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Real Estate Development Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

5 Legal

Real Estate Associate

Chicago, IL

AmLaw 200 legal services provider seeks a highly-qualified Mid-level Associate to join its Real ... estate transactions, including development, purchases and sales, real estate secured loans ...

Simpson Judge USA

Real Estate Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$230K/yr

Real Estate Associate (4+ years) Chicago / Suburban office available Salary starts at $230,000 ... Provided strategic guidance on development, construction, entitlement, and land use matters ...

5 Legal

Real Estate Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

A full-service business and litigation law firm is seeking a highly qualified associate to join its ... sale transactions, real estate finance and/or development incentives. The candidate must have a ...

Gould & Ratner LLP

Real Estate Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

Gould & Ratner, LLP, is seeking a mid-level associate to join its Real Estate Practice. The ideal ... The position will also offer substantial client interaction and business development experience.

5 Legal

Real Estate Associate

Chicago, IL

An international law firm and one of the top 50 AmLaw firms is seeking an associate to join their Real Estate practice. Qualified applicants will have at least 3-7 years of experience to support the ...

Direct Counsel

Real Estate Associate Chicago

Chicago, IL

$260K - $300K/yr

Real Estate Associate - Chicago Direct Counsel is representing an Am Law 100 firm seeking a Real ... developments. * Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of transactional documents related to ...

5 Legal

Real Estate Associate

Chicago, IL

Top AmLaw 100 national law firm seeks an associate to join their Real Estate Practice Group in any ... development projects, and construction. Relocation support is available for highly qualified ...

Gould & Ratner LLP

Real Estate Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

Gould & Ratner, LLP, is seeking a mid-level associate to join its Real Estate Practice. The ideal ... The position will also offer substantial client interaction and business development experience.

White and Case LLP

Associate: Real Estate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$225K - $390K/yr

Position Summary We are currently looking for a junior to mid-level real estate associate to join ... Advise on real estate-related acquisition, disposition, leasing, joint venture, development and ...

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All JobsReal Estate Development Associate JobsReal Estate Development Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

Real Estate Development Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.9K

$90.5K

$140.1K

How much do real estate development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for real estate development associate in Chicago, IL is $90,509.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,200.00 and $115,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Real Estate Development Associates during the project lifecycle?

Real Estate Development Associates often encounter challenges such as navigating complex zoning and permitting processes, managing tight project timelines, and coordinating among multiple stakeholders like architects, contractors, and local officials. Balancing budget constraints while ensuring project quality and compliance can also be demanding. Successful associates proactively address these hurdles by staying organized, communicating effectively with team members, and continuously monitoring project milestones to avoid delays.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Real Estate Development Associate, and why are they important?

To excel as a Real Estate Development Associate, you need a solid understanding of real estate finance, market analysis, and project management, typically supported by a degree in business, real estate, or a related field. Familiarity with financial modeling software (like Excel or Argus), zoning regulations, and project management tools is commonly required. Strong negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively with stakeholders and navigate complex development processes. These skills are crucial for successfully overseeing projects from inception to completion, ensuring profitability and compliance.

What is the difference between Real Estate Development Associate vs Real Estate Analyst?

AspectReal Estate Development AssociateReal Estate Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in real estate, finance, or related field; some roles prefer certifications like CCIMBachelor's degree in finance, economics, or related; often pursuing CFA or similar certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, site visits, project meetingsOffice-based, data analysis, market research
Employer & Industry UsageReal estate development firms, construction companies, investment firmsReal estate investment firms, financial institutions, consulting firms

While both roles involve real estate, a Real Estate Development Associate focuses on project planning, coordination, and execution of development projects. In contrast, a Real Estate Analyst primarily conducts market research, financial analysis, and investment evaluations. The roles often overlap in skills but differ in daily tasks and focus areas.

What does a Real Estate Development Associate do?

