Director, Transactions & Diligence

AMLI•Chicago, IL

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

AMLI Residential is seeking an experienced person to join their Legal & Risk Management team to play a central role in the company's real estate acquisitions and financing activities. This is a newly created, high-visibility position with the opportunity to influence significant real estate transactions while helping shape the processes and infrastructure that will support AMLI’s continued growth. The role involves working across acquisitions, debt and equity financing, due diligence, title and survey, lenders, outside counsel, escrow, insurance, and AMLI’s onsite and corporate teams, from LOI through closing and beyond. The position is about much more than managing documents and deadlines; it's about being a key connector between Legal, Investments, Finance, Operations, senior leadership, lenders, attorneys, and property teams, helping identify issues, solve problems, keep transactions moving, and get deals across the finish line.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
7+ years of related experience preferred; equivalent combinations of relevant education and experience will be considered.
Strong working knowledge of real estate transactions, including acquisitions, due diligence, title and survey, financing, and closing processes.
Multifamily real estate experience strongly preferred.
Understanding of debt and equity financing structures and related closing requirements.
Strong project and transaction management skills with the ability to manage multiple transactions and competing priorities.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior executives, attorneys, lenders, vendors, and onsite teams.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail while maintaining focus on the larger business objective.
Willingness to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, OneNote, SharePoint, and SaaS platforms is preferred.
Familiarity with platforms such as Entrata, Elise AI, Origami, and NAVEX is a plus.
Experience using AI or automation tools to improve productivity, analyze information, organize workflows, or streamline processes is also a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead the execution of real estate acquisitions and financings from LOI through closing, with the opportunity to support other transactions as needed.
Serve as a central point of coordination among AMLI teams, senior leadership, outside counsel, lenders, sellers, and other transaction partners.
Manage transaction timelines, deliverables, critical dates, and open issues.
Communicate transaction status, risks, and key decisions to appropriate team members and senior leadership.
Ensure transactions follow appropriate governance, approval, and documentation procedures.
Assemble and coordinate multidisciplinary due diligence teams and keep participants aligned on deadlines and deliverables.
Lead weekly transaction status calls and coordinate site visits and onsite reviews.
Prepare team members for site visits, coordinate with onsite property personnel, and debrief senior leadership on findings and action items.
Review third-party reports and seller-provided materials, identify substantive issues, and facilitate discussions regarding risks and potential solutions.
Partner with Legal and other internal stakeholders to ensure issues are appropriately evaluated and resolved.
Coordinate lender due diligence requirements and manage the flow of documentation for debt and equity financing closings.
Oversee procurement of title and survey and work with the transaction team and attorneys to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve issues.
Coordinate closing requirements among AMLI, lenders, attorneys, sellers, title companies, and other parties.
Direct escrow mechanics, including documentation, funding, timing, and communications.
Track closing conditions and proactively address issues that could impact timing or execution.
Help ensure transactions close smoothly, accurately, and on schedule.
Oversee post-closing requirements and coordinate with lenders and counsel regarding loan closing conditions and post-closing covenants.
Research and resolve real estate and transaction issues related to purchase and sale agreements, loan agreements, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Coordinate risk management and insurance matters related to debt and equity transactions.
Help ensure transaction obligations and requirements continue to be managed after closing.
Develop and improve transaction policies, procedures, checklists, and best practices that allow AMLI to manage an increasing volume of transactions efficiently.
Lead transaction debriefs and document lessons learned.
Identify opportunities to improve transaction workflows, communication, reporting, and accountability.
Explore opportunities to use AI, automation, and technology to streamline transaction management and reduce manual work.
Help establish scalable processes that can evolve as AMLI's transaction volume and team grow.
Serve as a resource to onsite and corporate teams regarding transaction processes, timing, and responsibilities.