Sr Associate Levels 1-3, Finance & Development

About Us

LeSar Development Consultants (LDC) is a rapidly growing social innovation consulting firm whose mission is to end the housing affordability and homelessness crises in California and beyond. LDC assists its clients with growing healthy, sustainable, and vibrant communities. We provide creative solutions to complex problems with our expertise in housing, homelessness, resiliency, and community and economic development. Our clients include public agencies, nonprofit organizations, real estate developers, foundations, utilities, business associations, and other stakeholders looking to create physically and economically sustainable communities. Founded in 2005, LDC proudly employs seasoned experts who excel at working with our clients towards aligning diverse perspectives and skillsets to address complex public policy and planning issues at the organizational level and in multi-disciplinary, collaborative settings.

EEO

Employer participates in E-Verify

Position Purpose

The Senior Associate in the Finance and Development Unit (FDU) within the Housing Team strategizes, creates, and executes client-focused scopes of work primarily focused on affordable housing development, finance, and feasibility. They analyze the opportunity, feasibility, and risks of developing mixed income and housing on underutilized land for a range of clients, including cities, counties, the State of California, school districts, colleges & universities, and faith-based institutions. Additionally, this role assists clients in understanding the framework and challenges of housing development, to support them in achieving the best possible outcomes for internal and external stakeholders. Lastly, the Senior Associate in the FDU will manage and advise on housing and community development real estate scopes of work and support stakeholders in implementing, monitoring, and improving mixed income an affordable housing funding programs and policies.

Standard hours Monday-Friday, eight hours per day. This position is hybrid and is preferably able to work out of the San Diego office 2-3 days per week.

How You Impact Success

• Project Financing & Underwriting- Develop and analyze financial models for mixed-income and affordable housing projects, conduct due diligence on funding structures, support tax credit and grant applications, and synthesize market trends to ensure informed investment strategies.
• Project Management & Development – Oversee all phases of affordable housing development, coordinate with key stakeholders to ensure compliance and feasibility, proactively address project challenges, and maintain high-quality deliverables while tracking budgets and billable hours.
• Stakeholder Engagement – Collaborate with government agencies, developers, and community organizations to secure funding and approvals, support public-private partnerships, conduct outreach, and represent the organization at industry events and discussions.
• Business Development- Contribute to proposal processes, identify and pursue strategic opportunities, strengthen client relationships, and maintain a strong market presence through networking, speaking engagements, and industry collaborations.
• Market & Policy Analysis- Research and monitor trends, regulations, and best practices in affordable housing, assess market conditions and financing opportunities, and prepare reports and presentations for stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, real estate, urban studies/planning or public policy or related field or equivalent work experience. Master’s degree preferred; may be substituted with relevant work experience.
• 5+ years relevant work experience in affordable housing finance, underwriting financial proformas, current policies/programs and funding sources is required.
• Mixed income housing, community facilities and underwriting experience is a plus.
• Prior experience working in a consulting firm is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint) required.
• Proficiency with web-based project management tools such as ClickUp or Asana is also preferred but not required.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. 

Competencies

• Leadership. Leverages emotional intelligence, conflict management and persuasion to inspire and motivate teams to achieve objectives.
• Possesses emotional intelligence. Cultivates and manages relationships with existing and new clients, representing LeSar in a professional manner.
• Effective communication. Can clearly, accurately, and concisely articulate thoughts and ideas to a variety of audience shapes and sizes both verbally and in writing.
• Time management. Demonstrates accountability by providing timely responses to inquiries and meeting competing project deliverables on time.
• Project management. Proficiency in project management fundamentals including but not limited to planning, scope, execution, communication, developing and maintaining a project schedule and budget, etc.
• Relationship building. Utilizes superior interpersonal and communication skill to collaborate and support internal and external project teams; possesses a professional network for industry insights, professional growth, and potential business opportunities.
• Analytical thinking. Possesses a keen eye for process improvement opportunities.
• Critical thinking. Organizes work, sets priorities, and exercises sound judgment within areas of responsibility.
• Goal-oriented. Understands the importance of accomplishing performance metrics, deadlines, and client satisfaction.
• Detail-oriented. Pays close attention to work product to avoid quantitative and formatting errors in work product.
• Embraces change. Able to easily adapt to changing business needs and can operate with ambiguity.
• Problem-solving. Remains solutions-oriented leveraging critical thinking and creativity to drive results.
• Exercises discretion. Prudently handles sensitive information in a professional and confidential manner. 
• Initiative. Self-starter who is resourceful and actively seeks out opportunities to contribute without waiting for instructions.
• Strong collaborator. Works cooperatively and effectively with others in order to make progress toward a common goal.
• Establishes and maintains reliability. Can be depended upon to support the team on projects and responsibilities.
• Flexibility and adaptability. Able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Intellectually curious. Ever-present desire for professional development, and for learning new concepts and ideas.

Perks and Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and FSA plan
• Long-term Disability
• Basic Term Life and AD&D
• 401K with company matching
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Unlimited Vacation Time for full-time employees
• Paid Sick Leave
• 11 paid holidays including Cesar Chavez Day and Juneteenth
• Monthly stipend for phone, internet, and office supplies
• Office Set-up Allowance
• Career Growth Opportunities
• Discretionary bonus eligible
• Amazing environment and culture