Senior Project Manager
Company: IFF
Location: Chicago
Posted on: February 21, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description Description: Title: Senior Real
Estate Project Manager Employee Status: Full Time - Exempt Salary:
Grade 6 Starting range of $95,000 – $108,000 | Chicago | Detroit |
Milwaukee | St. Louis Reports to: Lead Project Manager Department:
Real Estate Solutions Location: Chicago, IL Hybrid Remote: In
office: T/W | Remote: M/Th/F Department Function: Facilities
expertise is a critical resource that’s often beyond the reach of
nonprofits serving communities with limited resources. IFF works
hard to change that. For more than 25 years, IFF has specialized in
creative Real Estate Solutions (RES) that help nonprofits achieve
their growth goals and best serve their communities. IFF’s clients
include human services agencies, supportive housing providers,
schools, health clinics, arts organizations, and community centers.
RES takes the time to understand the nonprofit leadership’s vision
and become their trusted advisor when it comes to making real
estate decisions with more confidence. RES also works closely with
municipalities and community-serving groups to help provide
solutions to nonprofits in under-resourced communities. Because the
needs of nonprofits are unique, RES has developed a specialized
team of real estate specialists to support nonprofits in every step
of the way, from the early stages of a project to feasibility
analysis, facility condition assessments, site search and due
diligence for property acquisition, all the way through
construction and project closeout. RES also collaborates internally
across departments to build nonprofit capacity in targeted sectors
and through programmatic initiatives. RES is part of IFF’s Core
Business Solutions which is a cross-cutting team that sits at the
nexus of nonprofits, communities, and IFF technical knowledge. The
group provides thought leadership and expertise to drive corporate
strategy across markets. The primary business units in Core
Business Solutions are Capital Solutions, Real Estate Solutions,
Community Development Solutions, Home First, Legal and Compliance.
The Organization IFF is a mission-driven lender, real estate
consultant, and developer that helps communities thrive. Key to our
success has been a deep sense of purpose, a broad perspective, and
a relentless focus on achieving positive results. Across the
Midwest we help clients from every sector, including human service
agencies, health centers, schools, affordable housing developers,
and healthy food grocery operators. Staff contribute extensive
business experience and an unrivaled connection to the mission of
IFF to the clients we serve. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Partnering to create thriving communities is at the heart of
everything we do. We leverage knowledge, capital, and resources to
advance equitable and transformational outcomes in under-resourced
communities, guided by our commitment to be an inclusive,
anti-racist and anti-oppressive institution that honors communities
as asset- rich and as experts in their own stories. Basic Job
Function The Senior Real Estate Project Manager (i.e. Senior
Project Manager) performs work associated with the analysis,
evaluation and planning of client-driven facility projects while
supporting the work of departmental leadership and other RES staff
as necessary to further the mission of both IFF and our clients. A
successful candidate demonstrates the following key attributes of
the position: Ability to work independently and productively in a
dynamic work environment. Excellent oral and written communication
skills. Strong group facilitation and interpersonal skills.
Excellent organizational and project management skills. Strong
analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
Proven adaptability, flexibility, creativity, and curiosity.
Aptitude and desire for mentoring and training. Demonstrated
commitment to client satisfaction. IFF is looking for candidates
with a commitment to the work we do who can demonstrate their
creativity, diligence, enthusiasm, growth-mindset, thoughtfulness,
and passion to make meaningful change in the areas of economic and
racial justice. Requirements: Core Position Duties and
Responsibilities 1. Plans, manages, and executes real estate
consulting or development projects as project team lead, as well as
provides support as project team member on large and/or complex
projects. Manages and supports a variety of projects concurrently.
2. As a project team leader, coordinates all aspects of project
management, including as a trusted advisor to a diverse portfolio
of clients. Specific responsibilities include: Develops and
analyzes client facility space needs, budgets, financing scenarios,
and occupancy cost projections. High-level evaluation of client’s
ability to take on debt for a project and overall financial ability
to own and/or lease and manage real estate. Coordinates and
participates in site visits with team members performing facility
assessments and evaluations of potential buildings and vacant land
for projects. Collaborates with an owner’s representative on
project due diligence work, including review of entitlements,
hiring architects, contractors, and other external vendors,
securing construction estimates, and creating project budgets.
