Senior Project Manager, Real Estate Development

Department:  Real Estate Development     Location:  Northampton     Work Arrangement:  Hybrid-remote     

Senior Project Manager

Way Finders is a 2024 Top Workplaces for Nonprofit organization, named as an employer of choice because our employees said so!  

Are you interested in work that makes a difference in the lives of others? At Way Finders, we light pathways and open doors to homes and communities where people thrive. Way Finders is the largest affordable housing organization in western Massachusetts. Since 1983, our Real Estate Division has transformed neighborhoods through the design and planning of new housing and the acquisition and renovation of existing properties. The most recent additions to our portfolio of affordable housing for low-income families include Live 155 and The Lumber Yard in Northampton and Library Commons in Holyoke.

Way Finders currently has an exciting new opportunity. We are looking for a Senior Project Manager in our Real Estate Development department.  The Senior Project Manager (SPM) works independently to coordinate, plan, and implement all aspects of residential development projects.  The SPM provides real estate finance and development expertise to build, redevelop, and finance community-based assets, with a primary focus on tax-credit and other federally financed affordable housing.  Developing and maintaining effective relationships with partners, including neighborhood and community organizations, public officials, funders, local sponsors, and stakeholders is a key component to this role.

Wage starts between $105,000 - $120,000 per year depending on equivalent qualifications.  This role may be performed in a hybrid-remote manner but living within easily commutable distance is required.  Regular onsite work and Western Massachusetts area meetings are expected.

NOTE:  We may consider hiring at the Project Manager (non-Senior) level.  Those with less experience are encouraged to apply.  The salary range for the Project Manager role starts between $90,000 and $106,00 depending on equivalent qualifications.

Responsibilities include:
Project Concept and Feasibility
•    Initiate identification and evaluation of potential project sites and properties
•    Present and/or participate in potential development opportunities, assessing project’s alignment with policies and strategic objectives, and determining the physical and financial feasibility and priorities of projects, ensuring all internal procedures are followed and obtain internal approval for projects
•    Establish project goals:  designing, developing, monitoring, and evaluating the structure of the project

Relationship Management
•    Establish and/or maintain appropriate relationships with local and state agencies, private parties, non-profit organizations, and other parties necessary to carry out development projects
•    Participate in the expansion of existing levels of funding within current sources as well as develop and cultivate new funding resources

Deal Structure and Financing
•    Plan budgets and participate in the negotiation of program contracts; create, manage, and monitor a project budget to ensure that the project is completed within agreed upon parameters
•    Coordinate permitting, zoning, and environmental review for projects; represent the agency in zoning and other public hearings
•    Obtain funding commitments for all phases of the project, including pre-development seed money, interim financing, permanent financing, equity investments, and public or private subsidies
•    Work with internal and project counsel, review all legal contracts and documents pertaining to assigned development projects
•    Coordinate construction and permanent financial closings

Project Oversight and Reporting
•    Lead development team members, overseeing legal, design, construction, and other aspects of development
•    Oversee all aspects of project construction, maintaining consistent communication with construction team
•    Ensure that contract compliance, reporting requirements, and a good working relationship with funding sources are maintained, including all required records, reports, logs, and files
•    Maximize