Just Transition Project Manager

Position Summary

The Just Transition Project Manager will lead and manage the early phases of real estate development projects, focusing on feasibility analysis, site acquisition, and project visioning. This role ensures that development opportunities are well-conceived, properly evaluated, and financially viable before advancing to later stages of development.

The Project Manager will coordinate with community stakeholders, external consultants, and select key project partners (e.g., architects, planners, legal support), and set the project's strategic vision. This role requires a well-rounded real estate professional with a passion for community-driven development through the lens of Just Transition.

Key Responsibilities

Community Liaison and Stakeholder Buy-In (50%)

• Team Coordination: Collaborate with internal development teams, legal counsel, architects, and community engagement specialists to ensure a holistic and efficient development process.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate relationships with government agencies, public officials, and community partners to ensure support for project goals.
• Community Engagement: Lead community engagement efforts, hosting public meetings, attending neighborhood events, and incorporating community input into the project vision.
• Executive Reporting: Report regularly to senior leadership on project status, risks, and financial updates, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy.

Feasibility Analysis & Project Visioning (25%)

• Site Assessment & Selection: Identify and evaluate potential development sites, conduct feasibility studies, and assess location fit for housing, mixed-use, or community development projects.
• Development Vision & Conceptualization: Lead the creation of the project vision, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, community needs, and market demands.
• Highest & Best Use Analysis: Analyze site potential, zoning, and market conditions to determine the most viable development approach.
• Project Scoping: Define key project parameters, including development type, target population, unit count, amenities, and sustainable design goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with community stakeholders and funding partners to ensure project alignment with community and organizational goals.
• Risk Mitigation: Identify and resolve issues that could impact the viability of a project, such as environmental hazards, title defects, and zoning constraints.

Predevelopment Coordination & Consultant Management (25%)

• Project Launch & Team Formation: Establish the core project team and define project goals, schedule, and predevelopment milestones.
• Community Visioning: Oversee interaction with the local community to help create an environment where community voices are heard during the pre-development process.
• Concept Design Development: Guide the design team to create project concepts that align with the development vision and organizational objectives.
• Entitlement & Permitting: Manage the entitlement process, including obtaining zoning variances, land use approvals, and building permits from municipal agencies.
• Sustainable Design & Green Building Standards: Ensure that the project adheres to energy efficiency, sustainability, and green building certifications (e.g., LEED, Enterprise Green Communities).
• Broker & Real Estate Advisors: Work with brokers and real estate advisors to identify site acquisition opportunities, negotiate favorable terms, and assess market conditions.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business, Finance, or a related field + 2 years’ experience, OR
• Experienced in serving as a community liaison between government agencies and other non-profit stakeholders, with a strong focus on centering community needs and goals
• 4+ years of experience in real estate development, affordable housing, community development, or related fields.
• Experience with the selection of architects and design teams, guiding early design work, and managing entitlements.

Skills & Competencies

• Real Estate Knowledge: Strong understanding of site acquisition, due diligence, zoning, permitting, and entitlements.
• Feasibility Analysis: Ability to assess local need and demand, development opportunities, and site conditions to determine project feasibility.
• Financial Modeling: Advanced knowledge of economic analysis, including sources and uses, operating pro formas, and scenario analysis.
• Project Visioning & Concept Development: Experience guiding conceptual design, defining project scope, and managing the development team selection process.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, track deadlines, and oversee cross-functional teams.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to build relationships with government officials, lenders, funders, and community stakeholders.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in financial modeling software (e.g., Excel) and project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project, or Asana).
• Bilingual in Spanish & English [reading, writing, and speaking]

Work Environment

This role operates in a hybrid work environment, featuring a mix of office, site-based, and remote work arrangements. Site visits, community meetings, and occasional evening or weekend work may be required.