Energy Economy Lead (EMS 3)

Energy Economy Lead, Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness

The Department of Commerce is seeking a strategic, team-oriented professional to advance clean energy innovation and strengthen Washington's economic future. This role can be based in Olympia, Seattle, or Spokane, with hybrid work flexibility.

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!

As the Energy Economy Lead, within the Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness (OEDC) division, you will shape Washington's clean energy and clean technology growth by driving investment and job creation across the state. This role is within the Industry Sector Development (ISD) unit, which provides critical industry coordination, economic analysis, and policy insights to the Governor, Legislature, Commerce Director, and other key decision-makers.

In this position, you will lead a broad portfolio of industries involved in energy generation, transmission, storage, and deployment, as well as companies that design and manufacture advanced technologies that improve the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of energy use. You will serve as a strategic liaison between government, industry, and community stakeholders, advancing initiatives that strengthen Washington's clean tech ecosystem, attract investment, and expand workforce opportunities.

This is a highly visible and forward-looking role that positions Washington as a leader in climate-aligned innovation while fostering equitable economic growth and resilience across the state. In this position, you will occasionally work alongside colleagues in the Energy Division, who focus on energy policy development, helping to ensure Washington's economic and policy efforts move forward together toward a sustainable, globally competitive energy future.

What you'll do

As the Energy Economy Lead, reporting to the Innovation and Industry Partnerships Director, you will shape and implement strategies that drive the growth and competitiveness of Washington's clean energy and clean technology industries. In this outcome-focused role, you'll serve as a central point of coordination and trusted subject-matter expert, working closely with government leaders, industry associations, businesses, and community partners. Your efforts will help position Washington as a national and global leader in sustainable, innovative, and equitable energy solutions.

• Industry Engagement & Investment Partner with private sector leaders, associations, and stakeholders to attract investment, secure funding, and expand employment in high-growth clean energy sectors.
• Economic & Market Analysis Conduct research and analysis to assess market trends, inform policy decisions, and strengthen Washington's long-term economic resilience.
• Policy & Strategy Development Design and implement policies and strategies that advance the state's clean energy economy and align with broader economic development goals.
• Executive Advisement Provide timely, strategic briefings and recommendations to Commerce leadership through the Innovation and Industry Partnerships Director.
• Cross-Agency & Government Collaboration Coordinate efforts with internal teams, other state agencies, and the Governor's Office to align programs and ensure policy coherence.
• Public Representation & Advocacy Represent Washington at legislative hearings, industry forums, and stakeholder events, serving as a visible and trusted spokesperson on energy issues.
• Legislative & Regulatory Support Prepare legislative reports, policy analyses, fiscal notes, and recommendations, including draft language for proposed legislation.
• Professional Relationship Management Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across government, industry, and community to ensure effective communication and advance shared objectives.
• Equity & Ethical Leadership Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of Washington's clean energy economy while upholding the highest ethical standards.

Who should apply?

This is a high-impact role for a professional committed to advancing Washington's clean energy economy. We're seeking candidates with a strong mix of education and experiencetypically at least seven (7) years through a combination of formal education and professional work in public policy, economic development, business, or a related energy field such as generation, transmission, storage, or deployment of energy.

The ideal candidate demonstrates excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills; proven ability to work effectively with diverse external partners; sensitivity to public perspectives; and the capacity to balance the needs of both the energy industry and broader economic development goals.

A master's degree, relevant professional certifications, or prior experience in a legislative or public policy environment are strongly preferred. If you bring transferable skills, unconventional career paths, or unique experiences that align with this role, we encourage you to applydon't self-select out.

How to apply

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

For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email : comrecruitment@commerce.wa.gov - please reference the job number in your message.

Where you'll work

Your schedule

Supplemental Information

This position requires occasional travel to in-state events and meetings, as well as periodic out-of-state and international travel to represent Washington in industry forums, trade missions, and stakeholder engagements. While many Commerce employees work remotely or on a hybrid schedule, if selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive initial instruction. 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.