Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Sr. Director of Real Estate, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, is a critical leadership role that is responsible for advancing the current real estate pipeline, identifying future development opportunities, and ensuring the ongoing viability of Claretian Associates’ existing property portfolio. The position will participate in and lead neighborhood planning activities and the creation of strategic initiatives that contribute to making South Chicago a community of choice where residents can thrive.  Working closely with the CEO, this position is responsible for developing strategies and managing the entire development process including feasibility analysis, acquisition, deal structuring, design development, financing, public approvals, construction, and close-out. This position will also be responsible for management of the current portfolio.

 MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES 

•       Project manage, or supervise real estate development operations, including preparation of project pro forma, assembling financing for acquisition, predevelopment, construction, and permanent financing.
•       Close on acquisition of properties; securing entitlements and planning approvals,
•       Build community support and work with various internal and external stakeholder groups.
•       Supervise architects, consultants, contractors, and other development team members.
•       Monitor predevelopment, construction and lease-up and/or sale processes.
•       Communicate regularly with all lenders and tax credit investors, including the Chicago Department of Housing, other City departments, and the Illinois Housing Development Authority.
•       Direct oversight of property management firm to ensure properties meet property standards, tenant expectations and financial goals.
•       Supervise project manager staff, provide oversight and guidance on the activities listed above.
•       Assist CEO in identifying acquisition opportunities, including analyses of financing options, programming options, and overall project feasibility.
•       Oversee the negotiation of major agreements and financing documents, including limited partnership agreements, loan documents, construction and architectural contracts, and property management agreements.
•       Work closely with property management staff during the predevelopment phase and oversee elements of property operations upon occupancy to ensure regulatory requirements are being met and the assets are well maintained.
•       Work closely with Claretian Associates’ services team (as appropriate), to create supportive services plans define target population and unit mix and incorporate design recommendations.
•       Maintain a working knowledge of significant development, market, and policy trends impacting the creation of affordable and supportive housing, as well as economic development opportunities in South Chicago.
•       Work with the CEO to create policies and procedures that promote high quality housing and other real estate products.
•       Other tasks as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS 

•       Bachelor’s degree in related field, plus a minimum of eight years’ experience in housing development, commercial real estate, finance, urban planning or a related field, preferably for a non-profit or government agency.
•       Technically proficient in all aspects of affordable housing real estate development, including finance, entitlement and design, construction, lease-up and operations.  Finance experience should include the use of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.
•       Demonstrated ability to analyze complex data and make informed recommendations.
•       Experience working with the Chicago Department of Housing, Chicago Department of Planning and Development, and the Illinois Housing Development Authority.
•       Project management experience and expertise, including a proven track record in creating housing and/or economic development projects in low        income, majority BIPOC communities.
•       Ability to monitor budgets, prioritize expenses, track spending, and identify ways to save money and stay within budget.
•       Must be proficient in sophisticated real estate finance analysis using Excel, project management software and word processing software.
•       A minimum of three years' experience supervising staff.
•       Must possess excellent interpersonal skills, team building capabilities, and collaborative spirit.
•       Must be a multi-tasker, resilient, and a self-starter with strong time-management skills.
•       Excellent writing and oral presentation skills. 
•       Must be willing to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.