Associate - Community Development Finance

Location: Chicago, IL

Type: Full-Time Position

Work Model: Hybrid (In-Person + Remote Flexibility)

We’re seeking an Associate to work with our growing Transaction Closing and Asset Management (TCAM) team within our New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) practice to support equitable, innovative, and impact-driven development projects nationwide. This position will engage with all aspects of SB Friedman’s community development finance practice, gaining exposure to high-impact projects, deal structuring, asset management, and public-private financing.

Located in Chicago’s Loop, SB Friedman’s Community Development Finance team is a group of mission-driven consultants and finance professionals who facilitate investment in high-impact developments throughout the United States. Our work helps bring to fruition such projects as community health clinics, early childhood education facilities, grocery stores in food deserts, manufacturing facilities, community centers for at-risk youth, homeless services centers, mixed-use commercial developments, and other vital social and economic infrastructure.

The ideal candidate for this position is an intellectually curious critical thinker who enjoys problem-solving and is committed to using their skills to drive equity-focused investments. The successful applicant will be resourceful, detail-oriented, and constantly looking to expand their base of knowledge and skills.

Direct experience or training in all areas of work and key responsibilities listed below is not required. We are seeking a candidate that brings motivation, curiosity, and an ability to learn skills on the job.

Key Responsibilities

  • Play a vital role in the financing of transformative projects across SB Friedman’s national footprint
  • Support the TCAM team with a variety of portfolio management tasks such as client reporting, debt and distribution cash movements, bookkeeping, compliance and more
  • Maintain communication and build relationships with mission-driven borrowers and investors
  • Monitor the construction of new projects and assist in the disbursement of construction funds
  • Collect, review, and track borrower financial and compliance reporting
  • Assist Community Development Entity (CDE) clients with the investment unwind and exit process
  • Provide key financial underwriting and analysis support for community development real estate projects
  • Assist in structuring diverse financing tools, including NMTC, public subsidy sources, private capital, and philanthropic grants and impact investments, to support challenging, high-impact projects
  • Support the transaction closing process by reviewing/generating diligence documents and participating in group calls
  • Track and refine project budgets and available funding sources
  • Help clients understand their obligations and commitments within the financing structure
  • Develop and enhance our systems and practices to support efficient, accurate work

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Real Estate, or another relevant field
  • 1+ year relevant experience, including internships and analogous work experience
  • Direct experience in finance and/or accounting (whether through work/internship experience or academically) is preferred
  • Strong quantitative analysis skills, particularly using Microsoft Excel
  • Strong analytical and communication skills
  • Interest in equitable community and economic development, impact investing, or related topics

Other Details

We are focused on the professional success of our employees and offer the following:

  • Competitive salary
  • Performance-based bonus compensation
  • Generous benefits package, including: 100% company-paid health and dental insurance premiums, 401(k) with employer contribution, flexible spending programs for health and childcare expenses, paid vacation time, paid sick time, paid parental leave, and 11 paid holidays
  • Hybrid in-office/remote work policy
  • Paid membership in a professional organization (or other professional development)
  • Firm-wide volunteering events in metro Chicago
  • Regular peer-delivered "brown bag" sessions on topics of professional interest
  • Monthly happy hours and staff get-togethers

All applicants will be afforded equal opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, national origin, genetic information, height, weight, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, pregnancy, marital status, familial status or responsibilities, parental status, cultural differences, physical appearance, arrest or conviction record, political beliefs, partisan considerations, military status, matriculation, credit information, or any other protected classification under federal, state or local law. To view our firm's Civil Rights Compliance and Affirmative Action Plan, please contact us at info@sbfriedman.com. 

To Apply

Please submit resume through LinkedIn. When applying, please submit a single pdf file containing your resume. A subsequent cover letter and references may be requested as a part of the hiring process.