Senior Project Manager

Facilities expertise is a critical resource that’s often beyond the reach of nonprofits serving communities with limited resources. IFF works hard to change that. For more than 25 years, IFF has specialized in creative Real Estate Solutions (RES) that help nonprofits achieve their growth goals and best serve their communities. IFF’s clients include human services agencies, supportive housing providers, schools, health clinics, arts organizations, and community centers. RES takes the time to understand the nonprofit leadership’s vision and become their trusted advisor when it comes to making real estate decisions with more confidence. RES also works closely with municipalities and community-serving groups to help provide solutions to nonprofits in under-resourced communities.

Because the needs of nonprofits are unique, RES has developed a specialized team of real estate specialists to support nonprofits in every step of the way, from the early stages of a project to feasibility analysis, facility condition assessments, site search and due diligence for property acquisition, all the way through construction and project closeout. RES also collaborates internally across departments to build nonprofit capacity in targeted sectors and through programmatic initiatives. RES is part of IFF’s Core Business Solutions which is a cross-cutting team that sits at the nexus of nonprofits, communities, and IFF technical knowledge. The group provides thought leadership and expertise to drive corporate strategy across markets.

About 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 services 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.

About the Role

The Senior Real Estate Project Manager performs work associated with the analysis, evaluation and planning of client-driven facility projects while supporting the work of departmental leadership and other RES staff as necessary to further the mission of both IFF and our clients. A successful candidate demonstrates the following key attributes:

• Ability to work independently and productively in a dynamic work environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong group facilitation and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Proven adaptability, flexibility, creativity, and curiosity.
• Aptitude and desire for mentoring and training.
• Demonstrated commitment to client satisfaction.

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.

Responsibilities

Plans, manages, and executes real estate consulting or development projects as project team lead, as well as provides support as project team member on large and/or complex projects. Manages and supports a variety of projects concurrently. As a project team leader, coordinates all aspects of project management, including as a trusted advisor to a diverse portfolio of clients. Specific responsibilities include:

• Develops and analyzes client facility space needs, budgets, financing scenarios, and occupancy cost projections. High-level evaluation of client’s ability to take on debt for a project and overall financial ability to own and/or lease and manage real estate.
• Coordinates and participates in site visits with team members performing facility assessments and evaluations of potential buildings and vacant land for projects.
• Collaborates with an owner’s representative on project due diligence work, including review of entitlements, hiring architects, contractors, and other external vendors, securing construction estimates, and creating project budgets.
• Prepares and delivers written reports, electronic presentations, and analyses as necessary for clients, including real estate project feasibility reports, final project summary reports and other consulting reports.
• Monitors the status of consulting projects against their plan, schedule, and budget. Identify actual or potential concerns or delays and facilitate and guide solutions to ensure that the projects are completed as planned or adjusted accordingly in agreement with the client.
• As project lead, collaborate with other team members, manage deadlines for completion, track budget and schedule, and provide preliminary review as applicable.
• Keeps the client and IFF team members apprised of progress through regular written and verbal updates, presentations, and meetings.
• Solicits bids from various real estate professionals and vendors for work on projects. Evaluate and offer input to the client to assist them in making decisions on bids and negotiating terms of work.
• Provides formal training, coaching, and technical assistance for current and prospective nonprofit organizations to assist with their understanding, evaluating, accessing, and structuring facilities and finance options, including the role of CDFI financing.
• Represents RES at meetings, presentations and events, including with clients and IFF team members.
• Periodically supports RES Market Leader with business development activities.
• Participates in department knowledge sharing and training efforts by making presentations, conducting research, and participating on committees in support of department performance goals.
• Maintains required job knowledge and skills and core professional competencies.
• Attends and participates in required educational programs and staff meetings.
• Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Promotes an environment of empathy and respect, ensures the inclusion of all team members, and will actively engage in EDI events and learning opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in urban planning, community and economic development, real estate development, architecture, public policy, or similar. Additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• At least five years of experience in applicable fields required.
• Direct experience with real estate development projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of community development practices and terminology.
• Direct project management experience with the demonstrated ability to plan and implement multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience with client management and consulting work building trusted client relationships based on client project goals.
• Ability to understand and translate client project goals into project scope and deliverables.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills and background, with an emphasis on finance and lending.
• Knowledge of nonprofit businesses, including operations, governance, and financial management.

Additional Information

• Local and regional travel is required. The Senior Project Manager will also travel to the Chicago corporate office and potentially and periodically to other IFF offices to support the staff working in those markets.
• The Senior Project Manager will visit and inspect abandoned buildings, vacant lots, and construction project sites.
• Occasional early start or extended hours and evening and weekend work may be required.

Pay

Starting range of $92,000 – $112,000

Schedule

Hybrid: In office: Tuesday/Wednesday | WFH: Monday/Thursday/Friday

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Life Insurance
• Short and long term disability
• Hybrid workplace
• Summer Fridays
• Professional development stipend
• Mentorship program
• Wellness programs
• Employee assistance
• Referral Bonuses