Project Coordinator - Lightengale (Chicago IL)

Who: Lightengale Group is a real estate development consulting firm. Our strong suit is the coordination of financing for multi-family rental affordable housing. We also coordinate the development process (architect, contractor, property management) for several of our clients. We currently do work in Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, and Georgia and continue to expand into new states. We have been in business since 1999. For more information about Lightengale Group, see lightengalegroup.com.

What:  Lightengale Group takes a team approach to completing quality work for our clients. Each team has a Project Coordinator and Project Manager and is supervised by the Partners. Each team is assigned a variety of projects that the team sees through from beginning to end. In the team, the Project Coordinator supports the Project Manager and completes a wide range of tasks for each project. The Project Manager provides guidance, support and mentorship so that the Coordinator will learn and understand more of the deal process and be able to work more independently. This is a career track position as all are expected to hone their skills and increase their capacity over time.



We have many interesting projects that require flexibility, competency, and speed. We are especially interested in a candidate who has demonstrated experience with juggling multiple demanding projects simultaneously and enjoys the challenge of meeting deadlines while taking ownership of the process. The Project Coordinator will be expected to handle many aspects of several projects working in a project team and will work with projects during the initial feasibility stage, predevelopment/ funding, and closing stage. While the work is highly varied and difficult to predict on a day to day basis, the general work includes the following:

 Approximately 25-35% of Time (Application Processing)

•  Estimating scoring for potential projects
• Completing all basic items for funding applications and funding-related submissions (such as maps, photos, basic research, team forms, operating and property tax comparisons, and narratives) 
• Coordinate a variety of background information, diligence and anything needed to support the completion of funding applications 
• Completing loan and grant documentation (Tax Credits, FHLB AHP, pre-development loans, DCEO, Project-Based Vouchers, Class 9) 

• Identifying and reviewing redevelopment plans for specified information; completing worksheet entering in critical information 
•  Researching census/ other data and presenting results in a helpful way that improves understanding 
• Creating charts to show layers of ownership structures 

Approximately 35-50% of Time (Project Underwriting / Due Diligence)

•  Assisting Project Managers on a wide range of projects 
• Due diligence related to determining various costs for a variety of development and operations costs 
• Review architectural plans for compliance with lender requirements 
•  Review GC budgets for compliance with project budgets and lender requirements 
• Solicit and review proposals for third party reports (market studies, environmental, capital needs) 
• Reviewing and completing a variety of property management documents 
• Assistance with a variety of project tasks as needed – may include site visits, coordination of applications or other tasks on an as-needed basis 
•  Entering financial data for equity and lender offers to complete comparison 
• Coordinating documentation with property managers, architects, general contractors and other team members  

Approximately 15-25% of Time (Closing Process)

• Manage due diligence calls 
• Track contact information for team members 
• Coordinate distribution of documents between lenders, syndicators, and public entities to close projects 
• Coordinate insurance requirements, complete synopsis, and obtain quotes 
• Complete Owner Sworn Statements (these documents track all expenses on a project and includes collating invoices, payments, and other diligence related to – coordinating submissions with clients, title companies, and vendors – both at initial closing and throughout the construction period if needed 

Expectations: 100% of the time

• Intensive professional communication (verbal and written) with Lightengale Group managers, clients and funders
•  Ask questions and continuous desire to learn and improve 
• Ability to prioritize, communicate challenges, and discuss options internally 
• Utilization of LGG filing standards for all electronic files 
• Focus on problem-identification and proactive problem-solving 
• Use of Project Management software to track deal progress and tasks 
• Complete and step in for other tasks and responsibilities on an as-needed basis 

Project Coordinators work in teams (with a Project Manager and Partner) on several deals at a time and have a wide variety of responsibilities. Some travel may be necessary. Our business is a deadline driven business and successful candidates must be able to work late as needed to accomplish job responsibilities. All Lightengale team members are expected to take ownership of their work, be naturally inquisitive and are encouraged to learn more to expand their breadth of knowledge and skills on an ongoing basis.

Qualifications Include 

• Bachelor’s degree 
• At least 2 years real estate finance experience or master’s degree in relevant field with 1 year of relevant experience 
• Excellent math skills 
• Very good writing skills 
• Generally, computer savvy, including MS Excel and Word 
• Successful track record of completing complex tasks on deadline 

Lightengale Group often takes on new and varied projects and works in a team environment. These present challenges and demand creativity and flexibility from everyone. The successful candidate will look at such challenges as an exciting opportunity. This requires that the candidate communicate well and frequently, work independently, and know how to delegate effectively.

Lightengale Benefits

• Generous paid time off (vacation/ sick / etc) 
• 8 paid holidays
•  High deductible insurance plan with cash payments toward deductible (HSA)  Short and long term disability insurance 
• Employer-sponsored 401k plan with employer contributions 
• Monday staff lunches
•  On-site workout facility and bike room provided at no charge  Varied and frequent training opportunities. 

Salary DOQ – starting range of $40,000 to $45,000 plus project-specific bonuses.

Send cover letter detailing how this position fits in your career plans and resume to virginia@lightengalegroup.com. No phone calls or walk-ins, please.