Title & Contracts Project Manager

LAND DEPARTMENT Since its inception in 1915, the Arizona State Land Department has been entrusted with managing approximately 9.2 million acres of State Trust lands scattered throughout Arizona. The Common Schools (K-12) are the largest beneficiary entitled to approximately 87% of the land and receiving close to 90% of State Trust Land revenues. Through the application of sound stewardship, and effective business management principles, the Land Department can succeed in its mission of responsibly managing the assets of a multi-generational perpetual Trust in alignment with the interests of the beneficiaries and Arizona’s future. Title & Contracts Project Manager Job Location 1110 W. Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007 Posting Details Salary: $58,000 - $68,000 Grade: 21 Closing Date: Open until business needs are met. Job Summary Under the direction and guidance of the Title and Contracts (T&C) Manager, the Project Manager will provide efficient, accurate and timely examination of agreements, contracts, orders, and other legal documents to internal staff and outside representatives. Responsible for meeting deadlines and for the accuracy of information disseminated, the Project Manager will process the more critical/complex surface applications for purchase, lease, permit and rights of way, interpret and identify location of land from land legal descriptions, and exercise considerable independence and discretionary judgment. The role requires the ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, including detailed and lengthy land use and title reports, and to deal courteously and effectively with all levels of the Arizona State Land Department, the Commissioner's Office, customers, federal, state, and local government officials, the Attorney General's Office, the Court of Law, and members of the public. Job Duties Manages small projects based on repeatable standards and practices; leads planning and implementation of projects; follows defined, agreed upon project management methodologies; facilitates the definition of project missions, goals, tasks, and resource requirements; assists in resolving conflicts within and between projects or functional areas; monitors project progress and escalates as appropriate. Processes critical/complex surface applications for purchase, lease, permit and rights of way, and interprets/identifies location of land from land legal descriptions. Examines complex title documents, gathers data for metrics, creates reports, and manages contract boilerplate to ensure compliance with statutes, rules, and policies. Oversees and manages the cancellation process for all contracts processed in Title & Contracts (T&C). Coordinates land ownership transfers between the state and federal governments resulting from federal condemnation/eminent domain transactions, including possible on-site visits to inspect land parcels and ensuring the accuracy of title records for over 9 million acres. Provides leadership, guidance, and recommendations in managing all aspects of a project’s life cycle and works with all related areas of the organization to define requirements, deliverables, and timelines. Acts as the project lead over inventorying, scanning, and digitizing ASLD title records. Other duties as assigned as related to the position. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge of: Theoretical and practical aspects of project management methodologies and tools; statutes, departmental rules, policies, objectives, and procedures; land legal descriptions; federal condemnation/eminent domain transactions; land research practices, legal terminology, and preparation of related documents; researching land title and land leasing records; ArcGIS Pro software; GIS systems, spatial data and database management systems and development platforms; cadastral systems, surveys, and plat maps. Skilled in: Interpersonal, written, and verbal communication; basic project coordination; prioritization and organization of multiple tasks; collaborative teamwork across organizations; adjusting plans to meet deadlines; understanding of land legal descriptions and ALTA surveys; prioritizing and organizing documents, attention to detail, critical thinking; establishing and maintaining working relationships with outside agencies and personnel; basic land planning and disposition; examining and proofreading documents for accuracy; intermediate proficiency in computer use (Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, Salesforce). Ability to: Respond promptly to customer needs; use time efficiently; communicate activities and results appropriately; demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations and streamline work processes; perform advanced analysis and produce reports; read and decipher current and historical land records, including land title records; read, interpret and write a variety of legal descriptions; create, modify and manipulate advanced data sets and maps, including complex geospatial aspects of data. Selective Preference(s) A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in technical examining and/or title work similar to that done within a title company (e.g., assessor’s office, state, federal or city land/title department) including working on land planning and disposition issues, reading and plotting land legal descriptions and ALTA surveys, and working with cadastral/GIS team. Any combination of training and experience that meets the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs), which may include a relevant degree from an accredited college or university, coursework and work experience relevant to the assignment. Pre-Employment Requirements Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete required driver training. All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). Benefits 10 paid holidays per year Paid vacation and sick time off (13 and 12 days per year respectively), starting earning on first day (prorated for part-time employees) Paid parental leave – up to 12 weeks per year for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child Other leaves – bereavement, civic duty, and military A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits A robust and affordable health insurance plan, including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance Tuition reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (must meet qualifications) RideShare and public transit subsidy A variety of learning and career development opportunities Retirement Lifetime Pension Benefit Program administered through the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Defined benefit plan that provides for lifelong income upon retirement. Required participation for Long-Term Disability and ASRS Retirement plan. Pre-tax payroll contributions begin after a 27-week waiting period (prior contributions may waive the waiting period). Deferred Retirement Compensation Program; voluntary participation; administered through Nationwide; tax-deferred retirement investments through payroll deductions. Contact Us If you have trouble applying for this position, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for assistance. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting ASLD Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Arizona State Government is an AA/EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr