Mobility Economy Lead; EMS Band 3

Mobility Economy Lead, Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness

The Department of Commerce is seeking a strategic, team-oriented professional to advance aerospace, maritime, military and defense industry sectors to 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 Mobility Economy Lead, within the Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness (OEDC) division, you will advance the growth, innovation, and global competitiveness of the state’s aerospace, maritime, and defense sectors 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 to develop, coordinate, and implement initiatives that strengthen key industry sectors and ensure Washington’s global competitiveness. You will serve as a strategic liaison between government, industry, and community stakeholders, advancing initiatives that strengthen Washington’s leadership in advanced manufacturing, clean transportation, maritime innovation, and defense readiness by attracting investment and expanding workforce opportunities.

This is a highly visible and forward-looking role that positions Washington as a leader in the mobility economy while fostering equitable economic growth and resilience across the state. In this position, you will occasionally work across Commerce divisions and state agencies helping to ensure Washington’s economic and policy efforts move forward together toward a sustainable, globally competitive future.

As the Mobility 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 aerospace, maritime, and defense ecosystems. 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 mobility economy solutions.

• Industry Engagement & Investment Partner with private sector leaders, associations, and stakeholders to attract investment, secure funding, and expand employment in high‑growth mobility economy 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 mobility 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 mobility economy issues.
• Legislative & Regulatory Support Prepare legislative reports, policy analyses, fiscal notes, and recommendations, including draft…