Senior Owner's Representative (evergreen)

IFF•Chicago, IL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Owner's Representative manages work associated with building analysis and development for client-driven projects while supporting the work of departmental leadership and other RES staff as necessary to further the mission of both IFF and our clients. IFF's Real Estate Solutions (RES) department specializes in creative Real Estate Solutions that help nonprofits achieve their growth goals and best serve their communities. RES takes the time to understand the nonprofit leadership’s vision and becomes 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. The primary business units in Core Business Solutions are Capital Solutions, Real Estate Solutions, Community Development Solutions, Home First, Legal and Compliance. 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 service 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. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Partnering to create thriving communities is at the heart of everything we do. We leverage knowledge, capital, and resources to advance equitable and transformational outcomes in under-resourced communities, guided by our commitment to be an inclusive, anti-racist and anti-oppressive institution that honors communities as asset-rich and as experts in their own stories.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in architecture, engineering, construction management, urban planning 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 construction practices and terminology.
Demonstrated ability to read and understand architectural plans and drawings.
Demonstrated knowledge of a wide variety of construction materials, products, and systems.
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.
Knowledge of nonprofit businesses, including operations, governance, and financial management.
Local and regional travel is required. The Senior Owner’s Representative 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 Owner’s Representative 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.

Nice To Haves

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.
Commitment to the work IFF does, demonstrating creativity, diligence, enthusiasm, growth-mindset, thoughtfulness, and passion to make meaningful change in the areas of economic and racial justice.

Responsibilities

Conducts site visits to assess buildings and their systems for suitability for client’s intended purpose and provides analyses of such buildings for clients. Written assessments evaluate facilities’ major systems, layout, structure and suitability for program purposes, include order-of-magnitude cost estimates, and provide recommendations for modifications or improvements based on intended client program.
Coordinates preconstruction services, establishing project requirements for budget, schedule, and quality in coordination with the client through thought leadership and strategic guidance. Services include facilitation of due diligence activities such as environmental assessments, geotechnical investigation, and site surveying; procurement of contracted and professional services, including architectural/engineering teams and prime contractor; contract negotiation support in partnership with client’s legal counsel; and design oversight.
Facilitates construction and other associated client activities, ensuring that established project requirements and development milestones are achieved: Reviews construction drawings and specifications for conformance with client’s project requirements, including program conformance and budget; Supports permitting activities, including meetings with authorities having jurisdiction and progress tracking and troubleshooting to ensure permit is secured according to schedule; Manages relationships with contractor and architect during construction, attends construction meetings, reviews project documentation, and works toward resolving construction-related disputes that arise during the project, while maintaining and reinforcing accountability among members of the project team; Manages and tracks all project-related accounting to ensure that project stays within budget; Supports clients in coordination and deployment of assembled funding and financing sources, during preconstruction and construction phases; Assesses the status of projects against their plan and schedule, identifies and anticipates project risk, and facilitates solutions to ensure that the projects are completed as planned; and Keeps client and RES leadership apprised of progress through regular updates or meetings.
Supports Project Managers leading feasibility analyses with budgeting and cost estimates of project development scenarios for feasibility 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.
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 department knowledge sharing and training efforts by making presentations, conducting research, and participating on committees in support of department performance goals.
Periodically supports RES Market Leader with business development activities.
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.
Performs other duties as assigned.