Contracts Specialist (COM3)

Contracts Specialist (COM3) 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 in the Multifamily Housing Unit (MHU) of HD, with the state Housing Trust Fund (HTF) and the federal HOME and National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) programs. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining complex contract and legal documents to protect state interests in investments made through the MHU programs, and provides technical assistance to program contractors and to other MHU staff regarding agency contracting requirements, program loan terms, and related legal documents.Development and Maintenance of Capital Contracts:

• Develop, review, negotiate terms and collaborate with MHU project managers, asset managers, contractors and their attorneys for the execution of capital contracts for loans and grants or amendments for the state Housing Trust Fund and federal HOME and National Housing Trust Fund programs, including all related legal and security documents such as, Promissory Notes, Assignment Agreements, Deeds of Trust, Covenant Agreements, and Priority/Subordination Agreements, ensuring that all program and legal standards are met.
• Determine the correct forms, templates, documents, and language needed based on financial structure of project.
• Develop contracts and related legal documents by working directly with contractors, attorneys, title and escrow companies, developers, as well as internal project and asset managers, their supervisors and contract specialist supervisors to reach final execution of the contracts.
• Lead collaboration with MHU project managers and asset managers negotiations with contractors, attorneys, title/escrow company officers, and developers to complete and administer the unit’s complex legal and security documents, including but not limited to promissory notes, assignment and assumption agreements, deeds of trust, covenant agreements, and priority & subordination agreements.

Analysis and Preparation of Contracts and Legal Document Templates, and Improvement of Contracting Process:

• Make recommendations to Contract Specialist Supervisor (CS5) and management regarding the development of contracting and legal templates, as well as related policies under the HTF and the federal HOME and National Housing Trust Fund programs.

• Develop and maintain processes and procedures for newly created or established templates for contract and legal documentation as well as related work methods and information systems, while ensuring program policies and legal requirements are met.

• Perform analysis and interpretation of current legislation, budget provisos, state and federal regulations, legal issues, contract terminology and industry practices, and assist with drafting policies related to program contracts and other legal documents related to real estate and housing finance transactions pertinent to the unit’s programs and projects and make recommendations to the Contract Specialist.

• Maintain reporting and tracking tools related to necessary legal review with the Commerce Contracts Manager.

Database Maintenance:

• Input and verify data from the original application submission, the budget allocation spreadsheet (BASS), conduct queries, and generate reports in the appropriate database systems (internal and external) related to project specifics.
• Enter contract, contact, organization name, and other data in the Contracts Management System (CMS) and the Housing Contracts Management System (HCMS) databases after contract execution.
• Enter and verify entries in CMS prior to submitting contracts and amendments to the Commerce Fiscal Unit.
• Track receipt of insurance certificates from contractors and verify information on certificate against the contract requirements.
• Ensure insurance documents are properly imaged and indexed as outlined within the Housing Unit Blueprint (HUB) and desk manual. Notify Project/Asset Manager, contractor of discrepancies and delinquencies.
• Receive and process project name changes notifications from contractors and verify completeness. Resolve discrepancies with contractors, as needed.
• Prepare correspondence to notify the unit of change, update databases, add correspondence to imaging, complete log, and maintain file.
• Oversee and provide quality management of document tracking, retention, and imaging system requirements.
• Provide guidance to the unit staff on the use of data and imaging systems.

Analysis and Interpretation:

• Proposes contract language and policy recommendations related to program contracts and other legal documents to the Contract Specialist Supervisor to ensure program policies and legal requirements are met.
• Analyze, interpret and propose improvements of unit contracts and legal documents to Contract Specialist Supervisor to ensure program policies and legal requirements are met. Required Position Qualifications: Seven (7) years of combined experience and/or education as described below:

Experience in community, trade, or economic development with a focus in two or more of the following areas:

• Affordable housing
• Housing finance
• Real Estate
• Contracting
• Knowledge of real estate contracts and transactions

Education involves 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 years of experience and six years of education

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Experience or knowledge with development and/or financing of multifamily housing.
• Experience or knowledge of affordable housing, such as the Housing Trust Fund, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, the federal HOME, or National Housing Trust Fund programs.
• Notary experience or license.
• Paralegal experience or certification.
• Limited Practice Officer experience or certification.

Required Position Competencies:

• Intermediate skill level in the Microsoft Office suite products including OneDrive, Teams, SharePoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to openly and honestly communicate; actively engage co-workers and contractors; develop interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well with diverse groups and personalities.
• Ability to work well under stress and meet tight deadlines.
• The ability to identify and advocate for change necessary to streamline systems, enhance customer service, and improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Strong proof-reading and editing skills.

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: [email protected] - 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 at [email protected].

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 [email protected]. 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.