Community Engagement Specialist

Salary: $7,406.00 - $10,018.00 Monthly
Location : King County - Seattle - Downtown Business, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-05696
Department: Housing Finance Commission
Opening Date: 07/09/2026


Description
**In addition to the salary posted above, this position is currently receiving an additional 5% premium pay due to the position being in King County.


The Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) is currently recruiting for a full-time, permanent Community Engagement Specialist in the Multifamily Housing & Community Facilities Division.

The Multifamily Housing and Community Facilities Division ("MHCF" or the "Division") is a one of the divisions within the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (the "Commission") with the primary responsibility assisting with the development of multifamily rental housing through the issuance of bonds, the allocation of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits ("LIHTC"), and other financing tools. The Division similarly participates through federal bonds and loan programs in assisting nonprofit organizations develop community facilities, assisting beginning farmer/ranchers in acquiring property, and the development of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.


The Community Engagement Specialist helps to ensure the inclusion of Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and other interested parties whose voices have not traditionally been included in the development of multifamily affordable rental housing under the direction and guidance of division management. This position will identify barriers and develop outreach and engagement tools and strategies to promote equity and inclusion. It will also develop effective and measurable data collection efforts to evaluate the progress toward goals established for Division policies, engagement and outreach. This position reports directly to the Division Operations Manager within a Division that works in a team environment with positions interacting and responsibility sharing practiced among staff positions.

The duty station for this position is Seattle, WA. The work associated with this position will be performed through a combination of teleworking and complemented with on-site work and meetings as needed. Employees are required to work in the Seattle office at least once a week and may need to come in more frequently based on Division needs. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance of our worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

Who we are:

The Commission is a market-driven and self-supporting agency created to provide below-market rate financing for building, purchasing, or preserving affordable housing and nonprofit capital facilities. The Commission functions as a financing conduit between developers, lenders, first-time home buyers, real estate professionals, and nonprofit organizations to provide affordable financing for homes, rental housing, civic and social services facilities, energy conservation projects and first-time farmers and ranchers.


We believe that creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment is important and vital to the success of the Commission. We believe in working together to create an environment free from harassment and discrimination and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual.

Duties
Principal Responsibilities:

• Design and execute community outreach and engagement initiatives in collaboration with the Division Director and team members to increase access to and improve participants' experience in MHCF programs.
• Engage directly with developers, CBOs, and other interested parties, especially those historically marginalized, to understand their experiences, identify barriers, and guide strategies that align with the Commission's Racial Equity Strategic Plan.
• Create and implement specific community outreach and engagement strategies in collaboration with MHCF staff to inform policy and program development across a variety of programs.
• Develop effective metrics and research best practices to determine progress toward program goals for CBO and BIPOC developer involvement in the Bond/Tax Credit program.
• Design and implement a data collection strategy in collaboration with MHCF and the Asset Management Compliance (AMC) division to establish program goals and measurement methods.
• Collaborate with MHCF, Communications, AMC, and IT teams to develop protocols for contact management in Salesforce and keep interested parties informed of opportunities.
• Serve as the MHCF lead for planning, drafting, and initiating all external email distributions and communications, as well as the liaison with IT for relevant webpage updates.
• Establish an equitable process, in collaboration with MHCF staff and external parties, for creating, updating, and maintaining a division-wide Resource List of real estate development professionals.
• Develop, publish, and update informational materials regarding the Bond/Tax Credit program, LIHTC, and other community-focused MHCF programs in accordance with the Community Engagement Strategy.
• Assist in developing training curriculum, lesson plans, and multimedia presentations to help interested parties understand complex programs, and support post-training evaluations.
• Update Sections 4.4 and 4.5 of the Bond/Tax Credit policies in partnership with Bond/Tax Credit staff, and participate in implementation including application reviews and CBO relationship building.
• Create and maintain partnerships with other public funders, such as the City of Seattle, county governments, the State Department of Commerce, and other funding partners to collaborate on addressing issues concerning community-based development.
• Work on additional special projects throughout the year as identified by management and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
We are most interested in candidates who meet or exceed the following criteria:

• Proven ability to build relationships and work effectively with diverse external parties, including community-based organizations (CBOs), developers, and interested parties with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Deep understanding of specific policies, procedures, and applicable laws regarding the WSHFC Bond/Tax Credit Program, alongside a foundational knowledge of general LIHTC and tax-exempt bond programs.
• Expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based community engagement and outreach strategies.
• Demonstrated experience in translating complex policies into simple, accessible language for diverse audiences through written materials, verbal presentations, and public speaking.
• Proficiency in leveraging databases, Salesforce, or content/enterprise management solutions to manage contacts, generate forms, and produce materials that support business objectives.
• Skill in creating user-friendly web content, developing accessible digital tools or links for external audiences, and collaborating effectively with technical web development staff.
• Strong analytical and research capabilities, with a track record of using data to establish metrics and refine organizational policies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public policy, planning, or environmental studies focused on housing/facility development, public finance, and sustainable energy issues.
• Ability to take action to learn and grow: Takes responsibility for increasing skills in new technologies and systems to make government programs more effective.
• Ability to take action to meet the needs of others: collaborates across diverse backgrounds to increase access and positive outcomes in housing and development.

Preferred/Desired:

• Bachelor and/or Master's degree in marketing, Urban Planning, Finance, Real Estate, Public Policy or related field plus 2 years of relevant experience.
• Completion of the Certificate of Public Participation through the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2)
• Experience with project management and related principles and tools.
• Experience with principles, strategies, and best practices of program evaluation

A combination of skills, abilities, experience, and education may be substituted to demonstrate that you are qualified for this position. If you don't meet all the qualifications, we still encourage you to apply. We value diverse experiences and perspectives, and you may have skills that are a great match for our team

Supplemental Information
Benefits:

We offer a generous benefits package that includes a full array of family medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance coverage; a state retirement plan; deferred compensation; 12 paid holidays; paid vacation, sick and military leave; subsidized bus, train, or ferry passes; credit union memberships; alternate workweek schedules, and telecommuting.

The hiring range for this position is $7,406 to $8,712 Monthly. However, the full salary range for this position is $7,406 to $10,018 Monthly. We may go higher based on the following: experience, internal equity, and market. Salary is negotiable.


Application Procedures:

Applicants who meet the qualifications are asked to submit all the following items to be considered for this position:

• Completed NEOGOV online application.
• Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
• List of three or more professional references. (all references must be current and/or former supervisor/managers)
• Current resume indicating relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and education.

Web Site:

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The recruitment process will be open until filled. First review of applications is July 16th, 2026.

Please include your name and pronouns in your application to ensure we address you appropriately throughout the application process.


To qualify and receive veteran's preference, you must attach a copy of the discharge, DD214 or NGB Form 22, with your application materials.


By submitting the application materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct to the best of your knowledge. You understand that the Housing Finance Commission may verify information and that untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. Only those individuals who clearly demonstrate the stated qualifications will be considered.


The Washington State Housing Finance Commission is committed to providing equal employment, job assignments and promotional opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to all staff as needed. Women, black, Indigenous and people of color, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, all honorably discharged veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact the WSHFC Recruiting Team at View email address on click.appcast.io or at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.


Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.


Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.


Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.


Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01


Are you currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer, and do you acknowledge that the Commission will not now, or in the future, provide visa sponsorship (e.g., H-1B, TN, etc.) for this position?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you understand and acknowledge that this position does not offer relocation assistance or any other bonuses and that individuals must reside in Washington State to be considered?

• Yes
• No

03


This position requires the incumbent to work onsite at our downtown Seattle office at a minimum of one day per week. Depending on division's needs, additional onsite days may be required. Please note that this is not a remote position, and no full-time remote work exceptions will be made. Are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

04


How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Government Job Boards (Careers WA, Governmentjobs, etc.)
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Referral (Family, Friends, Staff)
• WSHFC Website
• Internal Recruitment
• Glassdoor
• Work Source
• NCSHA Job Board
• Jd prefered
• Flexjobs.com
• Career Fair
• Radio Advertisement
• Newspaper/Magazine
• Other

Required Question