Real Estate Development Associate

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role:

The Development Associate plays a key role in advancing real estate development projects from initial concept through construction closing. This position is responsible for managing critical components of the pre-development process, including due diligence, funding applications, entitlement coordination, and overall project strategy.

The Development Associate exercises independent judgment in evaluating new acquisition opportunities, determining if it meets our criteria for deals, identifying project risks, and ultimately making recommendations to the Developer that may influence high-stakes investment decisions and project outcomes.

This role requires understanding of real estate development principles, public-private financing mechanisms, and regulatory processes to ensure successful execution of complex development projects that align with Marian Development Group’s mission and portfolio goals.

Essential Functions:

Project Coordination:

• Coordinate multiple aspects of assigned real estate development projects during the pre-development phase.
• Evaluate potential sites, coordinate feasibility studies, and provide recommendations to senior management regarding acquisition and development opportunities.
• Oversee preparation and execution of due diligence activities, including environmental assessments, appraisals, title reviews, and market analyses.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules and budgets, ensuring alignment with financial and operational objectives.

Financial Analysis & Structuring

• Provide analysis to Developer on development scenarios, evaluate project feasibility, and recommend adjustments to optimize financial performance.
• Coordinate and prepare applications for public and private financing sources, including tax credits, grants, and debt/equity instruments.
• Support structuring of project financing and assist with negotiations involving lenders, investors, and public partners.

Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

• Support Developer in the entitlement and permitting processes, including preparation and submission of required documentation to governmental agencies.
• Interpret and apply applicable regulations, codes, and funding program requirements.
• Ensure project compliance with all legal, insurance, and regulatory standards.

Stakeholder Relations & Communications

• Serve as a point of contact among consultants, public officials, financial partners, and community stakeholders.
• Manage external contracts and scopes of work, including architects, engineers, and attorneys.
• Support Developer/Marian Development Group at project meetings, presentations, and public hearings as needed.

Strategic Support & Reporting

• Provide strategic input on portfolio planning and pipeline development.
• Prepare written reports, analyses, and recommendations for executive decision-making.
• Support continuous improvement in internal development processes, systems, and evaluation criteria.

Required Education and Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Finance, Urban Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience in real estate development, project management, construction management, or a related field preferred.

Competencies Needed:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with project management tools and financial modeling software.
• Understanding of real estate finance concepts (e.g., IRR, ROI, debt/equity structures, pro formas).
• Familiarity with zoning, entitlements, permitting, and land-use regulations.
• Strong financial analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Skilled in negotiation and conflict resolution.

About Company:

Founded in 1997, The Marian Group is a full-service real estate development, construction, advisory and investment firm based in Louisville, KY. The company's offerings include extensive expertise across product lines with a concentration on affordable and market-rate multifamily development, real estate construction, residential home building, financing, management, brokerage and investment advisory. The Marian Group exists to generate an outsized return on capital for its investors and to benefit people, neighborhoods and the larger community via impactful investment projects.

Marian is a company devoted to three things: People, Neighborhoods and Community. This means every project we touch has to impact the lives of those it serves and spark positive change for the community as a whole. That's what sets us apart and gets us up in the morning. We're a team of thinkers, developers, and builders that lives in the communities in which we work. Our mission is to create quality living options for our residents, and we strive to make sure every project we undertake embodies our Core Values: Purpose Driven, Innovative, Compassion & Team-Work.

At Marian, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every individual can thrive, grow, and make meaningful contributions. Our comprehensive benefit package reflects this commitment. We are proud to offer all of our Full-Time employees the below benefits:

• Health Insurance: Medical, Dental & Vision
• Company paid Life Insurance
• Company paid Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401K Plan
• Paid Time Off
• 8 Paid Holidays
• In-house Gym
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program

The Marian Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the policy of providing equal employment opportunities for training, compensation, transfer, promotion, and other aspects of employment for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.