Project Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ACOF is a nonprofit affordable housing development corporation founded in 1988 with the goal of developing housing for individuals and families with special needs. Its mission is to end homelessness through the provision of quality permanent supportive housing for people with mental illness. ACOF’s values are Dignity, Excellence, Equity and Community.

Under the supervision of either the Director of Housing or Assistant Director of Housing, the Project Associate (PA) provides support to project managers to during the lifecycle of the development process – from acquisition through conversion of permanent financing, and leads at least one development project on their own. A key feature of the position is preparation for the future role as a Project Manager, by using independent judgement and critical thinking and performing mission critical tasks to ensure timely development of quality affordable multifamily housing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provides project management support on four to five supportive housing projects in various stages of development.
• Prepare and assemble financing application for various local, county, state, federal funding programs with accuracy and ensuring that the application satisfies the requirements of the funding regulations and is consistent with the requirements in the Application section of the Housing Department Manual
• Analyze the feasibility of potential acquisition sites including performing site analysis, researching
• site zoning and possible entitlement paths, obtaining and reviewing title information, engaging consultants to complete due diligence associated with site acquisition.
• Working with the Project Manager, prepare land use, entitlement, building permit applications in a manner that ensures consistency with the proposed project, ACOF’s priorities and project timelines.
• Support the Project Manager as needed throughout the processes including soliciting proposals from consultants and preparing and negotiating contracts for the work needed to assemble and submit complete the application packages.
• Prepare presentations for community meetings or conducting research.
• Provide regular project updates and discuss issues associated with development projects with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare and update funding draw requests, check requests, predevelopment budgets, checking to make sure that the billing is consistent with contract terms and project budget and that the work is completed in a satisfactory manner. Includes following up on documents and tracking the processing of draws, check requests, and budgets.
• Responsible for ensuring project team meetings and internal interdepartmental meetings are timely scheduled and coordinated with appropriate parties to ensure timely communication and coordination for project design, funding application, lease-up related activities.
• Prepare and assemble due diligence documents required to close predevelopment, acquisition, construction and perm period financing.
• Construction administration activities including preparing construction draws and tracking their progress to ensure timely payments, track preliminary lien notice and preparing notifications as needed, following up with the general contract and utility companies to ensure utility account and services are ready in time for project completion and occupancy.
• Work with Asset Management and Property Management to ensure the lease-up and occupancy process achieves target objectives and on time.
• Prepare check request and contracts timely, accurately, and efficiently, ensuring that check and requests and contracts are accordance with ACOF’s policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

To perform effectively in this position, the Project Associate must have:

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning/studies, finance, or real estate development or at least 6 months as an Assistant Project Manager, Project Associate or similar position supporting projects in a few different development stages such as acquisition, entitlement, financing assembly, financing closings, construction, conversion.
• One (1) year of experience using Excel to create spreadsheets and manage data.
• Valid California Driver’s License.
• Access to a personal vehicle to be used to conduct ACOF business.
• Ability to meet California minimum and ACOF insurance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree/license in real estate or Master’s Degree in Urban Planning.
• Completed coursework in any of the following curriculum: land use, planning, zoning or entitlements or affordable housing financing or Certificate in Project Management.
• Experience creating or manipulating proformas for affordable housing developments.
• Experience performing site analysis for development opportunities.
• Knowledge of financing sources available for affordable housing.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong analytical skills along with problem solving abilities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to create presentations in Microsoft PowerPoint, manipulate documents in Adobe Acrobat, use Word and Excel.
• Ability to work effectively with peers and public and private lenders.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor in representing ACOF to colleagues, constituents, funders, and public officials.
• Perform well under stress and interact well with others.