Special Programs Manager - Executive Strategic Initiatives

Salary: $7,647.00 - $11,104.00 Monthly
Location : Bellingham, WA 98225
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: S536 *287 0324
Department: Executive's Office
Opening Date: 03/29/2024
Closing Date: 4/21/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Summary
The Whatcom County Executive's Office is seeking to hire a Special Programs Manager for Strategic Initiatives to lead and provide project management and administrative oversight for the County's Strategic Initiatives, addressing key challenges facing Whatcom County.
This position will be responsible for managing County initiatives aimed at a number of high priority community-wide issues involving but not limited to child care, climate change, behavioral health and housing, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion. Emphasis will also be given to administrative process improvements. Current initiatives include the Justice Project, implementation of the Healthy Children's Fund, Nooksack Water Adjudication, Flood Hazard Mitigation, Wetlands Bank, and the Comprehensive Plan.
These initiatives are complex, sensitive and highly technical in nature, demand a high level of community involvement, and require engagement by outside agencies at local, state, and federal levels of government. The Special Programs Manager will collect, develop, analyze, interpret, and deliver technical information; coordinate internal and external specialists and consultants; ascertain policy; and manage public relations for emerging initiatives. The position demands a high level of independent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
The Special Program Manager partners with the County Executive and County Council and works in collaboration with departmental leaders, other jurisdictions, community partners, advisory boards and advocacy groups to provide proactive problem solving and a standardized approach to these key issues while also addressing their inter-relatedness.
Supervisor: Deputy Executive
For more information please see:
Job Description and
Whatcom County Website
Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Project Management,or a related field;
• 5 years of progressively responsible related experience managing complex projects and programs within the public sector and involving intergovernmental relations;
• 3 years of supervisory experience.

Requires knowledge of:

• Regional community health challenges; the social and economic drivers of community health.

• Racial equity principles and their integration into public sector administration.

• Environmental challenges in Whatcom County, particularly climate change, water quality and security, and land-use regulation.

• Project management best practices (certification preferred).

At its sole discretion Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
Supplemental Information
2024 Salary:
Unrepresented Salary Range 11: $7,647 - $11,104 per month
Hiring rate depends on qualifications. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).
Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future.
is truly special and a great place to call home!
Whatcom County offers excellent benefits at no cost to employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays annually. Prior related public service considered for setting accrual rate. Accrue up to 330 hours of PTO annually. Cash-out up to 40 hours over 330 maximum annually.

Employment YearAccrual - MonthAccrual - Year 1st - 4th year 18.00 hours 5.4 Weeks 5th - 9th year 21.33 hours 6.4 Weeks 10th + year 24.67 hours 7.4 Weeks

• Lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Retirement with County match
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional

Subject to satisfactory performance this position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated (apx. 3.8%), in addition to any approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).
01
Do you have Bachelor's Degree (or higher) in Public Administration, Business Administration, Project Management or a related field?

• Yes
• No

02
How many years' experience do you have managing complex projects and programs within the public sector and involving intergovernmental relations? Please describe this experience.
03
Do you have three or more years of supervisory experience?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you have a Project Management Certification?
05
Please attach a Cover Letter addressing the following and check the box below indicating you have done so. 1. Describe how your career has provided you with the experience, skills and traits necessary to be successful in this position. 2. Why is the Strategic Initiatives Program Manager position the right next step for you in your career?

• Yes
• No

Required Question