Project Manager

CSI•Warren, MI

16d•Onsite

About The Position

CSI Support & Development is a mission-driven nonprofit that develops, acquires, and provides affordable rental housing communities for seniors. It uses a resident/member-controlled cooperative management system across 65 properties in Michigan, Maryland, California, and Massachusetts. The Project Manager participates in development from initial feasibility through site control and entitlements, construction and permanent financing, financial closing, and transition to operations. Projects include preserving and renovating existing HUD-assisted senior cooperatives, developing new senior cooperatives, and acquiring affordable senior buildings and transitioning them to cooperative management. The role initially supports senior department staff and is expected to independently lead three to five projects within 12–18 months, depending on project complexity. The position also supports one to two new business opportunities annually and contributes to department improvement and special projects. Project Managers generally work in an office environment at a co-op and may travel to co-ops and project sites on occasion.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, finance, public policy, or a related field.
Two or more years of experience in real estate development, finance, project management, urban planning, public policy, or law.
Knowledge of regulatory, financial, and logistical aspects of real estate development and affordable housing, gained through academic or professional experience.
Clear and persuasive writing skills for formal and informal contexts.
Ability to produce logical project schedules that coordinate overlapping processes.
Ability to speak before groups and lead meetings.
Ability to analyze program materials and applications, legal documents and contracts, government policies and regulations, budgets, and pro formas, and apply relevant information to project goals.
Strong understanding of financial concepts and strong analytical skills.
Strong research skills, including use of online resources and informal telephone interviews.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Outlook.
Ability to independently and proactively track multiple deadlines across projects and efficiently convey project status.
Strong organization and attention to detail, including ability to organize files and meet deadlines.
Ability to anticipate obstacles, take appropriate corrective action, and use sound judgment in seeking assistance.
Ability to anticipate project needs and work independently.
Ability to communicate expectations and timelines and coordinate the work of third-party professionals.
Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with internal and external partners.
Ability to engage audiences from diverse professional, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds and communicate CSI’s plans, goals, and values.
Commitment to professional excellence, respect, integrity, cooperation, continual education, and CSI’s mission.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with regulatory bodies and in affordable housing development.
Master’s degree in business, real estate, urban planning, finance, architecture, or a related field; may substitute for one year of on-the-job experience.
Familiarity with HUD multifamily programs, LIHTC, and/or cooperative housing.
Experience with financial modeling.
Advanced Excel skills, including pro forma modeling.
Experience with project management software.

Responsibilities

Assess project feasibility with finance analysts and the construction department, considering rents, operating expenses, existing financing and subsidies, property taxes, local approvals, development or rehabilitation costs, and financing sources.
Develop feasibility analyses into project budgets and schedules, identify potential closing impediments, and develop possible solutions.
Lead project due diligence, commission third-party reports, monitor their completion, and incorporate findings into development plans, timelines, and budgets.
Prepare applications for 4% and 9% LIHTC, first-mortgage loans, soft loans, and grants.
Research and secure authorizations related to existing HUD financing and rental support, including debt assumption or prepayment and preservation of rental subsidies.
Lead local government entitlement and permitting processes.
Coordinate with the construction department, design and engineering professionals, general contractors, and consultants to keep projects aligned with CSI goals and schedules.
Incorporate and monitor project commitments concerning workforce participation, prevailing wages, BABA where applicable, green building and energy conservation, and governmental and lender inspections.
For occupied rehabilitations, plan and coordinate construction phasing and resident relocation, including URA compliance where required.
Work with cooperative boards and residents by presenting project plans, obtaining required board approvals, and keeping members informed during construction.
Lead or assist with financial closings, negotiate debt and equity terms, and complete steps needed to transition projects to construction and operations.
Support senior staff in pursuing one to two new business opportunities annually by evaluating sites, ordering and analyzing due diligence materials, and conducting initial market analyses.
Assist with property acquisition negotiations and draft acquisition documents in coordination with legal counsel.
Contribute to continuous improvement of the development department and its work toward CSI’s strategic mission.
Develop subject matter expertise in affordable, senior, and cooperative housing through research, training, conferences, and collaboration with CSI staff.
Contribute to, suggest, and potentially lead special projects to refine department policies and improve the organization’s ability to meet its mission.
Perform other related duties as assigned.