Managing Director, Multifamily Housing Unit

Managing Director, Multifamily Housing Unit (WMS3)At the Department of Commerce we strive to be creative, collaborative, and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities and aim to promote equity in all aspects of our work. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our success, and we work to foster an environment where all individuals are valued and respected. We cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and we own our work.We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the richness of the communities we serve. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future.This position is the Managing Director of the Multifamily Housing Unit (MHU) and reports directly to the Housing Division (HD) Assistant Director (AD).MHU is responsible for administering the Washington State Housing Trust Fund (HTF), the federal HOME and National Housing Trust Fund programs. These programs provide capital financing to nonprofit housing providers, housing authorities and tribes for the construction, acquisition, or rehabilitation of multifamily/rental affordable housing and shelters for low-income and special needs populations.Duties• Responsible for formulating and implementing statewide funding programs, policies and strategies to address the affordable housing needs of low-income households and people with special needs; exercises independent judgment and decision-making with regard to multifamily/rental affordable housing policies and programs.• Designs and sets overall direction for implementing eligible activities of the State Housing Trust Fund, as authorized under RCW 43.185A, and ensures appropriate and optimal use of state resources for the development and preservation of multifamily/rental affordable housing and shelters.• Oversees administration of the federally-funded HOME and National Housing Trust programs, including development and implementation of program policies and procedures, ensuring ongoing compliance with federal regulations, development of the State’s five-year Consolidated Plan, and submission of annual performance reports to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.• Consults and coordinates with the other HD units and programs, ensuring the implementation and delivery of housing programs and policies stay closely aligned, consistent and coordinated whenever feasible.• Develops and implements plans and policies, including workout strategies, to ensure the long-term viability of the existing portfolio of state-funded affordable housing projects.• Builds and maintains relationships and partnerships with external stakeholders, including nonprofit organizations, local governments, federal agencies and other state agencies. Ensures ongoing coordination with other local, state, and federal housing programs.• Develops and maintains relationships with other affordable housing funders to promote coordination with other public funding entities and to maximize leveraging achieved with state and federal housing resources.• Coordinates, collaborates, shares information, and gathers input from the Policy Advisory Team and other stakeholder groups regarding affordable housing issues and policies of a statewide nature.• Has thorough knowledge and understanding of multifamily/rental affordable housing development and asset management, particularly in a non-profit environment, and oversees research, analysis, and use of data related to multifamily affordable housing policy development.• Provides testimony and reports to the Legislature, responds to legislative requests for information and data related to affordable housing issues, needs, and program activities,• Represents Commerce at hearings, boards, and committees including the Affordable Housing Advisory Board and Washington State Housing Finance Commission, provides technical expertise on matters related to affordable housing finance and development. Responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of internal policies, procedures, goals, objectives, priorities and work plans that support the administration of programs within the unit.• Responsible for program fiscal and data management, including budget, accounting, evaluation, records management, contract management, and external reporting.• Responsible for managing several professional senior level employees, advanced technical and program specialists, and support staff. Directs and controls interviews and selection of staff.• Establishes work plans that are aligned with the Division's and Department's priorities, objectives, and performance measures.• Reviews and approves individual staff work plans, time sheets, leave slips, etc.• Completes annual performance evaluations, updates Position Descriptions, reviews duties, establishes essential functions, determines staff training needs, and takes corrective action when needed.• Enhances the effectiveness of employees through timely performance appraisal and professional development opportunities. Supports effective communication throughout the work team and division. Maintains high standards of personal/professional and ethical conduct and supports the state’s goal for a diverse workforce.• Consults frequently with staff to discuss and review program progress and to provide leadership support. Is an active member of the HD Management Team and Commerce Management Team; participates in the development and implementation of division and agency goals, objectives, and strategies, and policies and procedures.Required Qualifications:• Nine years of professional-level experience in affordable housing, which may include housing finance, real estate, contracting, or in a related field.• OR• Nine years total combination of professional-level experience and post-high school equivalent formal education (including college level coursework, technical and/or vocational education, and/or certification programs) in affordable housing, which may include housing finance, real estate, contracting, or in a related field.• A graduate or advanced degree may substitute for one year of the required professional experience.• Three years of experience supervising one or more employees including hiring staff, training and development, assigning work, evaluating performance, and taking corrective action. Supervisory experience may have been gained concurrently.• Advanced level knowledge and experience in the management of programs, issues, and policies related to affordable housing finance and development.• Knowledge and experience in residential real estate underwriting and financial analysis, appraisal analysis, foreclosure and transfer requirements, property and asset management principles.• Experience negotiating, developing, and managing affordable housing contracts.• Knowledge and experience with the state budget and fiscal process.• Demonstrated communication skills (both verbal and written) required to articulate policies and program objectives to a wide range of audiences and stakeholders with competing interests which may include affordable housing experts, advocates, the press, elected officials, and the public.• Demonstrated ability to establish and evaluate policy and program outcomes collaborating with various internal and external stakeholders; identify and advocate for changes necessary to streamline systems, enhance customer services, and improve efficiency and effectiveness.Desired Education:• Asset management experience that may include real estate workouts, multi-family refinance and syndication, exit strategies for low-income housing tax credit projects.• Anti-Racism Training and/or Experience in cross-cultural settings.• Experience managing U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development funds.• Housing Development Finance Professional CertificationTo 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: comrecruitment@commerce.wa.gov - please reference the job number in your messageThis 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 careershelp@des.wa.gov.Our Commitment to Equal OpportunityThe 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 Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov. 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.State employees may also receive annual cost of living adjustment increases (COLA). COLAs vary and are not guaranteed every year, but if the Legislature approves them, they typically are applied at the beginning of the state fiscal year (July 1). For example, state employees received a 4% COLA on July 1, 2023, and also received a 3% COLA on July 1, 2024. Employees with a King County duty station will receive a 5% King County premium pay in addition to your annual salary.Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on their length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, and as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.