Housing Development Associate (LIHTC Required)

Hispanic Housing Development Corporation; Chicago (IL); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused housing organization in Chicago is looking for a Development Associate to support various housing projects. The role includes coordinating project tasks, preparing funding applications, and overseeing financial processes during construction. Ideal candidates should hold a Bachelor's in relevant fields and have experience in low-income housing development. Strong communication, time management, and organizational skills are essential. Travel is required, along with flexibility in work hours as needed.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in low-income housing development or related work.
• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Urban Planning or related field preferred.
• 4+ years of experience in low-income housing development preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage project components using support and leadership roles.
• Coordinate with contractors, consultants, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Prepare funding applications and manage construction draws.

Skills

Time management

Organizational skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Problem-solving

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Urban Planning or related field

Job description

Summary

The Development Associate supports multiple development projects by leading discrete project components, coordinating consultants and vendors, preparing funding applications, and overseeing financial processing during construction and closing phases. This role focuses on execution and milestone achievement, and cross-team coordination under the guidance of the Vice President of Real Estate Development.

Essential Job Functions

• Serve in both support and lead roles for discrete project management tasks across multiple pipeline development projects.
• Coordinate project activities and objectives with contractors, consultants, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Support real estate pipeline efforts, including site selection, zoning analysis, feasibility studies, market analysis, preparation of preliminary project budgets, and responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
• Prepare and submit funding applications to public and private funders and assist during underwriting, due diligence, and project closings, including coordination of third-party consultant reports.
• Manage construction draws, invoices, and the disbursement of project funds and awards during closing and construction phases.
• Prepare draw requests, supporting documentation, and monthly reporting to financing partners.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Position experiences interruptions, need for frequent shifting priorities, and deadlines.

Physical Demands

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee in an office setting to successfully perform the essential functions of this job: talking, hearing, walking, sitting, standing, stooping, kneeling or crouching, reaching, handling; carrying and lifting objects, using office and computer equipment (visual contact and keyboard manipulation) as well as the telephone system. Travel is required to prospective developments and meetings in the community. Regular, predictable attendance is an imperative job function. Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Urban Planning, or related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in low-income housing development or related work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Urban Planning, or related field.
• Four (4) years of experience in low-income housing development.

Success Factors

• Strong time management and organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Superior written and verbal communication and relationship management skills.
• Highly effective problem-solving and flexibility while remaining focused on solutions.
• Advanced proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Openness to application of Artificial Intelligence platforms to Essential Job Functions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with attention to detail.
• Collaborative mindset and a commitment to a customer-service orientation toward residents and stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel occasionally and work flexible hours as needed.
• Commitment to professional development and a passion for learning and growth.
• Exercises sound judgments in stressful situations in order to solve problems quickly and efficiently.