REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST

Recruitment #2204-4660-001

Introduction

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CIVIL SERVICE

THIS IS A LIMITED TERM, 36-MONTH GRANT-FUNDED OPPORTUNITY.

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed old-world charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities, and great restaurants.

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

Purpose

The Real Estate Specialist will assist in the program management of the Department of City Development’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) real estate initiatives, including the acquisition and disposition of City tax foreclosed properties for redevelopment as affordable housing.

Essential Functions

ARPA PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

  • Assist in managing the activities of the City of Milwaukee’s ARPA funded City Tax Foreclosed property initiative.
  • Review individual property development proposals, evaluate development pro formas and assumptions, and make recommendations for the level of City subsidy for projects.
  • Assist in managing the property disposition activities of the initiative, including coordinating purchase and sales agreements and reviewing closing documentation.
  • Review requests for subsidy payments under the program, and coordinate with rehabilitation technical staff to approve payments to participating program developers.
  • Serve as liaison to participating program developers, facilitate interactions with other City departments, and assist them in meeting their program goals.
  • Monitor progress of participating developers in meeting the terms and requirements of their ARPA Tax Foreclosed Property Initiative.

ADMINISTRATIVE

  • Prepare reports on program activity.
  • Maintain knowledge of ARPA regulatory issues impacting the implementation and administration of the program.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

  • Please be advised that new employees are required to have received either both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prior to their employment start date or have an approved religious or medical accommodation prior to their employment start date. You can find further information relative to the City’s Covid-19 Vaccination Policy here.

Minimum Requirements

  1. Bachelor’s degree in public administration, real estate, or similar field from an accredited college or university.
  2. Three years’ experience in real estate development and program management or performing similar duties related to the position.
  3. Valid driver's license and the availability of a properly-insured personal vehicle for use on the job at the time of appointment and throughout employment. Automobile allowance is provided.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered

IMPORTANT NOTE: College transcripts are required and must be received by the application period closing date. Transcripts should be sent via email to the Human Resources Officer, Vanessa Armstrong at vaarmst@milwaukee.gov. Student/unofficial copies are acceptable; however, your transcript must be legible and include your college/university name, your name, the degree completed (if applicable), and the date completed.

Desirable Qualifications

  • Experience administering redevelopment programs.   
  • Familiarity with Milwaukee neighborhoods and their housing conditions and needs.  
  • American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

TECHNICAL

  • Knowledge of real estate initiatives and principles, including development, housing rehabilitation, and affordable housing.  
  • Ability to evaluate development proposals and make financial assistance determinations.  
  • Ability to understand financial information to perform accurate calculations.
  • Computer skills to learn proprietary software, and use spreadsheet, word processing software, and email applications.
  • Ability to read, interpret, and write reports, such as purchase and sale agreements and closing documentation.

COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, City staff, developers, property owners, and the general public.
  • Customer service skills to ensure exceptional service is provided.
  • Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with people from all cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds to accomplish program goals.
  • Effective written communication skills to create clear and concise business correspondence and prepare reports on program activity. 
  • Verbal communication skills to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people (e.g., property owners, developers, contractors, co-workers, and representatives from community organizations) in person, over the telephone, and in public settings.

CRITICAL THINKING AND PROFESSIONALISM

  • Ability to work accurately and prioritize and execute a large volume of projects with varying deadlines. 
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills to be able to analyze issues and recommend solutions.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment to make decisions. 
  • Ability to work efficiently and independently.
  • Honesty and integrity to meet professional standards for handling confidential information and politically sensitive issues.

Current Salary

The current salary range (Pay Range 2GX) is $67,927-$73,504 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $69,965-$75,709. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

Employees possessing an AICP certification will be paid an additional 3%.

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes:

  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave 
  • Comprehensive Wellness Program
  • Onsite Clinic Services
  • Onsite Employee Assistance Program
  • Alternative Work Schedules
  • Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Tuition Benefits
  • Paid Vacation
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
  • Flexible Spending Arrangement
  • Commuter Value Pass  

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

Selection Process

  • Screening for this position will be based on an evaluation of each applicant’s education, experience, and professional accomplishments, which should be detailed in a cover letter, resume and transcripts (if applicable).
  • Cover letter, resume, and college transcripts must be sent via email to Human Resources Officer, Vanessa Armstrong at vaarmst@milwaukee.gov by 11:59 p.m. on May 13, 2022.
  • Please indicate “Real Estate Specialist” in the subject line of the email message.
  • Questions relative to the selection process may be directed to HR Officer Vanessa Armstrong at vaarmst@milwaukee.gov.
  • The City of Milwaukee reserves the right to invite only the most qualified applicants to participate in the selection process. 

INITIAL FILING DATE:

  • The selection process will be conducted as soon as practical after May 13, 2022.
  • Receipt of application materials may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Conclusion

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.