Tribal Climate Resilience Program Manager (COM 4)

The State of Washington is hiring a Tribal Climate Resilience Program Manager to lead the Tribal Climate Resilience Grant Program within the Department of Commerce. This role involves policy implementation, collaboration with tribal and local governments, and providing expert advice on climate resilience. The position focuses on supporting the Climate Commitment Act and requires program administration, reporting, and partnership development to advance statewide climate goals.
Overview

Tribal Climate Resilience Program Manager (COM 4) 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. Our agency values diversity and equity in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. Let’s build what’s next, together.

Local Government Division (LGD) partners with local governments, tribes, nonprofits, and others to strengthen local government and community-based organizations to fund and develop critical services. This position is within the Growth Management Services Unit (GMS) of LGD, reporting to the Climate & Ecosystem Section Manager. The mission of GMS is to help local governments and tribes in Washington manage growth and development.

This position supports the implementation of the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) by leading and coordinating the Tribal Climate Resilience Grant Program. The role serves as the agency’s expert in tribal climate resilience topics and provides grant program leadership, supports climate resilience activities, assists with CCA annual reporting, and builds partnerships with tribal governments to advance statewide climate goals through equitable and collaborative approaches.
DutiesTribal Climate Resilience Agency Expert
• Establish and lead implementation of statewide policies, procedures, and documentation governing the Tribal Climate Resilience Grant Program, ensuring compliance with state regulations and grant allocation requirements.
• Collaborate with the Office of Tribal Relations to serve as the agency’s technical expert on Tribal Climate Resilience–eligible activities and related funding decisions, informed by ongoing tribal consultation.
• Provide expert advice and recommendations to agency Tribal Planning Liaisons, the Office of Tribal Relations, the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs, Commerce executive leadership, the Growth Management Services Unit Managing Director, policy leads, and the Director of Commerce.
• Develop and deliver clear communications and presentations; respond to information requests from tribal governments, local governments, legislators, associations, and the public.
• Coordinate Commerce and cross-agency participation with state, federal, and tribal partners to align funding and intergovernmental work.
• Provide guidance and support to tribes on climate resilience planning and funding on tribal lands at meetings and conferences (e.g., Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians).
• Provide testimony to the legislature on Tribal Climate Resilience Grant Program activities and funding.
Program Administration
• Lead end-to-end program direction by defining priorities, objectives, work schedules, and the full application lifecycle (rating, underwriting, funding recommendations, award decisions).
• Evaluate and report program performance and emerging trends through quarterly reporting, financial management, and continuous improvement activities.
• Oversee statewide allocation and disbursement of Climate Commitment Act (CCA) funds to tribal governments for climate resilience activities.
• Monitor legislative and economic conditions affecting the program, including Climate Commitment Account revenue.
• Conduct program research and interpretation of applicable state and federal laws, directives, and policy initiatives related to tribal funding and grants.
• Build and maintain cooperative relationships with federally recognized tribes, state partners, industry, and community organizations by participating in workgroups.
• Prepare data requests, spreadsheets, reports, presentations, and responses to public records requests.
• Develop and implement competitive or formula funding rounds, including: reviewing requirements, convening subject matter experts and tribal representatives, drafting application materials with tribes, developing tracking and scoring tools, and ensuring public records protocols.
• Support applicant notifications and provide feedback consistent with policies and requirements.
Contract Management
• Manage the full application and eligibility review process, including evaluation, scoring, and determining awards and contracts in line with program requirements and public records protocols.
• Provide ongoing technical assistance to grantees during contracting, addressing discrepancies or issues as they arise.
• Negotiate and finalize contract terms, budgets, and scopes of work with the Office of Tribal Relations and the Commerce leadership to limit agency liability.
• Monitor contract performance, deliverables, and risks; ensure grantee compliance with contract criteria, program requirements, and applicable laws.
• Use the Contracts Management System (CMS) and project tools to track all contract components and workflows.
• Review, authorize, and process contract reimbursements; ensure expenditures meet allowable cost requirements.
• Support the allotment process by forecasting timing and dollar amounts for projected reimbursements.
Qualifications

Required Position Qualifications: Eight (8) years of combined experience and/or education in Climate Resilience, Community Development, or Economic Development in two or more of the following areas:
• Urban planning, economic development, or climate change
• Public policy administration related to tribal planning or tribal governance
• Tribal planning and tribal governance
• Experience in grants, contracting, and RFPs in a state agency, or local or tribal government

Education involves tribal relations, tribal governance, tribal planning, urban planning, environmental sciences, political science, public administration/policy or related field. Qualifying education must be post-high school or equivalent.

Examples Of How To Qualify:
• 8 years of experience
• 7 years of experience and one year of education
• 6 years of experience and two years of education
• 5 years of experience and three years of education
• 4 years of experience and four years of education
• 3 years of experience and five years of education
• 2 years of experience and six years of education
• 1 year of experience and seven years of education

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
• Experience with project management and federal grants
• Experience as grant manager or development coordinator for tribal governments
• Knowledge of climate science, vulnerability analysis, and resilience planning practice

Required Position Competencies:
• Cultural competency: Understands tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and tribal collaboration
• Accountability: meets commitments, works independently, and manages change
• Customer Service: handles inquiries professionally and effectively
• Integrity: acts with honesty and confidentiality
• Results Focus: sets and achieves challenging goals and leads teams
• Communication: strong verbal and written communication, reporting, and presentations
• Computer Skills: proficient with computers and new technology
To be considered
• A complete online application
• A cover letter (online)
• At least three professional references (online)

For questions, contact and reference the job number.
Supplemental Information

Work from Anywhere in Washington State: This position may be located anywhere in Washington State with occasional travel. Travel to Commerce offices or events may be required.

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.

Technical support: NEOGOV 855-524-5627; DES job seeker support: .
Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity

The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and provide accommodations on request. See the posting for more details.

Benefits information is available in the Benefits Tab. Updated 01-07-2026.
Notes

Please write a formal cover letter describing your interest and how you meet the qualifications for this position. You will be asked a series of questions as part of the online application.

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