Application Deadline: December 31, 2023
Starting Date: February 1, 2024
LUCHA is seeking an Assistant Project Manager to join the
Community Development team in supporting LUCHA’s pipeline of community-driven
affordable housing development projects. With the oversight and support of
LUCHA’s Director of Community Development, the Assistant Project Manager will
assist with all aspects of the real estate development process, from concept
development through acquisition, construction, and initial occupancy.
LUCHA’s current development pipeline includes the adaptive reuse of a church in Logan Square, an 89-unit new construction development in Humboldt Park, a 40-unit new construction development in Humboldt Park and the development of a new office/community center.
We’re seeking a committed and energetic individual aligned with LUCHA’s mission. Our ideal candidate enjoys collaborating with a team, creative problem-solving and has some level of experience related to affordable housing or real estate development. Curiosity and adeptness in learning new skills are essential. LUCHA invests in staff development through training and mentorship, and the individual in this role should have a drive to grow professionally and contribute to the department’s strategy and direction.
Specific and essential duties of the Assistant
Project Manager include:
- Supporting project conception. Conducting site and market
research, analyzing zoning and financial feasibility. Preparing and
maintaining project budgets, operating proformas, and project schedules.
- Interfacing with members of development teams, including
contractors, architects, and consultants. Participating in design
processes. Attending construction meetings and preparing construction
draws.
- Assisting project financing. Completing funding applications,
liaising with project funders and syndicators, and contributing to
closings and acquisitions processes. Funding applications may include
for-profit and not-for-profit lenders, the City of Chicago and IHDA
Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB),
City of Chicago TIF, and others.
- Engaging community members, tenants, and elected officials to
solicit feedback and build support.
- Creating marketing materials and public presentations.
- Organizing tenant relocation efforts.
- Duties as assigned by the Executive Director and the Director of Affordable Housing.
Qualifications and Skills:
Candidates must have:
- 1-2 years of experience in real estate development, real estate
finance, construction, architecture, urban planning or another related
field. A master’s degree in urban planning, architecture, business, or
another related field can be substituted for one year of experience.
- Experience contributing to complex projects or initiatives.
- Exposure to affordable housing and the regulations and financing
applicable to the industry, especially Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills. Experience writing
memos, narratives, presentations, and financing/grant applications.
- Experience working effectively in a team environment and building
relationships with people of diverse cultural, economic, and racial
backgrounds.
- Integrity and commitment to LUCHA’s mission and values.
Exceptional candidates will have one or more of
the following:
- One (1) year or more of experience working on LIHTC or other
affordable rental housing developments.
- Ability to demonstrate leadership in community engagement,
construction, architectural design, or financing activities in a work
setting.
- Bilingual (English and Spanish) writing and speaking skills.
- Direct experience working with housing finance programs and
agencies such as LIHTC, HUD, IHDA, and the City of Chicago Department of
Housing.
To apply, please
submit a cover letter and resume via email to mgalarza@lucha.org referencing in the
subject line “Assistant Project Manager position.”