Location: Chicago, IL
Type: Full-Time Position
Work Model: Hybrid (In-Person + Remote Flexibility)
We’re seeking an Associate - Community Development Finance 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 involve 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 projects such 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
- Prior experience in finance or accounting, whether through work, internships, or academics, 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
BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION
We are focused on the professional success of our employees and offer the following:
- Expected base salary for this position ranges from $70,000 to $80,000. Actual salaries may vary based on several factors, such as a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and experience.
- 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, pre-tax transit benefits, employer-sponsored bikeshare membership, free membership to onsite building gym, paid vacation time, paid sick time, paid parental leave, and 11 paid holidays with the ability to float 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 both a resume and cover letter as single PDF via LinkedIn or by emailing jobs@sbfriedman.com so we can better understand your interest in the role and how your background aligns with the position. References may also be requested as part of the hiring process.