Contracts Specialist Supervisor

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.

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.
• 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.

Qualifications

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).
• At least three professional references (enter online).

Supplemental Information