Development Associate

JOB SUMMARY

The Development Associate embraces SoLa’s mission and is passionate about promoting SoLa’s short and long-term goals. The Development Associate leads the entire pre-construction process for assigned projects, including analysis of potential acquisitions, obtaining the appropriate reports/surveys, securing approvals/permits from city and other government agencies, and coordinating a smooth hand-off to Construction Project Managers for demo and construction.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

SoLa is an award-winning social impact, development, and investment company focused exclusively on creating high-quality affordable housing in low-income, Black and brown communities. Over the last several years, we have raised almost $500 million in equity --- allowing us to deploy well over $1.5 billion – toward addressing the housing crisis in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California. We offer a fast growing, fast paced environment which is intellectually challenging, and professionally demanding, yet extremely rewarding and fulfilling due to the importance of our social mission.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Obtain RTI (entitlements, permits, covenants, and other documents) for assigned projects in a timely and cost-effective manner
• Evaluate the feasibility of potential acquisitions, determine the scope of new developments, and make recommendations to the Acquisitions team based on the findings
• Lead due diligence research on assigned development projects
• Conduct site visits to assess benefits and obstacles of a particular property
• Coordinate with architects; review and approve architectural plans and construction documents
• Coordinate consultants and vendors (survey, environmental, geotechnical, etc.)
• Coordinate with Construction Project Managers for site demolition and hand-off to construction
• Request proposals and evaluate contracts from consultants to finalize project-support teams
• Maintain ongoing communications with team members and external stakeholders to execute contractual obligations within budget and schedule constraints
• Assist in creating investor presentations
• Create project schedules and update them as required
• Represent the organization professionally at external and internal meetings
• Complete other tasks and projects as assigned

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 4 years’ real estate development, architecture, construction, or related field experience required
• Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate, Urban Planning, Architecture, Project Management, Construction Management, Finance, or related field required; Master’s Degree preferred
• Familiarity with zoning, building codes, plan check, entitlements, housing covenants, and the permitting process required
• Familiarity with the City of Los Angeles multifamily development preferred, including TOC projects, Planning Department, LADBS, HCID, etc.
• Construction knowledge/experience required

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Proficient in MS Office and MS Project and GSuite
• Aptitude in preparing reports and presentations
• Ability to take on new tasks and quickly learn the ropes
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; excellent follow through
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a fast-paced, demanding environment
• Ability to collaborate with others and utilize knowledge and resources to identify quality solutions
• Well-developed time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Highly organized, resourceful, proactive, creative, detail-oriented, and critical thinking skills required; willingness and ability to learn quickly and on-the-fly
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment
• Strong research skills and ability to process new information; ability to dig into technical details (zoning and building code, architectural plans, surveys, title reports, etc.)
• Ability to present information in a concise and easily understood manner
• Passionate about our mission

Benefits

SoLa Impact offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as pet insurance, sick leave, 10 paid holidays, and bereavement days. This package is designed to provide employees with a range of important benefits that help to support their physical and emotional well-being, while also providing financial protection and peace of mind.

At SoLa Impact, we believe work environment, culture, and the opportunity to learn and grow are key elements when considering a new job. We are just the right size to provide the resources and support you need without the bureaucracy of a large corporate environment. We foster a family-friendly and supportive workplace, collaborative and employee-focused with an emphasis on quality, integrity, trust, and accountability. We are looking to bring someone on board as soon as possible. We provide a rewarding and challenging environment. We expect a lot, but give a lot in return. Strongly prefer candidates local to Los Angeles as no relocation assistance will be provided. All qualified candidates will be contacted directly.

SoLa Impact is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SoLa does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.