Community Investments Special Programs Coordinator (Program Specialist 2) / PROJECT



Community Investments Special Programs Coordinator (Program Specialist 2) / PROJECT

Salary

$3,294.00 - $4,286.00 Monthly

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Project (limited duration)

Job Number

2021-ARTS-007

Department

Arts Commission

Opening Date

11/03/2021

Closing Date

11/18/2021 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

This position is assigned to our Olympia location; however, most positions are currently teleworking daily due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
SCHEDULE:  Work hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. 
Where you will work:
ArtsWA is following all state guidelines for remote work during the pandemic. This position will be primarily remote work and evolving to a hybrid of in-office and remote work. Percent of time in-office and remote will be determined.
 
This project position is expect to last through June 2023.
 
**Special Note:  We encourage everyone to apply, but please note that currently ARTSWA is unable to accommodate relocation reimbursements.
 
Who we are:
The mission of the Washington State Arts Commission, also known as ArtsWA, is to be a catalyst for the arts, advancing the role of the arts in the lives of individuals and communities throughout the state. We have a particular interest in serving diverse populations and increasing equity and access in the arts. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit our website www.arts.wa.gov to gain insight into the agency's mission and strategic plan.

What you will be doing:
The Washington State Arts Commission’s Community Investments (CI) department has an exciting opportunity for you to work with our team to manage special or emergency funding programs and new initiatives developed by or assigned to the Community Investments department. This position will work in collaboration with Arts in Education (AIE) and Grants to Organizations (GTO) programs. The Community Investments Special Programs Coordinator directly serves the arts and cultural sector of Washington state by designing and managing grant systems that provide access and support for constituents.

Who we are looking for:
We are looking for an arts administrator with strong program management, communication, and administrative skills.  Applicants must have proficiency with electronic/online program management software, accessibility design and communication skills, and management of fiscal and contracting processes. Applicants with a background in the arts, accessibility practices, and/or facilitation of collaborative management processes are encouraged to apply.
 
You will work in collaboration with two program teams in a busy department; the work requires exceptionally strong attention to detail, excellent written and verbal communications skills, and the ability to manage multiple overlapping projects and deadlines. You must appreciate the importance of relationship building as you will be interacting with a complex diversity of constituents, grantees, and applicants from across the state as they manage emergency, recovery, and multifaceted access and equity situations.
 
Why YOU would be interested in this position:
This position is an integral part of the Community Investments Department’s program management. Your work will shape efficient and responsive administration processes for programs that have a deep impact on arts in education, arts participation in communities, emergency relief and recovery, and the creative economy of Washington State.
 
You will work in collaboration with two program teams in a busy department; the work requires exceptionally strong attention to detail, excellent written and verbal communications skills, and the ability to manage multiple overlapping projects and deadlines. You must appreciate the importance of relationship building as you will be interacting with a complex diversity of constituents, grantees, and applicants from across the state as they manage emergency, recovery, and multifaceted access and equity situations.
 
Why YOU would be interested in this position:
This position is an integral part of the Community Investments Department’s program management. Your work will shape efficient and responsive administration processes for programs that have a deep impact on arts in education, arts participation in communities, emergency relief and recovery, and the creative economy of Washington State.  

You will be interacting with a diversity of constituents and pandemic-related recovery efforts in the arts.  This level of high-level team collaboration is a unique aspect of working at a small agency.
 
Because we are a small agency, you will have multiple opportunities to develop, grow, and become deeply involved in the work of our department. Opportunities that you won't find in a larger agency.  The Community Investments team is deeply committed to equitable access to the arts and arts in education. We work hard and truly enjoy what we do while maintaining pride in our work. We are busy year-round. If you enjoy staying busy and like a variety of duties and opportunities to shape those duties, we promise you won't get bored. If this position fits your experience and you are passionate about the arts, we encourage you to apply.

Duties

Central to this role is managing all processes and workflow associated with the administration of special or emergency funding programs and new initiatives developed by or assigned to the Community Investments department.
 
