JOB
Contracts Specialist Supervisor (COM 5)
At the
Department of Commerce we’re reimagining what’s possible in government. We’re builders, thinkers, and change-makers, working at the intersection of innovation, community, and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we’re turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places.
Our agency’s strength lies in the diversity of our workforce and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, which is reflected in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged, bold thinking is welcomed, and collaboration drives our impact.
Let’s build what’s next, together.
The
Housing Division (HD) partners with local governments, Tribes, housing authorities, nonprofits and other organizations to develop and preserve affordable housing, promote individual and family self-sufficiency, and reduce adult and youth homelessness.
This position works within the
Multifamily Housing Unit (MHU) of HD and is responsible for specific tasks within the
State Housing Trust Fund (HTF) and federal HOME and National Housing Trust Fund programs. The person in this position leads the Contract Specialist Team and acts as the subject matter expert in developing, negotiating, and generating complex contracts and legal documents to protect the state's interest in investments made through these capital programs. The person in this position exercises independent judgment concerning the legal requirements and documents for the various types of housing finance investments provided by the MHU to its customers. This position provides expert-level technical assistance to program contractors and other MHU staff regarding agency contracting requirements, capital program loan terms and amortization schedules, and all related legal and real estate documents. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Contracting Policy, Creation, and Negotiation Expert
- Leads the full life cycle of state HTF and federal HOME and National Housing Trust Fund loans and grants, including the developing, reviewing, preparing, and negotiating all MHU contracts. This includes capital financing contracts, operating grants, services contracts, and intergovernmental agreements, as well as related legal documents such as promissory notes, priority & subordination agreements, deeds of trust, restrictive covenants, and other agreements and legal documents as needed.
- Leads the development and implementation of all contract and legal document templates, work methods, information systems, policies and procedures to ensure program and legal standards are met and the state’s investments will be protected upon the sale, refinance, loss, or change of use of all projects financed by the MHU.
- Assigns contracts, maintains reports and tracking log of all activity and closing dates, ensures deadlines are met, and provides quality assurance of all contract-related activities.
- Independently works with contractors, attorneys, title company officers, public and private funders, and housing developers to complete and administer MHU’s legal and security documents, including but not limited to; promissory notes, assignment and assumption agreements, deeds of trust, restrictive covenant agreements, and priority & subordination agreements.
- Negotiates and coordinates with MHU’s legal counsel (Assistant Attorney General), contractors and their legal counsel, and other project funders to resolve conflicts between state and other public and private investors’ legal and financial interests.
- Develops and recommends contracting policies of statewide impact under the HTF and the federal HOME and National Housing Trust Fund programs.
- Oversee the development, negotiation and execution of contracts, totaling approximately $100 million per year (on average).
- Provides consultative and advanced technical business assistance to contractors, other public agencies, and agency executive management in affordable housing contracts and legal document development.
- Oversees and manages quality management of document tracking, retention, and imaging system requirements. Provides guidance to MHU staff on the use of data and imaging systems.
- Coordinates and tracks necessary legal review with Commerce Contracts Manager, Commerce Auditor, and Commerce Assistant Attorney General.
Staff Management
- Supervises a team of professional contract staff.
- Delegates workload responsibilities and assignments to staff.
- Encourages and provides regular feedback, coaching, development and guidance to staff.
- Evaluates staff performance and addresses performance concerns as necessary.
- Recommends corrective and/or disciplinary actions to the Deputy Managing Director.
- Manages staff mandatory training requirements ensuring timely completion.
- Performs all aspects of the hiring process while ensuring all agency hiring procedures are followed and requirements are fulfilled in coordination with Human Resources.
Advanced Legal Analysis and Interpretation
- Performs advanced analysis and interpretation of current legislation, state and federal regulations, legal issues, contract terminology and industry practices, and draft contract language and policies, related to program contracts and other legal documents related to real estate and housing finance transactions.
- Consults with Assistant Attorney General, Special Assistant Attorney General, and the Commerce Contracts Manager on complex contracting issues and ensures the protection of Commerce interests when negotiating, preparing, and executing legal documents pertaining to MHU projects.
Advanced Legal Analysis and Interpretation
- Performs advanced analysis and interpretation of current legislation, state and federal regulations, legal issues, contract terminology and industry practices, and draft contract language and policies, related to program contracts and other legal documents related to real estate and housing finance transactions.
- Consults with Assistant Attorney General, Special Assistant Attorney General, and the Commerce Contracts Manager on complex contracting issues and ensures the protection of Commerce interests when negotiating, preparing, and executing legal documents pertaining to MHU projects.
- Ensures cross-team coordination within the MHU teams, as well as within HD, Commerce, and with external stakeholders, on matters related to contract development, administration and accountability. Coordinates and resolves conflicts of priority between staff, program, and activities.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Work from Anywhere in Washington State
This position may be located anywhere within Washington State though occasional travel to a Commerce office building or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction. Many Commerce employees work remotely or have a hybrid schedule.
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.
Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system
[email protected].
Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity
The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may email Human Resources at
[email protected]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
