What are the responsibilities and job description for the Commerce Specialist 5 - State Project Management Supervisor position at State of Washington?
Description
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). This position has responsibility for Project Management portion of applications, underwriting, and award recommendation processes, as well as oversight of all project management activities. This position oversees the development, negotiation, and management of key terms and conditions for state funded capital loans and grants, and ensures projects are under contract, constructed, and placed in service in a timely manner. This position supervises program managers for State Housing Trust Fund project development team. This position serves as an advanced level technical specialist in real estate development and finance. Responsibilities include establishing program priorities, goals, and objectives, and developing policies and procedures to create and preserve affordable housing units that are sustainable throughout the projects’ long-term period of performance. This includes the necessary oversight to ensure the appropriate and cost-effective use of state funds.
Duties
Required Qualifications:
Nine (9) years of combined experience and/or education as described below:?
Experience working in community, trade or economic development with a focus in two or more the following areas:
Examples of how to qualify:?
Supplemental Information
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 atcareershelp@des.wa.gov.
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 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.
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.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read About Our Benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement And Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 07-21-2025
01
In the space below, please write a formal cover letter describing your interest and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
02
How many years of post-high school equivalent formal education (including college-level coursework, technical and/or vocational education, and/or certification programs.) do you have?
If you indicated you have the experience noted in the above question, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must be reflected in the work experience of your application). Do not state "see application". If you answered "I do not have this experience," please type N/A in the text box below.
04
Select from the choices below the answer than best describes your experience working in community, trade or economic development with a focus on two ore more of the following areas:
If you indicated you have the experience noted in the above question, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must be reflected in the work experience of your application). Do not state "see application". If you answered "I do not have this experience," please type N/A in the text box below.
06
Do you have at least two years of experience supervising one or more employees including hiring staff, training and development, assigning work, evaluating performance, and taking corrective action?
If you indicated you have the experience noted in the above question, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must be reflected in the work experience of your application). Do not state "see application". If you answered "I do not have this experience," please type N/A in the text box below.
08
As a condition of employment, I understand and agree that I must reside in the state of Washington prior to or on the first day of state employment.
Are you a current or former employee of the state of Washington?
If you answered yes to the question above, what is the agency you are currently or formerly with? If you answered no, please type N/A.
11
Please select the option below that best indicates where you heard about this job opportunity.
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). This position has responsibility for Project Management portion of applications, underwriting, and award recommendation processes, as well as oversight of all project management activities. This position oversees the development, negotiation, and management of key terms and conditions for state funded capital loans and grants, and ensures projects are under contract, constructed, and placed in service in a timely manner. This position supervises program managers for State Housing Trust Fund project development team. This position serves as an advanced level technical specialist in real estate development and finance. Responsibilities include establishing program priorities, goals, and objectives, and developing policies and procedures to create and preserve affordable housing units that are sustainable throughout the projects’ long-term period of performance. This includes the necessary oversight to ensure the appropriate and cost-effective use of state funds.
Duties
- Oversees the HTF project management of capital projects and collaborates with other CS5 project management supervisors of capital projects. This includes reviewing and underwriting received applications, negotiating and executing contracts and loan terms, managing projects through construction, and following projects until placed in service and transferred to the Asset Management team within the unit.
- Coordinates and collaborates with the federal CS5 on aligning and ensuring consistency among managing and contracting for HTF, HOME, and NHTF projects.
- Develops, implements, and maintains policies and procedures related to capital project funding and management activities within the unit.
- Ensures timely workflow and coordination within, and among, the unit teams and other workgroups in the department through oversight of the Project Status Report, Contract Management System, Housing Contract Management System and individual project due diligence forms.
- Ensures timely development, negotiation, and execution of contracts, loan terms, and other legal documents appropriate to each capital project; coordinate with contracting staff; negotiates with contractors and developers; facilitates real estate transactions and develops escrow instructions; oversees contract negotiations, contract executions, and real estate closings; coordinates and communicates with other project funders.
- Directly negotiates capital contract terms, including loan and grant terms, with real estate developers, title officers, escrow agents, lenders, attorneys, housing authorities, single asset entities, and nonprofit affordable housing providers.
- Coordinates and collaborates with the Federal CS5 on aligning and ensuring consistency among the HTF, HOME, and NHTF programs and aligning the application rounds and resource allocation processes.
- Develops, implements, and maintains policies and procedures related to underwriting and resource allocation activities within the unit.
- Coordinates and collaborates with Housing Investment Manager and CS4’s in the application processes for HTF funds.
- Participates in the review, analysis, and recommendation of projects for funding; ensures public investments are cost-effective and consistent with state and federal regulations and priorities.