As Community Investments Special Programs Coordinator for the Community Investments (AIE & GTO) Department:
 
Tasks include: 
Collaborate with the Community Investments team to:
 
GRANTS DEVELOPMENT:

  • Design federal and state relief and recovery and special grant program processes including assessing budget/expenses related to administrative requirements/duties and risk assessment; consults with program manager on complex situations that may present a risk to the agency.  
  • Provide technical assistance to constituents in all areas related to federal and state relief and recovery and special grants including use of online grant application technology. 
  • Support federal and state relief and recovery and special grant panels and panelists including logistics, accessibility, and related contracts.  
  • Coordinate all necessary modifications of agency application review and promotion processes to align with federal and state relief and recovery and special funding requirements as instructed by Program Manager including constituent support documents and outreach.
  • Assist with development of, recommend modifications to, and test grant applications on electronic platforms (ZoomGrants and/or Submittable). 
  • Screen federal and state recovery and special grant program applications for eligibility and completion and resolve eligibility concerns with GTO program manager and/or program coordinator. 
  • Serve as administrative lead for contract management and annual federal reporting for assigned programs.
  • Coordinate statistical information and documentation for grant related program outcome reports.
  • Manage grant budget finances related to program coordination, independently from manager(s) and program coordinator(s).
FISCAL PROCESS:
Collaborate with GTO/AIE program coordinators to design and integrate state relief and recovery grant program fiscal duties into Community Investments’ regular fiscal cycles.
This includes: 
  • Constituent support on fiscal matters.
  • Preparing and distributing contracts with approved coding by agency fiscal team.
  • Preparing invoices for approval and distribution of funds.
  • Tracking payment requests.
  • Overall fiscal records, retention, and documentation management.
COMMUNICATIONS:
  • Collaborate with GTO/AIE Program Coordinators to develop communications and outreach plans that support GTO/AIE goals for access and community reach.
  • Generate GTO/AIE program communications timeline, proposing website changes, drafting newsletter articles as assigned, social media posts and/or eblast messages.
  • Collaborate with agency community relations team to design outreach and marketing plan.
  • Design a new final report system, data collection process, and federal reporting workflow that balances constituent support with administrative efficiency.
  • Support constituent completion of annual federal reporting including resolving issues as they arise.
  • Screen final report documents for completion and resolve concerns with Program Coordinators.
  • Document final report data for grant related program outcomes such as data dashboard and other program metrics.
  • Compile final report data for Federal Descriptive Reporting required by NEA.
  • Coordinate administrative and fiscal systems as assigned including but not limited to general operations, coordination with Arts in Education and Grants to Organizations where programs overlap.
  • Provide professional input on workflow, procedures, and documentation as needed to increase efficiency.
  • Manage all associated grant and stipend programs as assigned.
  • Organize and refine program and project workflows within Community Investments calendar cycles, and staff capacity. • Develop and refine technical support appropriate for each grant and stipend program with specialized focus on increasing accessibility for a diversity of constituents.
  • Develop budget proposals as assigned by program managers, to ensure that program expenses (grants, stipends, other program costs) remain within program master budget.
  • Develop scope of work and contracts for project collaborations and partnerships.
  • Analyze operations and performance aligned with agency strategic plan goals, policies, procedures, and practices.

Qualifications


REQUIRED: 
A Bachelor’s degree in public administration or closely allied field
AND

  • Three (3) years of program specialist or high-level administrative experience. Note: Administrative or managerial work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
  • Skills and abilities with basic office equipment (including computer, phone, fax, copier, and printer), proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (incl. Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint), proficient use of email and the internet, and proficiency with electronic/online program management software or client management/project management systems.
PREFERRED/DESIRED:
  • Two (2) or more years of program specialist experience in support of a recognized arts, cultural, philanthropic, or educational program. 
  • Thirty-six (36) months or more experience of administration work in writing and developing contracts and working with grants, grant programs, and/or online grant application platforms.  

Supplemental Information


Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

  • A letter of interestdescribing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting; 
  • A current resume, detailing experience and education; and 
  • A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)
NOTE:  By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.  A resume will not substitute for completing the “duties summary” section of the application.  Please do not refer to resume for detail, or your application may be disqualified.  