Prepares and delivers written reports, electronic presentations,
and analyses as necessary for clients, including real estate
project feasibility reports, final project summary reports and
other consulting reports. Monitors the status of consulting
projects against their plan, schedule, and budget. Identify actual
or potential concerns or delays and facilitate and guide solutions
to ensure that the projects are completed as planned or adjusted
accordingly in agreement with the client. As project lead,
collaborate with other team members, manage deadlines for
completion, track budget and schedule, and provide preliminary
review as applicable. Keeps the client and IFF team members
apprised of progress through regular written and verbal updates,
presentations, and meetings. Solicits bids from various real estate
professionals and vendors for work on projects. Evaluate and offer
input to the client to assist them in making decisions on bids and
negotiating terms of work. 3. Provides formal training, coaching,
and technical assistance for current and prospective nonprofit
organizations to assist with their understanding, evaluating,
accessing, and structuring facilities and finance options,
including the role of CDFI financing. 4. Represents RES at
meetings, presentations and events, including with clients and IFF
team members. 5. Periodically supports RES Market Leader with
business development activities. 6. Participates in department
knowledge sharing and training efforts by making presentations,
conducting research, and participating on committees in support of
department performance goals. 7. Maintains required job knowledge
and skills and core professional competencies. Attends and
participates in required educational programs and staff meetings.
8. Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Promotes an environment of empathy and respect, ensures the
inclusion of all team members, and will actively engage in EDI
events and learning opportunities. 9. Performs other duties as
assigned. Performance Measures 1. Commits to accurate and
thoughtful completion of assigned projects according to goals set
for each project, project budget and schedule, and RES’s policies
and procedures, achieving the highest quality of work product for
both internal and external clients. 2. Builds and maintains
effective working relationships and a superior level of
satisfaction with clients, IFF colleagues, architects, contractors,
partners, team members, and others. 3. Communicates clearly in a
well- organized, comprehensive, and persuasive manner. 4. Values
and supports differences in others, contributing to an inclusive
work environment. Demonstrates the ability and willingness to
communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and
experiences to create a collaborative, collegial, and caring
community. 5. Cultivates a culture of openness in information
sharing. Encourages open communication, cooperation, and the
sharing of knowledge. 6. Models personal accountability that
promotes ownership and engagement. 7. Approaches work with a growth
mindset, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement
through effort, learning and persistence. 8. Approaches work with
passion, curiosity and inquisitiveness, proactively seeks solutions
to identified issues and challenges relating to assigned projects
and departmental processes. Position Qualifications Education:
Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in urban planning, community
and economic development, real estate development, architecture,
public policy, or similar. Additional years of relevant experience
may be considered in lieu of a degree. Previous Experience: At
least five years of experience in applicable fields required.
Special Knowledge & Skills: 1. Direct experience with real estate
development projects. 2. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding
of community development practices and terminology. 3. Direct
project management experience with the demonstrate ability to plan
and implement multiple complex projects simultaneously. 4.
Experience with client management and consulting work building
trusted client relationships based on client project goals. Ability
to understand and translate client project goals into project scope
and deliverables. 5. Strong strategic and analytical skills and
background, with an emphasis on finance and lending. 6. Knowledge
of nonprofit businesses, including operations, governance, and
financial management. Additional Requirements: Local and regional
travel is required. The Senior Project Manager will also travel to
the Chicago corporate office and potentially and periodically to
other IFF offices to support the staff working in those markets.
The Senior Project Manager will visit and inspect abandoned
buildings, vacant lots, and construction project sites. Occasional
early start or extended hours and evening and weekend work may be
required. Standard Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
Life Insurance Short and long term disability Work-Life Balance
Benefits: Hybrid workplace Summer Fridays Employee Development
Benefits: Professional development stipend Mentorship program
Miscellaneous: Wellness programs Employee assistance Referral
Bonuses IFF does not offer the following: Relocation package 100%
remote Provide sponsorship to applicants who require or will
require a work permit. Check off only some boxes in the
requirements listed above? Studies have shown that marginalized
communities - such as women, LGBTQ and people of color - are less
likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. So,
if you're excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.
Application Instructions : Please visit the Careers section of our
website to apply online. Both a resume and cover letter are
required. IFF values equity, diversity, and inclusion as part of
its mission to strengthen nonprofits and the communities they
serve. IFF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to
building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is
free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage
women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to
apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, religion, color, national
origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran
status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in
the locations where we operate.
Keywords: IFF, Chicago , Senior Project Manager, Executive , Chicago, Illinois
