IFF
Position Description
Title: Project Associate
Employee Status: Full Time-Exempt
Grant Funded: No
Reports to: Managing Director – Chicago, Real Estate Solutions
Department: Real Estate Solutions
Location: Chicago, IL
Department Function: The Real Estate Solutions (RES) Department provides a wide range of real estate consulting and project management services to Midwestern nonprofits through helping with the planning, designing, development and construction of facilities. RES collaborates with broader IFF cross function, programmatic efforts to build nonprofit capacity in targeted sectors and mission-related initiatives and in support of the IFF’s broader goal of promoting comprehensive community development.
The Organization
IFF is a mission-driven lender, real estate consultant, and developer that helps communities thrive. Key to our success has been a deep sense of purpose, a broad perspective, and a relentless focus on achieving positive results. Across the Midwest we help clients from every sector, including human service agencies, health centers, schools, affordable housing developers, and healthy food grocery operators. Staff contribute extensive business experience and an unrivaled connection to the mission of IFF to the clients we serve. IFF is looking for candidates with a commitment to the work we do who can demonstrate their creativity, diligence, enthusiasm, growth-mindset, thoughtfulness, and passion to make meaningful change in the areas of economic and racial justice.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Partnering to create thriving communities is at the heart of everything we do. We leverage knowledge, capital, and resources to advance equitable and transformational outcomes in under-resourced communities, guided by our commitment to be an inclusive, anti-racist and anti-oppressive institution that honors communities as asset-rich and as experts in their own stories.
Basic Job Function
The Project Associate participates in consulting and development projects led by other RES staff. The Project Associate works on many real estate projects simultaneously, participates in departmental planning meetings for projects, is an active Project Team Member and supports the work of Project Managers, Owner’s Representatives, and the Director of Special Projects, as necessary.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Assist Project Managers and Owner’s Representatives in coordinating aspects of project management for projects that are assigned, including scheduling internal and external meetings as appropriate, following project steps that have been delineated, and supporting tasks to meet project goals and milestones.
Prepare and update real estate project budget and operating pro forma spreadsheets. b. Assist in construction draw (pay application) process, working with lenders, partners, contractors, and title company.
Attend site visits under the direction of Project Manager/Owner’s Representative to document site and building conditions. Coordinate site visits and outside real estate professionals, such as surveyors, environmental consultants, architects, contractors, etc., as necessary.
Assist Project Manager/Owner’s Representative to coordinate predevelopment work associated with projects including due diligence on buildings and land, hiring architects, contractors, and other professionals, securing construction estimates and any other work necessitated by the project.
Create spreadsheets to evaluate vendor RFQs and RFPs.
Make follow-up calls to project consultants.
Order surveys and other reports.
Track project expenditures.
Assist in the preparation and review of vendor contracts.
Assist in coordinating the financial closing/property acquisition for projects prior to construction.
Keep Project Lead apprised of progress through regular updates.
Support the work of Project Managers on consulting projects, including notetaking, making follow-up phone calls, creating client presentations, assisting with report writing and preparation, and preparing materials for external meetings.
Maintain required job knowledge and skills and core professional competencies. Attends and participates in required educational programs and staff meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Performance Measures:
Successful completion of projects according to goals set forth for each project.
Internal and external meetings are facilitated in an organized way and are meaningful to the participants. Outcomes of these meetings are analyzed and well presented.
Written and oral presentations are clear, well organized, comprehensive, and persuasive. Communicates effectively with wide range of diverse audiences across the Midwest. Appropriate supporting material and visual aids are well utilized and enhance the presentation.
Cultivates a culture of openness in information sharing. Encourages open communication, cooperation, and the sharing of knowledge.
Models personal accountability that promotes ownership and engagement.
Builds and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues, peers and team members.
High level of satisfaction with both internal colleagues and external contacts.
Values and supports differences in others, contributing to an inclusive work
environment. Demonstrates the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a collaborative, collegial, and caring community.
Position Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in urban planning, real estate finance, architecture, or construction. A demonstrated interest in real estate development and project management is an acceptable equivalent to specific degrees above.
Special Knowledge & Skills:
1. General knowledge of real estate development projects and process.
2. Basic knowledge of affordable housing programs, community development, charter schools, or early childhood education preferred.
3. Analytical and strategic skills; ability to plan, manage and implement multiple and complex projects; and ability to understand and conceptualize project goals.
4. General understanding and interest in finance and lending practices and protocols. 5. Excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills.
6. One to two years of experience working in a real estate, design, or construction environment preferred.
Additional Requirements: Local and regional travel may be required. The Project Associate will visit construction sites, at times to include abandoned buildings and vacant lots. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
IFF does not offer relocation packages; must be authorized to work in the United States; IFF does not offer sponsorship.
Application Instructions: Please visit our Careers section of our website to apply online. Both a resume and cover letter are required.
IFF values equity, diversity, and inclusion as part of its mission to strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve. IFF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.