Housing Preservation Specialist (COM 3)

Housing Preservation Specialist (COM 3)
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.

This job is a commitment to reshape systems so they work better for everyone. If you’re ready to challenge the status quo and build meaningful connections, we want to meet you.

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), Housing Preservation Program (HPP) and the federal HOME and National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) programs. This position is a technical specialist in real estate development and finance. This position develops, negotiates, and manages key terms and conditions for resulting state and federally funded contracts that specialize in the development of affordable housing for the low-income and special needs population. This position updates and maintains Commerce databases to ensure accurate project data is available. This position establishes program priorities and develops policies to ensure affordable low-income housing units are created and preserved, from the time of award through to the project’s long-term period of performance.Program, Project and Contract Management
Tasks include:
• Implement proviso programs as outlined within each section of the HTF budgets to ensure legislative intent is met.
• Participate in the MHU resource allocation process by providing technical assistance to applicants requesting funds from the Housing Preservation Program (HPP).
• Review, analyze, and score project applications using the HPP Funder Application, Housing Trust Fund Handbook, Federal Guidebooks and Notice of Funding Availability guidelines to recommend to MHU management for investment of state funds.
• Manage new awards assigned in each funding round. Process consistent and timely updates into the Commerce Contract Management Services (CMS) and Housing Contract Management Services (HCMS) database systems and project files (electronic and physical).
• Review, analyze, and present for approval project scope, contract terms based on current approved terms established by MHU, financial structures for long term project sustainability, and key performance measures to unit management team members.
• Coordinate with contracting specialists, clients, developers, and attorneys to ensure the development and execution of contracts meet approved terms established by RCWs or MHU written policy.
• Facilitate real estate closings by:
o Ensure escrow has received closing instructions.
o Recording package with all recordable documents has been completed.
o Ensure predetermined closing funds are agreed upon with a signed A-19 for closing draw disbursement and aligns with the project budget.
o Ensure all recorded document copies are received for the project file.
• Coordinate and communicate with other private- and public-financing partners and third-party consultants involved with projects.
• Troubleshoot and problem-solve contract, construction, and project schedule-related issues, including technical assistance and renegotiation of financial structure, when necessary.
• Monitor the project’s scope to ensure work completed is in alignment with funding request, contract terms and programmatic guidelines.
• Ensure timely workflow and coordination within, and among, the unit’s teams and other workgroups in the department as outlined within the HUB, desk manuals and due diligence checklists.
• Review and approve project and organizational information, Capital Needs Assessments, and proposals for building improvements or repairs for affordable multifamily rental properties to ensure alignment with programmatic guidelines and contract requirements.
• Oversee the collection, analysis and submission of required HPP program data in CMS and HCMS, ensuring all information complies with state reporting standards and aligns with procedures outlined in the unit’s handbook, desk manuals, and HUB.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop processes and policies that align with the HTF’s mission and vision.
Organization risk analysis and technical assistance
Tasks include:
• Participate in unit discussions or initiatives dealing with contract risk assessment as well as contract development, management and monitoring. Identify concerns and provide recommendations to MHU leadership on performance improvement plans to ensure compliance and limit agency risk.
• Provide technical assistance to funding recipients for quality improvement purposes.
• Conduct primary and follow up reviews (phone consultation, onsite and desk reviews) of subrecipient contracts using a fiscal monitoring tool based on risk assessments conducted at the program level. Document significant entity processes and internal controls dealing with federal grant compliance and report to MHU management and HD when required.
• Apply best practices, quality improvement tools, and Lean practices to reduce fiscal monitoring issues throughout the lifecycle of contracts.
• Follows up with contractors, HD and MHU staff to review memos or reports and develop recommendations for resolution of non-compliance with federal and state rules and regulations for financial management.
Required Position Qualifications:
Seven (7) years of combined experience and/or education as described below:
Experiencein affordable housing, housing finance, real estate/lending, community, trade, or economic development with a focus in two or more of the following areas:
• Contract Management
• Affordable Housing Asset Management
• Project Management
• Demonstrated understanding of multifamily/rental housing development and lending, and related real estate transactions and legal documentation.
• Demonstrated understanding of affordable housing finance, including layered financing using private and public funds, tax credits, and partnership structures.

Educationinvolves housing finance, 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:
• 7 years of experience
• 6 years of experience and one year of education
• 5 years of experience and two years of education
• 4 years of experience and three years of education
• 3 years of experience and four years of education
• 2 years of experience and five years of education
• 1 year of experience and six years of education

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
• Good understanding of state and federal low-income housing program regulations.
• Experience with the Washington State Housing Trust Fund or with U.S. HUD programs, such as HOME or federal Housing Trust Fund, Low-Income Tax Credit Program, or other similar programs.
• Experience developing rental housing or home ownership opportunities in rural communities.
• Experience with writing and implementing policies and procedures.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and in a collaborative, team-based environment.

Required Position Competencies:
• Demonstrated skills in organization, team building, and succession planning.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and build partnerships, develop work teams, and work effectively with the authorizing and external environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and work with diverse personalities, styles, and cultures.
• Ability to apply negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, as well as interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Knowledge of agencies, institutions, and processes involved in real estate development.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and ability to create and manipulate pro forma financial models.

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

• A complete and detailed online application.
• A cover letter (enter online).
• At least threeprofessional references(enter online).

For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email: comrecruitment@commerce.wa.gov - 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 atcareershelp@des.wa.gov.

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 Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov. 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.

Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.