Development Associate

Macdonald & Company; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Macdonald & Company is exclusively retained by an entrepreneurial real estate investment and development firm in Austin seeking a Development Associate. You will work directly with the Managing Principal, gaining exposure to the full investment lifecycle across acquisitions, development, and asset management.

From day one you will own meaningful project work, build financial models in Excel, and contribute to investment memoranda, due diligence, budgeting, and reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Real Estate, Economics, Accounting, or a related discipline.
• Approximately 1-3 years of experience within real estate investments, development, banking, lending, private equity, consulting, or a similar analytical environment.
• Strong financial modelling skills with advanced Excel proficiency.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and presentation abilities.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Naturally curious, proactive, and eager to learn from experienced real estate professionals.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite acquisition and development opportunities using detailed financial models.
• Assist with investment memoranda, presentations, and materials for capital partners.
• Coordinate and execute due diligence across acquisitions and development projects.
• Perform market research, demographic analysis, and competitive studies to support investment decisions.
• Assist with pre-development feasibility, budgeting, and project underwriting.
• Support asset management initiatives by monitoring operational performance, leasing activity, capital projects, and reporting.
• Work closely with senior leadership on strategic initiatives spanning investments, development, and portfolio management.
• Help identify opportunities to improve workflows through technology and AI-driven solutions.

Skills

Financial modelling

Excel proficiency

Analytical thinking

Communication

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Real Estate/ Economics/ Accounting

Tools

Excel

Job description

Macdonald & Company is exclusively retained by an entrepreneurial real estate investment and development firm in Austin with an impressive track record of acquiring, developing, and operating real estate across multiple asset classes.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a Development Associate looking to accelerate their career within a highly entrepreneurial platform where you'll gain exposure to the full investment lifecycle while working directly alongside the firm's Managing Principal.

Unlike larger institutional environments, this role offers significant responsibility from day one. As part of a lean, high-performing team, you'll be involved in acquisitions, development, asset management, financial analysis, and strategic decision-making, giving you the opportunity to build a well-rounded real estate investment skillset early in your career.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite acquisition and development opportunities using detailed financial models.
• Assist with investment memoranda, presentations, and materials for capital partners.
• Coordinate and execute due diligence across acquisitions and development projects.
• Perform market research, demographic analysis, and competitive studies to support investment decisions.
• Assist with pre-development feasibility, budgeting, and project underwriting.
• Support asset management initiatives by monitoring operational performance, leasing activity, capital projects, and reporting.
• Work closely with senior leadership on strategic initiatives spanning investments, development, and portfolio management.
• Help identify opportunities to improve workflows through technology and AI-driven solutions.

Ideal Background

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Real Estate, Economics, Accounting, or a related discipline.
• Approximately 1-3 years of experience within real estate investments, development, banking, lending, private equity, consulting, or a similar analytical environment.
• Strong financial modelling skills with advanced Excel proficiency.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and presentation abilities.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Naturally curious, proactive, and eager to learn from experienced real estate professionals.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Direct mentorship from the firm's Managing Principal.
• Broad exposure across acquisitions, development, and asset management rather than being siloed into one function.
• Entrepreneurial environment where your work will have immediate visibility and impact.
• Opportunity to learn every aspect of the investment process while working on live transactions.
• Strong long-term career progression within a growing real estate platform.
• Competitive compensation and performance-based bon