Condition of Employment:

COVID Vaccination Requirement: Per Governor Inslee’s 
Proclamation 21-14(Download PDF reader), state employees must be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. If you are a selected candidate, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination prior to start date.

Opportunity for All:
The Washington State Arts Commission  celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.
 
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.
 
Contact Information:
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.
 
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446 or email jobs@des.wa.gov.   

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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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
Parental Leave
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
What is your level of formal education?
  • Some or no college
  • 1 year of college (30 semester or 45 quarter credits)
  • Associate's degree OR 2 years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter credits)
  • 3 years of college (90 semester or 135 quarter credits)
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in public administration or related field
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in an unrelated field
02
How many months of progressive administrative or managerial work experience do you have?
  • 0-11 months
  • 12-23 months
  • 24-35 months
  • 36-47 months
  • 48 months or more
03
How many months of experience do you have as a program specialist?
  • 0-11 months
  • 12-23 months
  • 24-35 months
  • 36 months or more
04
How many months of your program specialist experience is in support of a recognized arts, cultural, philanthropic, or educational program?
  • 0-11 months
  • 12-23 months
  • 24-35 months
  • 36 months or more
05
Do you have experience working with online grant application systems? *Select all that apply.
  • Yes, I am familiar with online grant systems as a user
  • Yes, I am familiar with online grant systems as a manager
  • None of these apply
06
From the question above, describe your proficiency and how long performed. If this does not apply to you, indicate "n/a" in this space.
07
Select the answer below that best describes your experience in managing fiscal processes such as preparing/submitting/tracking invoices, tracking and reconciling budget documents, contracts, etc.
  • 0-11 months
  • 12-23 months
  • 24-35 months
  • 36 months or more
08
Select the answer that best describes your length of professional experience working for a state, county, or city government agency.
  • 0-11 months
  • 12-23 months
  • 24-35 months
  • 36-47 months
  • 48 months or more
09
Describe your experience in coordinating meetings, including working with facilities, catering, audio and visual equipment needs and setup, rosters, handouts, associated travel needs for participants and management of all details regarding events.
10
What's one example of a complex administrative project that you successfully completed within the last year? NOTE: Briefly describe the project, your role, and why the outcome mattered to your team. (Please limit your response to no more than 250 words.)
11
Please select as many of the options below that match your level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel. *If you make a selection, you MUST have mastered ALL choices in that row.
  • A - Create, modify, print, and format spreadsheets, find and replace data, and work with basic formulas and functions
  • B - Create and format charts and graphs
  • C - Import data from other sources and filter lists
  • D - Use templates, styles, AutoFormats, and multiple worksheets
  • E - Create and manipulate large or complex spreadsheets, use complex mathematical formulas to calculate data, and link worksheets
  • F - Develop complex spreadsheets with macros, multiple math functions, advanced filters, and links to external sources of information
  • G - Create custom toolbars and chart types, and use data analysis tools
  • None of these apply
12
Please select all that apply that describe your level of expertise in Microsoft Word: *If you make a selection, you MUST have mastered ALL choices in that row.
  • A- Create, format, edit, preview, print, and save documents
  • B- Use standard functions to select, edit, copy, paste, format, and spell check text
  • C- Create bulleted and numbered lists, indent and align paragraphs, and use bordering and shading features
  • D- Create forms using templates, work with form fields, and format and enhance forms
  • E- Use mail merge to create form letters, modify merged documents, and merge envelopes and labels
  • F- Create, format, and edit tables, columns, and charts.
  • G- Insert and format sections, create headers and footers, and work with pictures and draw objects
  • H- Save and edit web pages and work with hyperlinks
  • I- Create tables of contents and compile and update indexes
  • J- Create, run, and edit macros to combine commands and automate complex series of tasks
  • None of these apply
13
How did you hear about this job posting?
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • College Job Board
  • Friend
  • Indeed
  • Job Fair
  • Job Board
  • LinkedIn
  • Monster
  • WorkSource
  • Other
14
We would like to know where you heard about this position. If you selected College Job Board, Job Fair, Job Board, or Other, please let us know the specific name of the college, job board, or place you heard about this position. If you selected a specifically named job board or webpage (listed above), please enter "n/a".

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
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