Description
Primary Purpose of Position: Counsel provides legal services to MaineHousing to assist Maine people in obtaining and maintaining quality affordable housing and services suitable to their housing needs.
Core Functions:
Transactional Work
o Assist developers, investors, loan officers and other partners in closing complex transactions for affordable multifamily and supportive housing projects.
o Prepare and negotiate closing documents, including, but not limited to, loan agreements, promissory notes, mortgages, security agreements, declarations of covenants and tax credit documents.
o Review and negotiate other forms of security, including, but not limited to, purchase and sale agreements, construction and bonding agreements, conveyance documents, title insurance materials, surveys, and organizational documents.
o Conduct closings and oversee post-closing issues.
o Assist with ownership transfers, workouts, loan restructuring and refinancing.
General Legal Work
o As legal issues arise, review correspondence and documents; research state and federal regulations; and consult with state and federal agencies.
o Advise Director and staff on legal issues such as regulatory compliance, contract law, commercial law, litigation, and real estate law.
o Draft and negotiate contracts and other documents.
o Represent MaineHousing in agency administrative hearings, Maine Human Rights Commission hearings and litigation on occasion as necessary.
Other duties as assigned
Requirements
Education and Experience: JD degree and Maine Bar License and some real estate, commercial lending, affordable housing, public sector, or an appropriate combination of education and work experience preferred but not required.
Skills and Knowledge:
· Experience in housing, real estate, general litigation, and commercial lending
· Experience or familiarity with government programs and regulations
· Demonstrated leadership with a high level of ingenuity, creativity, judgment, and problem-solving skills
· Strong project management, time management, and organizational skills
· Strong computer skills using various software
· Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with business partners
· Experience communicating effectively in front of groups
· Excellent communication skills – oral, written, listening
· Ability to take initiative, work independently, and utilize creative and analytical skills to resolve issues
Working Conditions: MaineHousing office hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Some in-state and out-of-state travel may be required. Up to two days a week of telework may be available.
Reports To: Chief Counsel
The salary range for this position is $115,114 - $173,668. All new employees will start at the annual salary of $115,114, unless otherwise agreed to by MaineHousing. MaineHousing also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including, but not limited to, health, dental and vision, retirement options with employer match, life insurance, short and long-term disability, employee assistance, generous earned time and all major federal holidays. Employment is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
**Position may remain open until a suitable candidate is found**
Skills Required
- Juris Doctor degree
- Maine Bar License
- Experience in housing, real estate, general litigation, or commercial lending
- Experience or familiarity with government programs and regulations
- Strong leadership, judgment, ingenuity, creativity, and problem-solving skills
- Strong project management, time management, and organizational skills
- Strong computer skills using various software
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with business partners
- Effective presentation and group communication skills
- Excellent oral, written, and listening communication skills
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and apply creative and analytical problem-solving skills
What We Do
MaineHousing (Maine State Housing Authority) is a quasi‑state agency that advances affordable housing across Maine by combining public and private finance. It provides rental assistance and vouchers, funds affordable housing development, runs homeless prevention and homeownership programs, and delivers loan products and services to help low- and moderate‑income Maine people obtain and maintain safe, affordable housing.
