Energy Policy Director (EMS 3)

The State of Washington is hiring an Energy Policy Director to lead the Energy Division in Olympia, WA. This full-time, permanent position involves developing and implementing statewide energy policies aimed at reducing fossil fuel use and promoting renewable energy. The role requires collaboration with diverse stakeholders and supervising a team of energy policy specialists. The job offers flexible/hybrid remote employment options.
Salary: $116,638.00 - $145,287.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-00070
Department: Dept. of Commerce
Division: Energy Division
Opening Date: 01/12/2026
Closing Date: 1/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
Energy Policy Director (EMS 3)At the Department of Commerce, we're reimagining what's possible in government. We're builders, thinkers, and change-makers, working at the intersection of innovation, community, and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we're turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places.

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.
Let's build what's next, together.

The Energy Division partners with diverse energy stakeholders to create a clean, affordable, and just energy future.

This position provides leadership, long-range strategic perspective and direction that supports a comprehensive, multi-dimensional statewide energy policy office that affects all areas of the state and supports all sectors of Washington's energy economy. This work is highly visible to the public and supports the state's administration-wide efforts to develop and implement policies and laws that transform the state's energy systems to reduce use of fossil fuels, increase energy efficiency and production of renewable energy, increase environmental and economic justice, and support economic development. This leadership requires balancing competing objectives, demands, and priorities such as cost, reliability, resilience, and emissions and diverse perspectives of public and private stakeholders, including the general public, advocates, utilities, private businesses, overburdened, vulnerable and tribal communities, and others. The position supervises multiple energy policy specialists who are each statewide experts and thought leaders on significant aspects of the state's energy and climate policies, and this position integrates the work of this team to produce effective, cohesive, and strategic plans and policies.

This position's assigned duty station is Olympia.
Duties
• Lead the Energy Policy Office within the Energy Division in developing, communicating, negotiating, and implementing policies, strategies, and legislation covering the full range of energy and climate issues affecting the economy, residents, and businesses of Washington.
• Supervise, recruit, develop, and mentor a team of energy policy specialists recognized as energy policy experts in state government and as a national leaders in energy policy.
• Work directly and closely with the Governor's office on the administration's energy and climate policies and with legislators, leaders and staff of other agencies, business and environmental stakeholders, and the public to communicate and advance sound energy and climate policies.
• Lead the development and implementation of the State Energy Strategy, in compliance with RCW 43.21F.088 and 43.21F.090.
• Provide strategic direction; lead short-term and long-term planning; and develop a road map and work plan related to the complex challenges of transforming the state's energy system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy affordability, and increase economic and environmental justice.
• Develop and implement collaborative frameworks with other units in the Energy Division to ensure that policy insights inform program design, and that feedback from program implementation actively shapes ongoing policy development.
• Represent the agency or the state of Washington on standing and temporary committees, boards, and work groups. Assign and guide the work other staff to such committees and groups, including the agency member of the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council.
• Contribute to strategic leadership and decision-making as an active member of the Energy Division Management Team, collaborating with senior leaders to guide division-wide priorities, align cross-functional initiatives, and ensure effective implementation of the division's mission and goals.

Strategic and tactical decisions of this position have a direct impact on the success of the state in identifying and implementing policies and strategies that advance the state's statutory climate and energy goals. The complex work of this position involves multi-agency and multi-stakeholder coordination with extensive executive management involvement. This position involves analyses and interpretation of state laws, rules, policies related to energy use and development, oversight of utilities and energy businesses, coordination with utility and environmental regulators at other agencies, and effective communication with multiple external stakeholders.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
Nine (9) years of combined experience and/or education as described below:

Experience must include: • Five (5) or more years of senior level experience in public policy.
• Two (2) or more years of leading and managing professional teams
• Demonstrating a strong track record of developing employees, fostering professional growth, and leading through change.
• Skilled in managing teams with empathy, mediating conflicts in an unbiased manner, de-escalating tensions, and facilitating constructive dialogue-particularly when navigating differing policy perspectives among staff, leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to develop policy and advise on how to effectively implement policy and monitor outcomes.
• High level knowledge of the executive and legislative branches of state government.
• Knowledge of energy systems, utility regulation, environmental regulation, and energy-related technologies.
• Demonstrated ability in creative thinking, strategic thinking, systems thinking, and situational awareness.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, high-profile projects with cross agency and cross functional teams.
• Experience in problem-solving with complex, multidisciplinary public policy issues.
• Strong research and analytical skills to lead to syntheses and recommendations for decision-makers.
• Demonstrated ability to develop collaborative working relationships with a diverse array of external stakeholders, including environmental and consumer organizations, environmental justice organizations, energy producing and consuming businesses, governments, and utilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with diverse communities on a wide range of topics.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and public speaking skills, including the ability to interpret and explain state and federal laws and rules to a wide range of audiences.
• Understanding of and commitment to environmental, racial, and economic justice principles, with the ability to identify and advance opportunities that promote equity and inclusion in energy policy and program development

