Senior Owner's Representative (evergreen)

Senior Owner's Representative

The Senior Owner's Representative manages work associated with building analysis and development for client-driven projects while supporting the work of departmental leadership and other RES staff as necessary to further the mission of both IFF and our clients.

A successful candidate demonstrates the following key attributes of the position:

• Ability to work independently and productively in a dynamic work environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong group facilitation and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Proven adaptability, flexibility, creativity, and curiosity.
• Aptitude and desire for mentoring and training.
• Demonstrated commitment to client satisfaction.

IFF is looking for candidates with a commitment to the work we do who can demonstrate their creativity, diligence, enthusiasm, growth-mindset, thoughtfulness, and passion to make meaningful change in the areas of economic and racial justice.

Core Position Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conducts site visits to assess buildings and their systems for suitability for client's intended purpose and provides analyses of such buildings for clients. Written assessments evaluate facilities' major systems, layout, structure and suitability for program purposes, include order-of-magnitude cost estimates, and provide recommendations for modifications or improvements based on intended client program.
2. Coordinates preconstruction services, establishing project requirements for budget, schedule, and quality in coordination with the client through thought leadership and strategic guidance. Services include facilitation of due diligence activities such as environmental assessments, geotechnical investigation, and site surveying; procurement of contracted and professional services, including architectural/engineering teams and prime contractor; contract negotiation support in partnership with client's legal counsel; and design oversight.
3. Facilitates construction and other associated client activities, ensuring that established project requirements and development milestones are achieved:

• Reviews construction drawings and specifications for conformance with client's project requirements, including program conformance and budget;
• Supports permitting activities, including meetings with authorities having jurisdiction and progress tracking and troubleshooting to ensure permit is secured according to schedule;
• Manages relationships with contractor and architect during construction, attends construction meetings, reviews project documentation, and works toward resolving construction-related disputes that arise during the project, while maintaining and reinforcing accountability among members of the project team;
• Manages and tracks all project-related accounting to ensure that project stays within budget;
• Supports clients in coordination and deployment of assembled funding and financing sources, during preconstruction and construction phases;
• Assesses the status of projects against their plan and schedule, identifies and anticipates project risk, and facilitates solutions to ensure that the projects are completed as planned; and
• Keeps client and RES leadership apprised of progress through regular updates or meetings.

• Supports Project Managers leading feasibility analyses with budgeting and cost estimates of project development scenarios for feasibility work.
• Provides formal training, coaching, and technical assistance for current and prospective nonprofit organizations to assist with their understanding, evaluating, accessing, and structuring facilities and finance options, including the role of CDFI financing.
• Represents RES at meetings, presentations and events, including with clients and IFF team members.
• Participates in department knowledge sharing and training efforts by making presentations, conducting research, and participating on committees in support of department performance goals.
• Maintains required job knowledge and skills and core professional competencies. Attends and participates in department knowledge sharing and training efforts by making presentations, conducting research, and participating on committees in support of department performance goals.
• Periodically supports RES Market Leader with business development activities.
• Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Promotes an environment of empathy and respect, ensures the inclusion of all team members, and will actively engage in EDI events and learning opportunities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Performance Measures:

1. Commits to accurate and thoughtful completion of assigned projects according to goals set for each project, project budget and schedule, and RES's policies and procedures, achieving the highest quality of work product for both internal and external clients.
2. Builds and maintains effective working relationships and a superior level of satisfaction with clients, IFF colleagues, architects, contractors, partners, team members, and others.
3. Communicates clearly in a well- organized, comprehensive, and persuasive manner.
4. Values and supports differences in others, contributing to an inclusive work environment. Demonstrates the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a collaborative, collegial, and caring community.
5. Cultivates a culture of openness in information sharing. Encourages open communication, cooperation, and the sharing of knowledge.
6. Models personal accountability that promotes ownership and engagement.
7. Approaches work with a growth mindset, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement through effort, learning and persistence.
8. Approaches work with passion, curiosity and inquisitiveness, proactively seeks solutions to identified issues and challenges relating to assigned projects and departmental processes.

Position Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree required, preferably in architecture, engineering, construction management, urban planning or similar. Additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Previous Experience: At least five years of experience in applicable fields required.

Special Knowledge & Skills:

• Direct experience with real estate development projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of construction practices and terminology.
• Demonstrated ability to read and understand architectural plans and drawings.
• Demonstrated knowledge of a wide variety of construction materials, products, and systems.
• Direct project management experience with the demonstrated ability to plan and implement multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience with client management and consulting work building trusted client relationships based on client project goals. Ability to understand and translate client project goals into project scope and deliverables.
• Knowledge of nonprofit businesses, including operations, governance, and financial management.

Additional Requirements:

Local and regional travel is required. The Senior Owner's Representative will also travel to the Chicago corporate office and potentially and periodically to other IFF offices to support the staff working in those markets. The Senior Owner's Representative will visit and inspect abandoned buildings, vacant lots, and construction project sites. Occasional early start or extended hours and evening and weekend work may be required.

Standard Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Life Insurance
• Short and long term disability

Work-Life Balance Benefits:

• Hybrid workplace
• Summer Fridays

Employee Development Benefits:

• Professional development stipend
• Mentorship program

Miscellaneous:

• Wellness programs
• Employee assistance
• Referral Bonuses

IFF does not offer the following:

• Relocation package
• 100% remote
• Provide sponsorship to applicants who require or will require a work permit.

Check off only some boxes in the requirements listed above? Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. So, if you're excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.

Application Instructions: Please visit the Careers section of our website to apply online.

IFF values equity, diversity, and inclusion as part of its mission to strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve. IFF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.