(1) Full-time position

Meet our challenge! Make an impact!

The Unemployment Insurance (UI)Tax and Wage Administration is seeking a Status/Special Wage and Benefits Program Manager to lead, oversee, and provide strategic direction for the statewide Status (Employer Liability) program, Unified Business Identifier (UBI) program, and the Special Wage and Benefit (SWAB) program.

The opportunity
We are seeking a confident leader who has program management and performance management background for our Status/Special Wage and Benefits Program Manager opportunity. The person selected for this position will ensure employers comply with state and federal regulations and performance standards reflected by the Tax Performance System. As the Status/SWAB Program Manager, you will coordinate and work with other state entities and Employment Security Department (ESD) staff regarding policies and procedures related to the UI Tax Program. You will be directly responsible for content of the Status, Unemployment Insurance Monetary Determination Unit (UIRX), and Unified Business Identifier (UBI) manuals. You will provide program expertise, guidance, and support to personnel in the agency, UI Division, UI Tax and Wage Operations, and the District Tax Offices (DTO)located throughout Washington state. You will act as ESD’s liaison to the Unified Business Identifier Program Operations Board.

This position actively supervises, mentors, trains, evaluates, and supports professional staff of up to 25 positions. Performance management and planning duties also include establishing, monitoring, and maintaining the unit's goals, objectives, procedures, and staffing plans.

About the programs
The Status Unit determines employer liability for UI taxes and establishes new employer accounts. The Status Team maintains the program integrity of employer related data such as inactivation, reinstatement, name and address changes, and other employer changes. Employer tax appeals are processed and decisions are reviewed. This team approves or denies requests for corporate officer exemption from coverage. The Status Unit also approves or denies UI claimant Affidavits of Earnings. This is the team that provides expertise to employer and other ESD staff about UI coverage.

The Status Unit establishes and maintains 200,000 employer accounts. This includes the processing of 30,000 new employer accounts annually. This team approves or denies Affidavits of Earnings submitted by UI claimants when a DTO is unable to contact the employer. The SWAB Team administers UI benefit programs related to Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE), Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Military (UCX), and Combined Wage Claims (CWC). CWC is for UI benefits where wages of the claimant are combined from multiple states.

The UBI Program provides a uniform means of identifying and serving the employing business entities and private enterprises to be licensed, registered, and regulated by any Washington state agency. As a representative of ESD, this position partners with the other state agencies and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in matters related to the UBI program. UBI determines policy for individuals and businesses conducting sales or services in Washington state.

Annual operating budget for the Status/SWAB Unit is $1,430,000 and is subject to approval by the UI Tax and Wage Administration Deputy Assistant Commissioner.

Major duties
This position has a significant responsibility as an "operational" manager who oversees the daily activities to ensure that the work is processed timely, accurately, and that deadlines, priorities, and resolution of problems are addressed as soon as possible.

• Manage all aspects of the UI Liability (Status) program.
• Manage SWAB program.
• Act as ES liaison to the UBI Operations Committee by working directly with Washington Management Service (WMS) staff from Department of Licensing (DOL), Labor and Industries, Licensing, Revenue, and Secretary of State in designing registration forms and writing the content of the statewide UBI policy manual.
• Provide training to ES staff and staff from other agencies. Manage account establishment of 30,000 Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Community Options Program Entry System (COPES) accounts.
• Draft and review proposed legislation and write bill analysis. Meet with legislators and legislative staff regarding proposed legislation and workgroups as requested.
• Plan, lead, organize, and control the work performed by the direct reports. Assure appropriate and optimum use of the organization’s resources and enhance the effectiveness of employees through timely appraisal and professional development opportunities. Support effective communications throughout the organization.
• Under the SWAB program, act as the Interstate Program Coordinator to liaison between peers in other states and  DOL.
• As a representative of the UBI Program, develops partnerships and maintains active partnerships with other state agencies and the IRS.

Desired qualifications
This is an opportunity for someone to make a significant impact within ESD’s UI Division, and see new legislation and major projects through from inception to completion. Because this position is politically-sensitive and makes a statewide impact, we need a visionary planner and leader who is willing to grow with their team.

Top candidates will have at least two years of experience providing comprehensive supervision and leadership to a team, and at least two years of program or project management experience. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Candidates must be advanced users of Excel. Preference will be given to individuals with UI tax and/or UI benefits experience. The ability to learn quickly and apply knowledge to the development, leadership, and planning of programs and staff is key. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential.

Salary Information
Salary is negotiable dependent upon experience. Salary range begins at $52,800 annually plus full benefits package.

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 November 1, 2009, to be considered for this position.

Complete and submit:

1) To download an ESD application, click the link below.
ESD Application

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

3) Résumé

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.

Unemployment Insurance Division profile
The Unemployment Insurance division administers and provides program services through statewide TeleCenters and its Web site. This division collects premiums from Washington employers and pays UI benefits to individuals who meet eligibility requirements. It also reviews, audits, and investigates instances of fraud.

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.