Education: involving a major study in public policy, business administration, law, energy systems, or related field.
• Qualifying post-secondary education (beyond high school or equivalent) may be substituted year-for-year for the required experience.

Examples of Qualifying Combinations: • 9 years of experience
• 8 years of experience and 1 year of education
• 7 years of experience and 2 years of education
• 6 years of experience and 3 years of education
• 5 years of experience and 4 years of education
• 4 years of experience and 5 years of education
• 3 years of experience and 6 years of education

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies. • Master's or higher degree from an accredited college or university in public policy, business administration, law, energy systems, or related field.
• At least five years of executive level management in federal, local, state, or tribal government to include supervisory experience.
• Experience or training managing complex projects involving multiple team members and expert consultants.
• Superior communication skills for public and internal audiences including writing, speaking, and presentation skills, public relations and media communication skills.

Supplemental Information

- This position is exempt from - Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Chapter 357.
- This position is overtime exempt from the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The position requires frequent contact and collaborative working relationships with agency staff, community groups, federal agencies, legislative members and staff, local government entities, state agencies, tribal governments, the public, and other stakeholders.
The position's assigned duty station is Olympia and requires frequent in-person presence for meetings in the WA State Commerce Olympia office and other locations including the State Capitol. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive 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

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.
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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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 01-07-2026
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 years of post-high school equivalent formal education (including college-level coursework, technical and/or vocational education, and/or certification programs.) involving public policy, business administration, law, energy systems, or related field do you have?
• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year but less than 2 years
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• More than 3 years but less than 4 years
• More than 4 years but less than 5 years
• 5 or more years

03

How many years of professional experience do you have in the following areas:• Demonstrated ability to develop policy and advise on how to effectively implement policy and monitor outcomes.• High level knowledge of the executive and legislative branches of state government.• Knowledge of energy systems, utility regulation, environmental regulation, and energy-related technologies.• Demonstrated ability in creative thinking, strategic thinking, systems thinking, and situational awareness.• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, high-profile projects with cross agency and cross functional teams.• Experience in problem-solving with complex, multidisciplinary public policy issues.• Strong research and analytical skills to lead to syntheses and recommendations for decision-makers.• Demonstrated ability to develop collaborative working relationships with a diverse array of external stakeholders, including environmental and consumer organizations, environmental justice organizations, energy producing and consuming businesses, governments, and utilities.• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with diverse communities on a wide range of topics.• Excellent communication, facilitation, and public speaking skills, including the ability to interpret and explain state and federal laws and rules to a wide range of audiences.• Understanding of and commitment to environmental, racial, and economic justice principles, with the ability to identify and advance opportunities that promote equity and inclusion in energy policy and program development
• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year but less than 2 years
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• More than 3 years but less than 4 years
• More than 4 years but less than 5 years
• More than 5 years but less than 6 years
• More than 6 years but less than 7 years
• More than 7 years but less than 8 years
• More than 8 years but less than 9 years
• 9 or more years

04

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.)
05

Do you have at least 5 years of senior-level experience in public policy?
• Yes
• No

06

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.)
07

Do you have at least 2 years of experience leading and managing professional teams?
• Yes
• No

08

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.)
09

Can you commit to the assigned duty station in Olympia - which requires frequent in-person presence for meetings in the WA State Commerce Olympia office and other locations including the State Capitol?
• Yes
• No

10

Please describe your experience working with the executive and legislative branches of state government
11

Please describe your professional experience working with energy systems, utility regulation, environmental regulation, and energy-related technologies.
12

Please describe how you meet the Desired Qualifications. If you do not, please type N/A in the text box below.
13

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

14

Are you a current or former employee of the state of Washington?
• Yes
• No

15

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.
16

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