**This recruitment will remain open until filled. Initial screening of applications will begin October 2, 2017. We encourage all applicants to apply early. The hiring authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision and close this recruitment posting at any time after the initial screening date. 

The Community Capital Facilities (CCF) Unit within the Local Government Division is seeking a Commerce Specialist 3. This position functions as the advanced level technical expert responsible for real estate property securitization documents needed to protect the state’s interest in investments made through the Community Capital Facilities Unit.  This unit helps strengthen communities by funding a variety of capital projects across the state through programs such as the Building Communities Fund, Building for the Arts, Youth Recreational Facilities, Behavioral Health Facilities, and Energy Efficiency and Solar grants. 

Does this sound like your perfect opportunity?  If so, we invite you to apply today!

• Act as the recognized subject matter expert for the Community Capital Facilities unit and provide advanced level technical guidance and consultation to staff, external stakeholders, and partners.
• Protect the lien position of Commerce by ensuring the appropriate security documents are in place for all capital programs.
• Prepare, review and approve promissory notes, deeds of trust and title insurance.
• Work with title companies to review title reports to establish clear title for the agency determining if liens, exceptions, etc. are acceptable to Commerce or if removal is required.
• Review subordination requests from banks and other institutions to ensure that Commerce’s security is adequately protected in a junior lien position.
• Review financial transactions, real estate purchases, lease documents, priority and subordination agreements, deeds of trust, covenants and other legal documents.
• Analyze the financial soundness by reviewing the liens as compared to the value of the property.
• Manage risk for Commerce by analyzing transactional and organization risks of the contractor.
• Negotiate with contractors/grantees, their legal counsel, and other project funders to resolve conflicts between the state and other public and private investors regarding legal and financial interests.
• Communicate with Managing Director, staff, and external stakeholders to negotiate, develop, and finalize sufficient property securitization agreements.
• Manage the full life cycle of security documents from inspection to the re-conveyance in 10 years.
• Track and record all finalized property security documents.
• Ensure that records are sufficiently maintained and that all agreements are released according to the appropriate timelines for each agreement.
• Develop policies and procedures for the unit as necessary to support the property securitization process.

Required Education

• A Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration or related field (professional level experience may substitute year for year for the degree).

Required Experience

• Three years of professional level experience in community, trade, or economic development (a graduate degree or advanced degree may substitute for one year of required experience).
• One year of professional level experience with real estate property transactions.

Required Competencies:

• Accountability–Meets commitments, works independently, accepts accountability, handles change, sets personal standards, stays focused under pressure, meets attendance/punctuality requirements
• Customer Service–Handles customer questions and complaints, communicates with customers, handles service problems politely and efficiently, always available for customers, follows procedure to solve customer problems, understands company products and services, maintains pleasant and professional image.
• Integrity–Deals with others in a straightforward and honest manner, is accountable for actions, maintains confidentiality, supports company values, and conveys good news and bad.
• Teamwork–Meets all team deadlines and responsibilities, listens to others and values opinions, helps team leader to meet goals, welcomes newcomers and promotes a team atmosphere.
• Results Focus–Targets and achieves results, sets challenging goals, prioritizes tasks, overcomes obstacles, sets team standards and responsibilities, provides leadership/motivation.
• Communication–Communicates well both verbally and in writing, creates accurate and punctual reports, delivers presentations, shares information and ideas with others, has good listening skills.
• Organizational Savvy–Operates within the organization’s formal and informal structures, builds allies and relationships across departments, uses allies to build consensus and create results, is appropriately diplomatic, understands others’ roles and perspectives, can sell projects and ideas across the organization.
• Computer Skills–Skilled in the use of computers, adapts to new technology, keeps abreast of changes, learns new programs quickly, use computers to improve productivity.

Desired Qualifications:

• Proficient in establishing, implementing, and administering property security requirements.

I want to work for Commerce! How do I apply?
 
In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position;
• A current resume detailing experience and education; and
• A list of at least three professional references.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified and documentation may be required.

For questions about this recruitment, please contact Lindsey Henderson at 360-725-2650 or Lindsey.henderson@Commerce.wa.gov.
 

Who we are:

At Commerce, we’re a little different. But for you, it might just be the perfect fit.  We’re a state agency but operate like a business with the understanding we need to know our customer’s needs to fulfill them.  Our Olympia offices are open Monday through Friday (flexible schedules are available). We also have an active bicycle loaner program. 

Washington State offers commuting programs, including free, subsidized and reduced public transportation incentives.  There are approximately 300 employees in our agency. We are committed to our work and value balance in our personal lives. We hire people for a position and encourage them to train for growth opportunities.

If this sounds like a good fit for you and you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply today!

What we do:

We are the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. We administer a diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and several state boards and commissions, all focused on achieving one clear and simple mission: to grow and improve jobs in Washington.

Our key customers include businesses, local governments and community-based organizations. We also play the crucial role of convening numerous local, state, regional and federal partners and stakeholders, public and private. Together we work to support the Governor’s priorities and achieve shared goals and objectives for the citizens of Washington.

Not from Olympia?
 
As the state’s capitol, Olympia is located off Interstate 5 at the south end of the Puget Sound roughly half-way between Seattle and Portland, and less than a two hour drive to the coast, temperate rainforest, mountains, urban city, or farmlands.  With year-round art festivals, parades, theater shows, concerts, and community events, Olympia and its surrounding cities have something for everyone. For parents, it boasts some of the best schools in the nation and the renowned HandsOn Children’s Museum.  Home to two universities (The Evergreen State College and Saint Martin’s University), Olympia residents also have the opportunity to pursue a degree while working!


Special Notes:

This position is covered by a union security provision. Therefore, as a condition of employment, candidates who are appointed are required to become members of the Washington Federation of State Employees, or pay other representational fees within the first 30 days of employment.
 
 
Additional Information:
 
The Washington State Department of Commerce complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal Form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment. 

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 call Human Resources at (360) 725-2650. 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.