Federal Project Manager (COM 3)

State of Washington•Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

3d•Remote

About The Position

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 within the Multifamily Housing Unit (MHU) of HD and is responsible for specific tasks within the State Housing Trust Fund (HTF) and the federal HOME and National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) programs. This position is a technical specialist in real estate development and finance. This position develops, negotiates, and manages key terms and conditions for resulting state and federally funded contracts that specialize in the development of affordable housing for the low-income and special needs population. This position updates and maintains Commerce databases to ensure accurate project data is available. This position establishes program priorities and develops policies to ensure affordable low-income housing units are created and preserved, from the time of award through to the project’s long-term period of performance.

Requirements

Seven (7) years of combined experience and/or education as described below:
Experience in affordable housing, housing finance, real estate/lending, community, trade, or economic development with a focus in two or more of the following areas: Contract Management, Project Development, Project Management
Demonstrated understanding of multifamily/rental housing development and lending, and related real estate transactions and legal documentation.
Demonstrated understanding of affordable housing finance, including layered financing using private and public funds, tax credits, and partnership structures.
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 year of experience and six years of education.
Demonstrated skills in organization, team building, and succession planning.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate and build partnerships, develop work teams, and work effectively with the authorizing and external environment.
Demonstrated ability to manage and work with diverse personalities, styles, and cultures.
Ability to apply negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, as well as interpersonal and relationship building skills.
Knowledge of agencies, institutions, and processes involved in real estate development.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and ability to create and manipulate pro forma financial models.
A complete and detailed online application.
A cover letter (enter online).
At least three professional references (enter online).

Nice To Haves

Good understanding of state and federal low-income housing program regulations.
Experience with the Washington State Housing Trust Fund or with U.S. HUD programs, such as HOME or federal Housing Trust Fund, Low-Income Tax Credit Program, or other similar programs.
Experience developing rental housing or home ownership opportunities in rural communities.
Experience with writing and implementing policies and procedures.
Willingness to work flexible hours and in a collaborative, team-based environment.

Responsibilities

Participate in the MHU resource allocation process by providing technical assistance to applicants proposing development of affordable housing by use of the State HTF, HOME and NHTF.
Review, analyze, and score project applications using the Combined Funder Application, Housing Trust Fund Handbook, Federal Guidebooks and Notice of Funding Availability guidelines to recommend for investment of state funds.
Manage new projects assigned in each funding round, with an average of 25+ projects in various stages such as pre-development, development, construction, or placed-in-service—actively managed.
Process consistent and timely updates into the Commerce Contract Management Services (CMS) and Housing Contract Management Services (HCMS) database systems and project files (electronic and physical).
Review, analyze, and present for approval project scope, contract terms based on current approved terms established by MHU, financial structures for long term project sustainability, and key performance measures to unit management team members.
Coordinate with contracting specialists, clients, developers, and attorneys to ensure the development and execution of contracts meet approved terms established by RCWs or MHU written policy.
Monitor project’s applicability of labor standard provisions under the HOME program for any contract with the construction of 12 or more HOME-assisted units as required under HUD Regulations at 24 CFR 92.354(a)(2) and Section 286, National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
Facilitate real estate closings by: Ensure escrow has received closing instructions. Recording package with all recordable documents has been completed. Predetermined closing funds are agreed upon with a signed A-19 for closing draw disbursement and aligns with the project budget. Ensure all recorded document copies are received for the project file.
Coordinate and communicate with other private- and public-financing partners and third-party consultants involved with projects.
Troubleshoot and problem-solve contract, construction, and project schedule-related issues, including technical assistance and renegotiation of financial structure, when necessary.
Monitor the project’s construction property management/lease up process monthly by reviewing 3rd party inspection reports, ensuring change orders stay within project scope of work, ensure completion date is on track with the construction schedule, and funds are being drawn in alignment with project budget.
Coordinate internal project transfer from project management to asset management team as outlined in the Housing Unit Blueprint (HUB).
Ensure timely workflow and coordination within, and among, the unit’s teams and other workgroups in the department as outlined within the HUB, desk manuals and due diligence checklists.
Conduct environmental reviews as required by law in accordance with HUD 24CFR Part 50 and 58 and ensure integration of NEPA requirements with other planning and environmental review for all federal projects to ensure evaluation of the probable environmental consequences of a proposal before decisions are made.
Review additional HOME Program requirements that reference Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) participants. Ensure CHDO applicants and participants meet certification and re-certification eligibility requirements per participating Jurisdiction policies and procedures as required when receiving federal CHDO funds.
Oversee data collection, analysis and state reporting requirements for the State HTF program in CMS and HCMS, as outlined in the unit’s Handbook, desk manuals, and HUB.
Implement proviso programs as outlined within each section of the HTF budgets to ensure legislative intent is met.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop processes and policies that align with the HTF’s mission and vision.