Chief Investment Officer (Greater Chicago Area)

Chief Investment Officer | Greater Chicago Area

Morrow & Associates has been exclusively retained by a privately held commercial real estate developer and owner to identify a Chief Investment Officer to join its executive leadership team.

Working closely with ownership and senior leadership, the CIO will lead the company’s investment and capital strategy and oversee major development, acquisition, disposition and financing activities across a diverse commercial real estate portfolio.

This is a hands-on role requiring a sophisticated real estate finance executive with significant experience structuring debt and equity, negotiating with banks and capital partners, and evaluating complex development and investment opportunities. The CIO will also lead an established investments team and partner closely with the CFO and other senior leaders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead investment strategy, capital allocation and major investment decisions across the organization.
• Oversee development, acquisition and disposition activities.
• Lead debt and equity financing, including construction and permanent financing, refinancing and other complex capital transactions.
• Serve as a lead negotiator with banks, lenders, joint venture partners and other capital sources.
• Oversee underwriting, financial analysis and risk/return evaluation of development and investment opportunities.
• Maintain key relationships with lenders, investors and other financial partners.
• Provide oversight of major loan, joint venture, purchase and sale, and development agreements.
• Lead and mentor an established investments team.

Ideal Background

• 10+ years of commercial real estate investment, finance, capital markets or development experience.
• Significant hands-on experience structuring and negotiating real estate debt financing.
• Strong understanding of equity structures, joint ventures and complex real estate capital stacks.
• Experience with a privately held developer, owner/operator or family-owned real estate organization strongly preferred.
• Broad commercial real estate experience; specific property type expertise is not required.
• Strong financial, analytical, negotiation and executive communication skills.
• Established banking and real estate capital markets relationships.
• Experience leading investment or finance professionals.

Compensation includes a market-competitive base salary, annual bonus, additional incentives, comprehensive benefits, and a 401(k) plan with company match.