- Oversees the HTF program management and coordinates and collaborates with the Federal CS5 and Rapid Capital Housing CS5 on aligning and ensuring consistency among the HTF, HOME, and NHTF programs; ensures their correct implementation and program requirements and reporting standards are met.
- Supervises a team of professional staff.
- Oversees the work performed by the team. Delegates workload responsibilities and assignments to staff. Provides regular feedback, coaching, and guidance to staff.
- Evaluates staff performance and addresses performance concerns as necessary. Recommends corrective and/or disciplinary actions to the Assistant Managing Director.
Required Qualifications:
Nine (9) years of combined experience and/or education as described below:?
Experience working in community, trade or economic development with a focus in two or more the following areas:
- Affordable housing
- Housing finance
- Real estate
- Contracting
- Developing, underwriting, negotiating and managing contracts for affordable housing projects with multiple funding sources, such as local, state, federal, private and tax credits.
- Supervising one or more employees including hiring staff, training and development, assigning work, evaluating performance, and taking corrective action.
Examples of how to qualify:?
- 9 years of experience
- 8 years of experience?and one year of education??
- 7 years of experience and two years of education??
- 6 years of experience and three years of education??
- 5 years of experience and four years of education??
- 4 years of experience and five years of education??
- 3 years of experience and six years of education??
- 2 years of experience and seven years of education??
- Ability to foster professional development through mentoring and training staff, and other job growth opportunities.
- Ability to openly and honestly communicate and actively engage co-workers, contractors, and other stakeholders.
- Ability to identify and implement changes necessary to streamline and standardize processes, improve administrative efficiency and effectiveness, and enhance customer services.
- Ability to apply excellent interpersonal communication skills and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to manage and work with diverse personalities, styles, and cultures.
- Ability to effectively communicate, analyze, and weigh the risks versus benefits in decisions and recommendations related to real estate finance and contract negotiations.
- Experience with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs, such as HOME, Community Development Block Grant, and the National Housing Trust Fund.
- Demonstrated experience with real estate contracts and transactions, such as subordination and priority agreements, deeds of trust, covenants, and property liens.
- Demonstrated experience with writing and implementing policies and procedures.
- A complete and detailed online application.
- A cover letter (enter online).
- At least three professional references (enter online).
Supplemental Information
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 atcareershelp@des.wa.gov.
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 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.
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.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read About Our Benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement And Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 07-21-2025
01
In the space below, please write a formal cover letter describing your interest and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
02
How many years of post-high school equivalent formal education (including college-level coursework, technical and/or vocational education, and/or certification programs.) do you have?
- Less than 1 year
- More than 1 year but less than 2
- More than 2 years by less than 3
- More than 3 years but less than 4
- More than 4 years but less than 5
- More than 5 years but less than 6
- More than 6 years but less than 7
- More than 7 years but less than 8
- More than 8 years but less than 9
- 9 or more years
If you indicated you have the experience noted in the above question, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must be reflected in the work experience of your application). Do not state "see application". If you answered "I do not have this experience," please type N/A in the text box below.
04
Select from the choices below the answer than best describes your experience working in community, trade or economic development with a focus on two ore more of the following areas:
- Affordable housing
- Housing finance
- Real estate
- Contracting
- Developing, underwriting, negotiating and managing contracts for affordable housing projects with multiple funding sources, such as local, state, federal, private and tax credits.
- I do not have this experience
- Less than 1 year
- I have more than 1 years but less than 2
- I have more than 2 years but less than 3
- I have more than 3 years but less than 4
- I have more than 4 years but less than 5
- I have more than 5 years but less than 6
- I have more than 6 years but less than 7
- I have more than 7 years but less than 8
- I have more than 8 years but less than 9
- I have 9 or more years of experience
If you indicated you have the experience noted in the above question, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must be reflected in the work experience of your application). Do not state "see application". If you answered "I do not have this experience," please type N/A in the text box below.
06
Do you have at least two years of experience supervising one or more employees including hiring staff, training and development, assigning work, evaluating performance, and taking corrective action?
- Yes
- No
If you indicated you have the experience noted in the above question, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must be reflected in the work experience of your application). Do not state "see application". If you answered "I do not have this experience," please type N/A in the text box below.
08
As a condition of employment, I understand and agree that I must reside in the state of Washington prior to or on the first day of state employment.
- Yes
- No
Are you a current or former employee of the state of Washington?
- Yes
- No
If you answered yes to the question above, what is the agency you are currently or formerly with? If you answered no, please type N/A.
11
Please select the option below that best indicates where you heard about this job opportunity.
- www.careers.wa.gov
- Aggregate job search website (Indeed.com, Simplyhired.com)
- Department of Commerce website
- Department of Commerce employee
- Social Media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)
- Required Question
Salary : $25 - $31