Assistant Debt Counselor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview

LaSalle Debt Investors ("LDI") is seeking an experienced Vice President or Senior Vice President to join its Origination team. This individual will be responsible for sourcing, structuring, underwriting, and closing commercial real estate debt investments (primarily first mortgages in addition to preferred equity ad mezzanine opportunities) across the United States using its existing network of mortgage brokers and sponsors. Relationships primarily in Texas are preferred but will consider other regions as well.

The successful candidate will be responsible for generating and executing debt investment opportunities (first mortgage, preferred equity, and mezzanine opportunities), cultivating and maintaining borrower and mortgage broker relationships, leading transaction teams, and assisting in the loan closing process . This role requires deep expertise in commercial real estate finance, strong leadership capabilities, and a demonstrated ability to originate and execute debt investments across diverse property types and markets.

The position offers a unique opportunity to work within a highly entrepreneurial platform focused on transitional, value-add, and bridge lending opportunities while contributing to the continued growth of one of the industry's leading real estate debt investment businesses.

Key Responsibilities

Origination & Business Development

• Source, evaluate, and originate commercial real estate debt investment opportunities across targeted U.S. markets for investment sizes primarily between $5mm and $75mm.
• Develop and maintain relationships with owners, developers, private equity sponsors, and mortgage bankers.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline of lending opportunities that align with investment strategy and portfolio objectives.
• Represent LaSalle Debt Investors at industry conferences, client meetings, and networking events.

Underwriting & Transaction Execution

• Lead all phases of transaction execution, including screening, underwriting, due diligence, structuring, negotiation, documentation, and closing.
• Assess investment risks and returns through comprehensive financial analysis, market evaluation, and sponsor assessment.
• Oversee complex cash flow modeling, sensitivity analyses, hold scenarios, and valuation assessments.
• Coordinate internal and external due diligence providers, including legal counsel, third-party consultants, brokers, and servicers.
• Negotiate loan terms and structure transactions to achieve risk-adjusted return objectives.

Investment Committee Leadership

• Prepare and present investment recommendations to senior leadership and investment committees.
• Provide strategic insight regarding market conditions, portfolio positioning, and investment opportunities.
• Influence investment decisions through rigorous analysis and thoughtful risk assessment.

Portfolio & Asset Management

• Monitor borrower and property level performance, covenant compliance, business plan execution, and market developments.
• Participate in loan workouts, restructurings, modifications, and resolution strategies when necessary.
• Support portfolio optimization initiatives.

Leadership & Team Development

• Mentor, develop, and oversee Analysts, Associates, and junior investment professionals.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance team environment.
• Review underwriting analyses, investment memoranda, and presentations prepared by junior team members.
• Contribute to recruiting, training, and professional development initiatives.

Strategic Initiatives

• Assist with fundraising, investor relations, and client presentations as needed.
• Support product development, market expansion initiatives, and strategic business growth opportunities.
• Collaborate across LaSalle and JLL platforms to identify and execute investment opportunities.

Required Qualifications

Vice President

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Real Estate, Economics, Accounting, or related field.
• 7+ years of relevant commercial real estate lending, debt investing, acquisitions, or capital markets experience.
• Demonstrated experience underwriting and executing commercial real estate debt investments.
• Strong network within the real estate investment community.
• Advanced financial modeling and valuation skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

Senior Vice President

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Real Estate, Economics, Accounting, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of relevant commercial real estate lending, debt investing, acquisitions, or capital markets experience.
• Significant track record of originating and closing commercial real estate debt transactions.
• Established industry relationships and demonstrated business development success.
• Experience leading transaction teams and mentoring investment professionals.
• Strong investment judgment and proven investment committee presentation experience.
• Ability to drive strategic initiatives and contribute to platform growth.

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing relationships with borrowers, sponsors, intermediaries, and capital market participants primarily in Texas (preferred) but will consider mid Atlantic or southeast as well.
• Experience with bridge lending, transitional assets, and value-add investment strategies.
• Strong understanding of multiple property sectors including multifamily, industrial, office, retail, hospitality, and specialty asset classes.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel.
• Comprehensive understanding of debt structures, capital markets, and commercial real estate valuation methodologies.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and team development
• Relationship management and business development
• Strategic thinking and commercial judgment
• Advanced financial analysis
• Investment underwriting and structuring
• Transaction execution
• Problem solving and decision making
• Effective communication and presentation skills
• Collaboration and stakeholder management

US Jobs Only: This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Estimated compensation for this position:

This range is an estimate and actual compensation may differ. Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.

Location:

Opening Type:

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