exceptional leadership experience in economic and business development and innovation strategy. As the public face of OEDC, this role requires strong public speaking skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences including industry and trade organizations, legislators, and visiting foreign delegations.  

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong economic development expertise, organizational savvy, strategic thinking, commitment to equity, fiscal oversight experience, and excellent executive leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills. A master’s degree in business, economics, public administration, or similar field is preferred. 

We welcome applications from professionals with a combination of ten (10) years of senior-level experience in international and local development, trade promotion, economic strategy, or public management. 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. 

We value unconventional paths and transferable skills. If you have led complex systems, even outside traditional economic development roles, and see alignment with this position, we encourage you to apply. Don’t self-select out. Tell us how your background prepares you for this role or reach out to us with questions about the qualifications. 

How to apply 

To be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your application. 

• A letter of interest (1 page maximum) that addresses why you are interested in the Department of Commerce and this specific leadership opportunity.
• A complete and detailed online application.
• At least three professional references (submitted online) who can speak to your leadership, collaboration, and results. 

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. 

Salary : $95,825 - $165,119