Counsel

Mainehousing; Augusta (ME); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

MaineHousing is seeking a full-time counsel to provide legal services in support of affordable housing in Maine. The position emphasizes closing complex multifamily and supportive housing transactions and advising on regulatory, real estate, and lending matters.

The successful candidate will draft and negotiate closing documents, review security interests, oversee closings, and assist with ownership transfers, workouts, and refinancing.

Qualifications

• JD degree and Maine Bar License; real estate, commercial lending, affordable housing, or public sector experience preferred but not required.
• Experience in housing, real estate, general litigation, and commercial lending.
• Demonstrated leadership with problem-solving and regulatory knowledge.
• Strong project and time management and organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist developers, investors, loan officers and partners in closing complex transactions for affordable multifamily and supportive housing projects.
• Prepare and negotiate closing documents including loan agreements, promissory notes, mortgages, and covenants.
• Review and negotiate security interests, purchase agreements, construction and related documents.
• Conduct closings and oversee post-closing issues.
• Assist with ownership transfers, workouts, loan restructuring and refinancing.
• Draft and negotiate contracts and represent MaineHousing in hearings as needed.

Skills

Housing experience

Real estate

Litigation experience

Commercial lending

Leadership

Time management

Organizational skills

Computer skills

Relationship building

Public speaking

Communication skills

Education

JD degree

Maine Bar License

Tools

Microsoft Office suite

Job description

Full-time

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

• Assist developers, investors, loan officers and other partners in closing complex transactions for affordable multifamily and supportive housing projects.
• Prepare and negotiate closing documents, including, but not limited to, loan agreements, promissory notes, mortgages, security agreements, declarations of covenants and tax credit documents.
• 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.
• Conduct closings and oversee post-closing issues.
• Assist with ownership transfers, workouts, loan restructuring and refinancing.

General Legal Work

• As legal issues arise, review correspondence and documents; research state and federal regulations; and consult with state and federal agencies.
• Advise Director and staff on legal issues such as regulatory compliance, contract law, commercial law, litigation, and real estate law.
• Draft and negotiate contracts and other documents.
• 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

Salary

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**

Salary Description

115,114 - 173,668 per year