Senior Relationship Manager, Institutional Capital Group

KeyCorp; Cleveland (OH); Hybrid; USD 116,000 - 216,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

PTO

Lifestyle Spending Account

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

KeyCorp's KeyBank Real Estate Capital is seeking a Senior Relationship Manager in the Institutional Real Estate Group. You will source and manage client relationships, coordinate with deal teams to underwrite and document credits, and drive revenue through collaboration with product partners. Travel and in-office presence are expected, with flexible arrangements.

The role emphasizes leadership, client development, and advanced financial analysis to deliver complex real estate financing solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with strong academic background.
• 6+ years in commercial real estate or banking.
• Strong analytical, organizational and communication skills.
• Experience using AI tools to support underwriting and financial modeling.

Responsibilities

• Source and manage new client relationships and underwrite opportunities.
• Coordinate with deal teams to structure and document credits.
• Lead client communications and hold regular portfolio reviews.
• Collaborate with product partners to drive revenue across relationships.
• Mentor junior team members and develop talent within the group.
• Lead sales activities aligned to growth strategies and market needs.
• Travel as needed and maintain in-office presence with flexibility.

Skills

Relationship management

Analytical skills

Communication

Leadership

Client development

Sales skills

Teamwork

Financial analysis

AI in underwriting

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Location: 127 Public Square, Cleveland Ohio

ABOUT THE BUSINESS:

KeyBank Real Estate Capital (KBREC) is one of the nation's leading providers of commercial and multifamily real estate finance. KBREC focuses on building long-term relationships with its clients by providing creative financing solutions, acting with a sense of urgency and meeting client objectives. Our broad financing options, integrated platform, and deep industry experience give our clients what they need to meet their short and long-term goals. The Institutional Real Estate Group (IREG) is affiliated with the broader KeyBank Real Estate Capital platform. Specifically, IREG is focused on the unique capital and banking needs of public and private REITs, real estate operating companies, real estate fund sponsors, and real estate private equity firms. IREG helps institutional real estate entities obtain debt and equity financing in the following ways:

• Corporate Credit Facilities (including Senior Unsecured Revolving Lines of Credit and Term Loans, Senior Secured Lines of Credit, Structurally Subordinate Lines of Credit, and Subscription Lines)
• Syndicated Finance
• Acquisition and Bridge Loans
• Permanent Debt (CMBS, Life Company Placement, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA/HUD)
• Public and Private Bonds (Private Placements, Investment Grade & High Yield bonds)
• Public and Private Equity (IPOs, Common Equity Offerings and Private Placement of Equity)

ABOUT THE JOB:

A Senior Relationship Manager (SRM) is responsible for sourcing new client relationships, managing existing client relationships, and working with deal teams to underwrite, structure and document new credit opportunities. SRMs manage a portfolio of relationships with primary responsibility for managing risks, driving revenue and serving as the client’s primary contact within IREG. SRMs work closely with product partners such as the Commercial Mortgage Group, Real Estate Syndications, Real Estate Investment Banking and Enterprise Commercial Payments (cash management) to generate diversified income across relationships. This role will also work closely with Credit Risk Management to ensure appropriate risk underwriting, reporting and monitoring of the credit extended to clients within IREG.

THIS OPPORTUNITY PROVIDES YOU:

Opportunity to be part of a team that is a market-leader in the institutional real estate sector, maintains deep, long-term relationships with its clients, and values teamwork and collaboration. Competitive base salary + discretionary bonus. Generous benefits – including, 401(k) matching (dollar-for-dollar up to 7%), PTO, a Lifestyle Spending Account in support of employees’ health, well-being and financial wellness, tuition reimbursement and much more. Collaboration with internal product partners throughout the organization which broadens the SRMs ability to drive revenue. Opportunity to work closely, oftentimes as the client’s lead bank, with some of the largest REITs and Private Equity firms in the United States.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Work closely with other IREG teammates to provide prospects and clients creative solutions to efficiently finance their real estate portfolio/business.
• Develop and maintain close client relationships and provide balance sheet lending and off-balance sheet financing options that fit within the bank’s risk tolerance.
• Maintain direct contact with clients to synthesize portfolio financial data and assess risks of extending structured credit products to solve clients’ financing needs.
• Lead internal deal teams, effectively and regularly communicating with other IREG teammates, internal product partners, borrowers, and prospects, with a focus towards continually developing client opportunities in the market.
• Mentor, coach and develop Relationship Managers, Analysts, and Associates on the team
• Lead sales and prospecting activities that align to the targeted growth strategies for the business.
• Work in the office most days is expected, and frequent travel may also be required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 6-10+ years of experience in commercial real estate and/or banking
• Strong analytical, organizational, written and verbal communication skills
• Computer literate with proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience using AI tools to support real estate underwriting, market research, credit analysis, financial modeling, and investment memorandum preparation
• Demonstrated leadership and teamwork
• Highly motivated, self-directed, and strong work ethic
• Strong sales and analytical skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree or class work in finance, accounting, commercial real estate, or economics
• Financial modeling coursework or experience
• Experience transacting/banking with institutional real estate companies including REITs and Real Estate Private Equity Funds
• Successful history of managing client relationships, cultivating and on-boarding prospects and generating revenue

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Strong communication skills
• Effective time management
• Intellectual curiosity
• Critical thinking
• Team player
• Synthesize/interpret information
• Financial acumen
• Integrity
• Competitive driveClient focused

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $116,000.00 - $216,000.00 annually. Placement within the pay range may differ based upon various factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and geographic location. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for incentive compensation which may include production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives. Please click here for a list of benefits for which this position is eligible.

Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.

Job Posting Expiration Date: 10/30/2026

KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing [e-mail].

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KeyBank is an organization collectively committed to helping you unlock your potential and discover what truly drives you. Working here means sharing our purpose to help our clients, colleagues, and communities thrive. You’ll find genuinely supportive teammates, a flexible, inclusive work environment, challenging projects, accessible leaders, and opportunities to grow in your position and your career. For 200 years, Key has opened doors in our communities. Let us open one for you.