(1) Full-time position

The opportunity
Employment Security Department is recruiting to fill a Chief Regional Economist position within the Labor Market and Economic Analysis (LMEA) branch. This position serves as a member of the LMEA management team and manages the delivery and use of Labor Market Information (LMI) to a wide range of customers across the state; through the network of regional labor economists; and ensures data integrity of the Labor Market and Economic Analysis Branch. This position oversees research, prepares analysis, and produces and disseminates local area labor market information as required by RCW 50.38, the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, and the work statements in U.S. Department of Labor contracts and state funded projects.

This position is a Washington Management Service (WMS) Band 3 employment opportunity.

Major duties
The primary job duties for this position are to manage a statewide network of ten regional labor economists out-stationed in the major labor market areas of the state in support of LMEA, agency and state goals.

• Responsible for managing, selecting and training out-stationed and central office staff to assure that the area LMI program is staffed with appropriately qualified people and that they are effective in performing their assignments.

• Develops budgets and monitors expenses to assure appropriate and optimal use of organization’s funds.

• Develops performance goals and manages the work of the regional labor economists to provide LMI support to the local WorkSource Service Centers, the Workforce Development Councils, and other customers.

• Develops an annual product and service plan as required for ETA One-Stop/LMI (Workforce Information Grant) funding.

• Works with other sections to prepare annual activity reports for the Workforce Information Council and others indicating LMEA productivity and effectiveness.

• Coordinates with other units and sections on joint projects and quality control efforts.

• Plans and coordinates annual state and area economic symposiums.

• Manages the production and posting of the monthly area information and the publication of monthly newsletters highlighting the employment situation in all major areas of the state.

• Manages the preparation and dissemination of county profiles along with the out-stationed economists and central office staff.

Required qualifications
Master's degree in Economics, public finance or closely allied field and four years of experience with increasing responsibility in research and supervision.

Four years of management experience with proven ability to manage staff, including performance management, corrective action, and employee recognition. This includes managing staff that are located in off- site offices throughout the state.  Ability to be successful in managing and prioritizing a varied and highly demanding workload and working independently with minimal supervision.
 
Two years of experience in manipulating and analyzing large databases, producing reports and presenting complex results to a lay audience.

Five to seven years of experience as a professional economist, serving in a management or lead role, with experience in the formulation and implementation of labor market information programs and projects in either the public or private sectors.

Two years of experience writing macroeconomic analytical reports based on state and local employment statistics data.

Desired qualifications
The most successful candidate for this position will have:

• Strong economic and research background, including regional economics.
• Staff management skills including managing diversity, both in terms of staff and projects.
• Knowledge of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) programs.
• Knowledge and understanding of agency organization and mission, including branch goals and objectives.
• Knowledge and understanding of Washington’s economy and the legislative process.
• Proven ability to develop and manage quality assurance and data integrity systems and processes.
• Ability to clearly synthesize complex ideas and communicate verbally and in writing to a wide variety of public and private sector stakeholders.

Why we work here
Employment Security employees:

• Make a difference in the lives of people looking for work.
• Receive affordable, quality healthcare, including medical, dental, and vision options.
• Get a generous, paid time-off package.
• Enjoy an employer-funded retirement plan.
• Can sign up for a deferred-compensation program, flexible-spending accounts and tuition reimbursement.
• Work in a challenging and fun environment with creative, talented, and diverse individuals.

How to apply
Your application materials must be received no later than 5 p.m. on August 27, 2009, to be considered for this position.

Complete and submit:

1) Letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications for this opportunity

2) Résumé

3) Three professional references

Send your complete applicant package via e-mail to HRrecruiting@esd.wa.gov. Please reference the recruitment number in your email subject line.

To be considered for this position, you must submit a complete applicant package and follow the application instructions. Incomplete applicant packages will not be considered.

• Application materials must be in Word format (no PDF or scanned files).
• A signature is not required on the application form.
• Please do not password-protect the application form.
• Only electronically submitted materials are accepted.

The application package will be evaluated on quality and completeness as part of the screening/evaluation process. Should you have any questions regarding the application process please check the Frequently Asked Questions - Jobs at Employment Security page.

Agency profile
Employment Security Department (ESD) is one of the largest executive agencies in Washington State government. The mission of Employment Security Department is to help Washington's workers and employers succeed in the global economy by delivering superior employment services, timely unemployment benefits, and a fair and stable unemployment insurance system.

Budget, Policy & Communications Division profile
Services include:

1. Labor Market and Economic Analysis information for employers and others.
2. Financial Management, meeting regulatory requirements and optimizing the use of agency financial resources.
3. Office Services, managing the agency's facilities, procurements, mail, records, printing, fleet, and exposure to risk.
4. Communications, responsible for internal and external communications throughout the agency.
5. Policy and Legislation, providing policy, analytic, research, and management assistance, and leading legislative efforts.
6. Budget and Performance, monitoring and managing the agency's budgets and performance.

Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer and provider of employment and training services. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.

Individuals with disabilities needing assistance in the application process or needing this job announcement in an alternate format should provide contact information via e-mail, or via telecommunications device for the deaf at 800-676-3777.