Project Associate Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Description

Are you passionate about creating affordable housing and strengthening communities through thoughtful development and collaboration? Do you enjoy managing complex projects, building partnerships, and turning ambitious ideas into homes that make a lasting difference? Avesta Housing is seeking a motivated and mission-driven Associate Development Officer to support the development and rehabilitation of multifamily housing across Maine and New Hampshire.

In this dynamic role, you'll collaborate with Development staff, financial partners, consultants, and internal teams to advance affordable housing projects from concept through construction and lease-up. You'll support project financing, prepare financial analyses and budgets, coordinate with development stakeholders, and help guide projects through key milestones. Every day, your work will contribute directly to Avesta's mission of improving lives by creating and preserving quality, affordable homes for people in need. 

This role is a great fit if you:

• Enjoy managing projects and collaborating with diverse partners to achieve shared goals 
• Bring strong analytical, financial, and organizational skills to complex initiatives 
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment where multiple projects are moving forward at once 
• Want to make a lasting impact by expanding affordable housing opportunities in our communities 

About Avesta Housing

Avesta Housing is a local leader in housing development, property management, and assisted living solutions. Founded in 1972, our nonprofit organization serves individuals and families in need of quality affordable housing in Maine and New Hampshire.

What it's Like to Work Here

Our team members have positive attitudes, are creative problem-solvers, and share a dedication to housing equity and inclusion for all. Our shared commitment to improving the lives of others and strengthening our communities through affordable housing gives us purpose and inspires our best work. Our workplace culture and continuous opportunities for growth have resulted in Avesta Housing being a popular place to work.

Our employees selected Avesta Housing as a 2025 Best Places to Work in Maine because of our opportunities for career advancement, friendly workplace culture, impressive benefits and compensation, responsive managers, and company values!

What We're Looking For

The person who is ready for this opportunity will meet the following requirements:

• Strong project management and financial underwriting skills
• Well-organized
• Creative and proactive problem-solver
• Good communication skills, including public comment and presentations
• Excellent analytical skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree in a relevant field preferred.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines and tasks concurrently.
• Commitment to collaborative project management and learning on the job.
• At least 1 year of financial underwriting, project management, real estate development, or other relevant experience.
• Knowledge of multifamily housing and the development process, with advanced knowledge of and direct experience with one or more components preferred (e.g., design, finance, construction, asset/property management).

Click HERE to view the full Associate Development Officer job description.

This is a full-time (37.5 hours/week) position, and the annual salary range is $55,000 - $70,000.

Work Location

While the Associate Development Officer's work can be done partly from home, the person in this role is expected to work at our main office, located at 307 Cumberland Avenue, Portland, Maine at least 3-4 days per week, and as needed. Additional travel in Maine and New Hampshire will be required, depending on the location of development projects.

Benefits

We have excellent employee benefits, including:

• Employer-paid health and dental plans for employees;
• Flexible spending and dependent care accounts;
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with immediate vested match of up to 6%;
• Employer-paid basic life, long-term and short-term disability;
• Free wellness services for benefits-eligible employees and their dependents;
• 13 paid holidays;
• Generous earned time, starting with 22 days in first year of employment;
• Professional development assistance;
• Employee referral bonus program; and
• Tuition reimbursement

Ready to Apply?

If this job sounds like a fit for you, please click through to our Employment Application. A resume and cover letter that tells us how your experience is relevant to this role are required.