Salary : $71,136.00 - $95,676.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
Department: Parks and Recreation Commission
Opening Date: 09/01/2026
Closing Date: 9/15/2026 11:55 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
Job Title: Statewide Concessions Program (PS5)
Location: Lacey, WA.
Closes: September 15th, 2026, at 11:55 p.m. PDT

Travel: This position may require periodic travel to parks throughout the State Park system.

is seeking an experienced and motivated Statewide Concession Program Manager to provide strategic direction, program development, and operational oversight to ensure high-quality visitor services delivered through third-party operators. The Concessions Manager establishes program standards, manages complex agreements, and collaborates closely with internal and external partners to advance agency goals, protect public assets, and enhance visitor experience.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned, forward-thinking leader with a strong foundation in program management, agreement development, and hospitality or service-contract oversight. They bring demonstrated experience guiding complex, multi-stakeholder programs, and a track record of shaping clear standards, policies, and operational practices that elevate service quality across diverse locations. They excel at building productive relationships with concessionaires, business partners, local governments, and internal teams, and they navigate negotiations, compliance requirements, and risk considerations with confidence and sound judgment.
This candidate pairs strong analytical skills-financial analysis, business planning, and operational evaluation-with the ability to communicate complex information to varied audiences. They are adept at resolving issues, supporting field staff, and representing the program in high-visibility discussions. They thrive in a role that requires statewide leadership, strategic alignment, and thoughtful stewardship of public assets. Above all, they are collaborative, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning, innovation, and delivering exceptional visitor experiences through third-party operators.

Duties
Some of the job duties include:

Program Leadership:

• Leads the statewide Concessions Program, establishing program vision, goals, and performance standards.
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and guidance to ensure consistent, high-quality concession operations across the agency.
• Provides internal customer service working with multiple stakeholder programs, provides clear standards, policies, and operational practices that elevate service quality across diverse locations.

Agreement Development and Compliance:

• Lead development, negotiation, and execution of concession agreements, including new opportunities and renewals. Cultivates new business relationships and fills open concession opportunities through targeted marketing and competitive recruitment processes.
• Conducts financial, operational and risk analysis to inform agreement terms. Verifies sales accuracy, cash controls, inventory integrity, and compliance with organizational and regulatory standards according to agreement terms.
• Ensure agreements comply with applicable laws, agency policies, grant funding restrictions, and public asset stewardship requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Builds and maintains relationships with concessionaires, business partners, local governments, and community organizations.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for concession operators, resolving issues and facilitating successful partnerships.
• Develop program reports, briefings, and presentations for agency leadership. Compiles correspondence, statistics, and program data in response to public records requests, inquiries from agency leadership, and requests from external agencies.

Schedule: Generally, Monday through Friday with core work hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Incumbent may be expected to adjust the work scheduled to meet business needs- occasional evening or weekends work may be required. A flexible or hybrid work schedule will be considered at the incumbent's request, subject to supervisory approval.

Work Setting: This position works primarily in an office or home office environment.

Travel: This position will require periodic travel between parks, throughout the State Park system. Travel will be required for statewide meetings, concessionaire meetings, or public engagement. You must have the ability to operate a state vehicle.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor's degree* in business administration or related field AND four (4) years of experience developing, negotiating, or managing agreements, contracts, or business partnerships.

*Additional qualifying experience can substitute year-for-year for education up to four years.

Strong communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences

Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate across teams and disciplines
Ability to travel independently to remote park locations throughout the state.
Desirable:

• Experience leading complex programs, projects, or operational functions involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience interpreting and applying policies, regulations, or legal requirements.
• Experience in concessions, commercial operations, public - private partnerships, or related fields
• Experience in parks, recreation, natural resources, or public sector environments.
• Experience with financial analysis, business planning, or revenue-generating operations.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement, vendor management, or community partnerships.
• Experience managing hospitality services or service contracts.
• Experience in the parks and recreation field.

Core Competencies:

Technical Expertise - managing hospitality servicesor service contracts. Experience leading complex programs, projects or operational functions thatdemonstrate advanced knowledge of developing, negotiating, or managing agreements, contracts, or business partnerships.

Leadership & Program Management- provides statewide leadership and direction for concession program. Develops and implements agency-wide policies, standards, and best practices.

Compliance & Risk Management - ensures full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Proactively identifies compliance risks, conducts field investigations as needed. and maintains accurate documentation to protect public health.

Training, Communication & Workforce Development - develops and delivers training on concession operations, Provides expert consultation to regional and park leadership on concession opportunities, feasibility, and operational considerations.

Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving - applies logical and innovative approaches to concession management; financial analysis; business planning; and revenue generating operations.
Take Action to Learn and Grow - considering and incorporating new information and different perspectives.

Ability to Take Action to Meet the Needs of Others - collaborating with others to overcome challenges and find solutions.
Supplemental Information

To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach:

• Letter of Interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement.
• Current resume.

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
• For more information on Veteran's Preference and instructions on how to check your eligibility, click

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers to the application questions. Answers will be verified, and documentation may be required. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.
This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed positions are filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional positions for up to sixty (60) days. For more information:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.