Housing Development Manager (WMS2)

THIS IS AN INTERNAL RECRUITMENT - OPEN TO CURRENT COMMERCE EMPLOYEES

Housing Development Manager (WMS2)

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.

This position serves as an expert level specialist in the financing and development of multifamily affordable housing (including rentals and shelters). The person in this position is leading all multifamily project development efforts undertaken by the HTF, HOME and NHTF programs.

This includes overseeing the implementation of multifamily contracts from an award notification through construction completion and addressing systemic barriers preventing projects from finishing. The position manages HTF policy making pertaining to program development and compliance with statutory guidelines, makes recommendations for policies and waivers to the MD and AD, and maintains oversight of all budget authority to ensure state resources are used to provide maximum benefit to the state and produces high quality affordable housing. The position negotiates with developers on

terms of loans and grants and oversees the closing of 100+ multifamily capital contracts annually.

Once projects are awarded, or directly appropriated by the legislature, this position is responsible for all contract management and project development activities until the multifamily projects are completed and begin their long-term affordability commitment periods. Annual amounts available for allocation and disbursement to multifamily capital projects vary between approximately $400 and $500 million each year (depending on legislative appropriations and federal allocations). Generally, over 300 contracts are in some stage of development at any given time, and over 100 new contracts added annually, and over $500 million in contracts are managed by the project management teams.

The Housing Development Manager is the primary person responding to concerns from stakeholders about timing, due diligence requirements and waivers. At times, this person will need to communicate about the termination of a contract, and deal with attorneys, developers and legislators on project dynamics. The position needs to have strong problem-solving skills, solution-oriented and capable of maintaining relationships during contentious negotiations.

This position is a member of the unit's leadership team and will collaborate with the Resource Allocation manager and Portfolio Manager on developing a pipeline of housing projects that will be able to be managed from creation of a funding application through construction until Placed in Service, and then effectively monitored for 40 to 50 years. This position leads efforts necessary to implement special affordable housing Legislative directives, such as budget provisos, demonstration pilots, direct appropriations, and legislative studies/reports. The leadership team regularly engages with cross-functional teams and will be a role model in supporting staff across the unit on special initiatives. Oversees the unit's project underwriting and management of multifamily (rental and shelters) capital projects for

all three programs: HTF, HOME, NHTF.

• Collaborates and consults with the other units in HD on legislative directives and policies. Helps to ensure that HD

programs are administered and monitored in alignment, sharing information, avoiding effort duplication, and

providing for a consistent experience for the HD clients and stakeholders where feasible.

• Leads the implementation of special annual/biennial Legislative directives, such as provisos, demonstration

pilots, direct appropriations, legislative studies/reports; responds to Legislative requests.

• Leads the development and implementation of policies and procedures for multifamily affordable housing

development activities within the unit, including lending terms.

• Leads efforts to update the project management functions, coordinates with stakeholders and other public funders

(cities, counties, Housing Finance Commission) to align funding priorities between the state and local

governments.

• Recommends specific actions in consultation with the MD and AAG regarding the compliance of contractors,

monitors expenditures and fund balances for multiple state and federal capital appropriations.

• Coordinates and collaborates with all unit managers on aligning and ensuring consistency among managing and

contracting for HTF, HOME, and NHTF projects.

• Leads the development, negotiation, and execution of contracts, loan terms, and legal documents appropriate to

each multifamily capital project and real estate transaction; oversees contract negotiations, contract executions,

and real estate closings; coordinates and negotiates with other project funders (public and private).

• Oversees the administration of unit's two federal programs, HOME and NHTF, and ensures MHU stays in

compliance with federal requirements.

• Supervises 3 FTEs (who in turn supervise approximately 15 staff); establishes goals and priorities for the team;

ensures appropriate training of staff, identifies and supports opportunities for professional development. Sets

priorities and monitors workload to ensure priorities and timelines are met, workload is distributed equitably, and

procedures are followed consistently.

• Reviews and approves individual staff work plans, time sheets, leave slips, etc.
• Backs up the MD in meetings with Legislature, stakeholders, public, and Commerce management.

Required Education, and Experience:

Any combination of 9 total years of experience. This could be gained by a combination of relevant education beyond high

school equivalency and/or professional-level experience involving certification programs in community, trade or economic

development with a focus in affordable housing, housing finance, real estate, contracting, or in a related field. Relevant

education will be counted on a year for year basis.

The 9 total years must include at minimum:

• Two (2) years' experience supervising one or more employees including hiring staff, training and development,

assigning work, evaluating performance, and taking corrective action Supervisory experience may have been

gained concurrently.

• One (1) year experience developing, drafting, interpreting, implementing, and applying legislation and detailed

policies and procedures.

Required Position Competencies:

• Demonstrated skills in contract negotiation, facilitation, problem-solving and conflict resolution.
• Proficiency resolving complex contracting and financing issues; ability to handle multiple complex issues

simultaneously.

• Accountability--Meets commitments, works independently, accepts accountability, handles change, sets personal

standards, stays focused under pressure, meets attendance/punctuality requirements

• Communication--Communicates well both verbally and in writing, creates accurate and punctual reports, delivers

presentations, shares information and ideas with others, has good listening skills.

• Computer Skills--Skilled in the use of computers, adapts to new technology, keeps abreast of changes, learns

new programs quickly, use computers to improve productivity.

• Customer Service--Handles customer questions and complaints, communicates with customers, handles service

problems politely and efficiently, always available for customers, follows procedure to solve customer problems,

understands company products and services, maintains pleasant and professional image.

• Integrity--Deals with others in a straightforward and honest manner, is accountable for actions, maintains

confidentiality, supports company values, and conveys good news and bad.

• Leadership-supports the unit's, divisions, and agency's expectations and a modern work environment. Nurtures

and drives the team's culture. Provides professional development support and opportunities for staff. Allows staff

to bring their best selves to work, own their work, and encourage an environment of trust and support.

• Organizational Savvy--Operates within the organization's formal and informal structures, builds allies and

relationships across departments, uses allies to build consensus and create results, is appropriately diplomatic,

understands others' roles and perspectives, can sell projects and ideas across the organization.

• Results Focus--Targets and achieves results, sets challenging goals, prioritizes tasks, overcomes obstacles, sets

team standards and responsibilities, provides leadership/motivation.

• Teamwork--Meets all team deadlines and responsibilities, listens to others and values opinions, helps team leader

to meet goals, welcomes newcomers and promotes a team atmosphere.

• Diversity Equity and Inclusion-Understands and applies the language and concepts of a diversity, equity and

inclusion (DEI) culture; commits to create and maintain a DEI and anti-racist work environment; commits to apply

a DEI and anti-racist lens to policy setting and decision making, including but not limited to program planning and

development, community and stakeholder outreach, and allocation of resources.

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies:

• Experience with affordable housing finance programs, including the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.
• Experience with underwriting affordable housing projects with multiple funding sources, such as local, state, and

federal funding, private funding, and the tax credits.

• Experience with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs, such as HOME, Community

Development Block Grant, and the National Housing Trust Fund.

• Experience with managing contracts for construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing and with multiple

funding sources (state, federal, local, private).

• Able to foster professional development through mentoring and training staff, and other job growth

opportunities.

• Able to openly and honestly communicate and actively engage co-workers, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Master's degree in community, trade or economic development.

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

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

For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email: ... - 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.

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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 .... Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or ....

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.