Special Advisor to the CEO – Project Finance

NJEDA•Camden, NJ

2d•$90,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Special Advisor to the CEO - Project Finance, serves as a part time senior strategic resource to the Chief Executive Officer on matters related to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority's (NJEDA) tax incentive programs and other real estate The Special Advisor operates at the intersection of policy, finance, and, in a more limited way, stakeholder management—providing independent analysis and recommendations to the CEO on edge cases that require nuanced judgment beyond standard project evaluation and underwriting procedures. This individual must balance rigorous analytical review of applicant and Authority work product with collaborative relationship-building, maintaining the confidence of internal teams while ensuring the Authority's incentive programs are administered with appropriate scrutiny and consistency. This position requires specific technical expertise in NJEDA tax credit programs, project finance, and institutional knowledge to evaluate complex, novel, or first-impression policy questions that arise in the administration of the Authority's incentive portfolio.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of NJEDA tax incentive programs, including program structures, statutory frameworks, underwriting standards, and administrative processes
Expertise in project finance and financial modeling, with demonstrated ability to analyze complex capital stacks, pro formas, and development budgets
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to identify issues, evaluate competing arguments, and make sound recommendations on matters of first impression
Exceptional interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, earn trust across organizational levels, and provide constructive challenge without creating defensiveness
Understanding of public sector economic development policy, including the balance between catalyzing private investment and ensuring appropriate use of public resources
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex financial and policy issues into clear, actionable recommendations for executive decision-making
Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive matters involving applicants, internal deliberations, and policy development
Skill in influencing without authority, building consensus, and maintaining positive working relationships while upholding high standards.
At least 10+ years of industry related experience; prior experience working within or closely with the NJEDA, particularly in tax incentive program administration, underwriting, or policy roles
Background in real estate development finance, particularly affordable housing or mixed-use projects with complex capital structures
Legal, accounting, or public policy credentials relevant to economic development or public finance
Experience working in senior advisory or chief-of-staff roles supporting executive leadership
Familiarity with New Jersey's economic development landscape, including key industries, geographic priorities, and stakeholder ecosystem
Bachelor's degree in related field
NJEDA utilizes Microsoft as the core application platform and proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite is preferred.
Staff are required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essentials duties of the position.
Foreign degrees/transcripts must be evaluated by a reputable evaluation service at your own expense and must be submitted prior to a start date. If this cannot be provided within 21 days of an offer the offer will be rescinded.
Must comply with the “New Jersey First Act” which requires employees hired after September 1, 2011, to reside in New Jersey. Non-New Jersey resident employees must relocate to New Jersey within one year of their date of hire and provide proof of residency to Human Resources.
Must complete an Outside Activity Questionnaire (disclosure of outside office or employment) on an annual basis.
Must review the required NJ State Ethics Guidelines found on the state website.
Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations. Note: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorship for citizenship to the United States.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred
Advanced degree may be substituted for 1 year of experience

Responsibilities

Assist staff with the creation of evaluation frameworks for novel tax incentive programs/program components.
Provide independent evaluation and recommendations to the CEO on tax credit applications that fall outside the ordinary course of applications, including novel requests, first-impression policy questions, and applications involving unusual capital structures or subsidy requests. Identify potential precedent-setting implications and ensure consistency with statutory intent and Authority policy.
Analyze requests from tax credit applicants seeking subsidies or interpretations that may exceed program parameters or standard practice. Conduct rigorous financial and policy analysis to determine whether requests are justified, permissible under program rules, and aligned with the Authority's economic development objectives.
Work together with EDA teams to review internal decision-making processes, ensuring that staff feel confident when evaluating novel or complex applications.
Evaluate complex pro formas and capital structures, particularly from real estate developers and projects with layered financing involving multiple funding sources (tax credits, debt, equity, grants, etc.). Assess financial feasibility, subsidy sizing, and appropriate Authority participation levels. Identify red flags or unsupported assumptions in applicant projections.
Recommend policy clarifications, procedural improvements, or programmatic adjustments to the CEO. Help codify precedents from edge cases into guidance that can inform future decisions and reduce ambiguity in program administration.
In consultation with New Jersey Treasury, develop and analyze ways to increase the value of State tax credits for the buyer, NJEDA, and the State (higher cents on the dollar). This includes bringing down the cost, or eliminating the need, for bridge loans.
Work closely and constructively with Authority staff across multiple departments including tax incentive administration, underwriting, legal counsel, and executive leadership. Build credibility and trust with teams by demonstrating technical competence, institutional respect, and a solutions-oriented approach. Serve as a bridge between the CEO's office, program, and operational staff.
Must complete annual self-assessment as required.
Performs other duties and special projects, as assigned.