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.
Required Position Qualifications:
Nine (9) years of combined experience and/or education as described below:
Experience real estate financing and contracting transactions, related mortgage security and legal documents (such as deeds of trust, promissory notes, restrictive covenants, assignment agreements, and priority & subordination agreements), and loan terms including preparing and revising amortization schedules or focus in two or more of the following areas:
- Experience with preparing, amending, and/or analyzing government contracts
- Law degree and/or legal experience in real estate development and financing transactions.
- Demonstrated understanding of affordable housing finance, including layered financing using private and public funds, tax credits, and partnership structures
- Demonstrated understanding and experience in negotiating with real estate developers, title officers, escrow agents, financial institutions, attorneys, housing authorities, single asset entities, and nonprofit affordable housing providers.
Two (2) of the nine (9) years
must include the following:
- Supervising one or more employees including hiring staff, training and development, assigning work, evaluating performance, and taking corrective action.
Education involves finance housing, business, public administration or related field. Qualifying education post High School or equivalent may be substituted year for year for experience.
Examples of how to qualify:
- 9 years of experience
- 8 years of experience and one year of education
- 7 years of experience and two years of education
- 6 years of experience and three years of education
- 5 years of experience and four years of education
- 4 years of experience and five years of education
- 3 years of experience and six years of education
- 2 years of experience and seven years of education
Required Position Competencies:
- Ability to foster professional development through mentoring and training staff, and other job growth opportunities.
- Ability to openly and honestly communicate and actively engage co-workers, contractors, and other stakeholders.
- Ability to identify and implement changes necessary to streamline and standardize processes, improve administrative efficiency and effectiveness, and enhance customer services.
- Ability to apply excellent interpersonal communication skills and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to manage and work with diverse personalities, styles, and cultures.
- Ability to effectively communicate, analyze, and weigh the risks versus benefits in decisions and recommendations related to real estate finance and contract negotiations.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs, such as HOME, Community Development Block Grant, and the National Housing Trust Fund.
- Demonstrated experience with real estate contracts and transactions, such as subordination and priority agreements, deeds of trust, covenants, and property liens.
- Demonstrated understanding and experience in negotiating with real estate developers, title officers, escrow agents, financial institutions, attorneys, housing authorities, single asset entities, and nonprofit affordable housing providers.
- Demonstrated experience with writing and implementing policies and procedures.
To be considered for this position the following are needed: -
A complete and detailed online application.
-
A cover letter (enter online).
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At least three professional references (enter online).
For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email:
[email protected] please reference the job number in your message.
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.