A Real Estate Development Associate supports the planning, coordination, and execution of real estate projects, such as residential, commercial, or mixed-use developments. Their responsibilities often include conducting market research, analyzing financial data, assisting in securing permits, and coordinating with architects, contractors, and other stakeholders. They help ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulations. This role is crucial in turning development concepts into successful, profitable properties.
What are the most commonly searched types of Real Estate Development jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Real Estate Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Real Estate Development Associate jobs in Chicago, IL? For Real Estate Development Associate jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Real Estate Development Associate jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Real Estate Development Associate jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Real Estate Development Associate jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Real Estate Development Associate job openings:
Real Estate Development Associate jobs near you
Development Associate (Real Estate) - Convexity

Development Associate (Real Estate) - Convexity

DRW

Chicago, IL • On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Convexity Properties, a DRW company, is a full-service real estate firm, investing in and developing unique retail, residential, commercial and mixed-use properties. Our team seeks challenging projects that will benefit from our agility, high standards and expertise as we work to uncover new purposes and unlock additional value.
As a Development Associate, you'll assist in coordinating complex real estate development projects in the commercial, residential and hospitality sectors. You'll be involved in organizing due diligence, design and construction phases throughout the entire lifecycle of a project, including budget planning, vendor management, cost management and change management.
The opportunity to join the Convexity Properties team is unique because:
  • We have no outside investors or third-party capital.
  • We are long-term owners and investors of real estate. We aren't beholden to timing mandates to place capital or sell assets. Decisions are made exclusively on market fundamentals.
  • We operate in a fast-paced environment, and we move quickly. Our diverse experience, particularly with projects that have predevelopment and entitlement complexity, coupled with our access to capital, allow us to move quickly and achieve superior risk-adjusted returns. We have the flexibility to take calculated risks, such as acquiring sites without entitlements in-place.
  • We are relationship oriented. Convexity has built long-term relationships with its partners and consultants. We can leverage these relationships to act quickly when needed and they create opportunities for personal growth and development.

What you'll do:
  • Track and organize a wide variety of project tasks, schedules and deliverables from design through post-construction, with an emphasis on the core construction phases
  • Manage the work of external service providers identified through competitive RFP selection process (architects, engineers, general contractors, FF&E procurement agents, designers, specialty consultants, etc.)
  • Assist in contract negotiations with external service providers, manage financial and scope changes to negotiated terms, and ensure compliance with project deliverables and work standards
  • Liaise with municipal authorities to understand local requirements and gain necessary approvals and permits
  • Assist in preparation of project budgets, prepare monthly draw requests and provide regular reporting on project financials
  • Help team to manage project schedule to meet weekly, monthly and overall project milestones
  • Provide regular project updates to internal and external project resources and senior management; identify issues and develop contingency plans as needed
  • Interact with acquisitions team to assist in determining viability of prospective projects
  • Assist in the review of design and bid documents to ensure scope of work is aligned with project financial objectives and requirements
  • Assist in managing the project close-out process to a successful completion
  • Travel to project sites as needed

What's needed:
  • 3-5 years of directly related development and project management experience in the real estate industry, preferably with mixed use commercial, hospitality or residential projects
  • Previous experience working on urban projects
  • Strong initiative and motivation to drive projects to completion
  • Vendor management experience
  • High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, in particular MS Project and Excel
  • Strong problem-solving and issue resolution abilities
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong organizational and time management skills and are highly detail oriented
  • Bachelor's degree in construction management, architecture, engineering, urban planning or similar area of study
  • Ability to travel within the U.S. approximately 40% of the time (2-3 days/week)

Bonus points for:
  • Experience developing project proformas and financial statements
  • Experience working on luxury high-rise residential projects

The annual base salary range for this position is $85,000 to $120,000 depending on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and relevant skill set. The position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition, DRW offers a comprehensive suite of employee benefits including group medical, pharmacy, dental and vision insurance, 401k (with discretionary employer match), short and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance, health savings accounts, and flexible spending accounts.
For more information about DRW's processing activities and our use of job applicants' data, please view our Privacy Notice at https://drw.com/privacy-notice.
California residents, please review the California Privacy Notice for information about certain legal rights at https://drw.com/california-privacy-notice.
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