Senior Project Manager_Project Manager

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) develops and manages service enriched, inclusive residential communities, ensuring access to affordable, secure, quality housing that creates the foundation for our residents to grow and thrive.

THE POSITION:

CEDC is seeking an experienced Project Manager or Senior Project Manager to join our Real Estate Development Department. The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated, collaborative, and technically skilled housing professional with a passion for community development and affordable housing.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Manager: The Project Manager owns projects end-to-end – driving schedules and budgets, structuring and closing financing, and serving as the primary external face of the project team. The role requires strong coordination skills, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate entitlement, financing, and construction processes while maintaining collaborative relationships with local agencies, consultants, and internal partners.

While the role offers a high level of independence, the Project Manager will work under the guidance of the Director of Real Estate Development and collaborate with the Senior Project Manager on larger or more complex developments. This position provides an excellent opportunity for professional growth within a mission-driven organization.

Senior Project Manager: The Senior Project Manager operates at a senior leadership level – independently managing multiple projects from acquisition through construction and occupancy, structuring complex financing, and overseeing consultant teams. This position will also mentor junior staff, represent CEDC in high-level negotiations, and help shape long-term development strategies.  The Senior Project Manager serves as both a project lead and departmental resource – guiding others, ensuring financial and operational excellence, and representing CEDC’s mission in all public and partner-facing forums.

Key Responsibilities:

1)     Site Pursuit & Predevelopment:  Identify, evaluate, and secure potential development sites through zoning, financial feasibility, and underwriting analysis.  Structure project concepts, schedules, and entitlement strategies aligned with organizational and community priorities.  Lead early-stage community engagement, public meetings, and agency coordination.  Procure, contract, and manage architects, engineers, and consultants to ensure timely, high-quality deliverables.  Prepare entitlement and permit packages; coordinate with city, county, and state agencies to obtain approvals and address conditions.  (Senior PMs are expected to independently originate sites and lead complex entitlement negotiations.)

2)     Capital Stack & Closing:  Develop and manage detailed financial models and proformas; refine assumptions through design and market changes.  Prepare and submit competitive funding applications (e.g., 4%/9% LIHTC, tax-exempt bonds, HCD, local trust funds, AHP).  Negotiate key business terms and financing structures with lenders, investors, and public partners.  Oversee due diligence, closing checklists, and conditions precedent; coordinate with legal counsel to achieve timely closings.  (Senior PMs take the lead in structuring layered financings and negotiating partnership and loan agreements.)

3)     Construction & Contract Administration:  Support or lead GMP and construction contract negotiations.  Review design drawings and specifications for constructability, cost efficiency, and long-term durability.  Monitor construction progress through OAC meetings, field inspections, and monthly draws.  Track contingency, allowances, and change orders; ensure compliance with contracts, budgets, and timelines.  Coordinate with Property Management and Resident & Community Services on lease-up readiness, accessibility, and turnover.  (Senior PMs are expected to lead value engineering sessions, resolve field conflicts, and ensure risk management across multiple active projects.)

4)     Lease-Up, Conversion & Close-Out:  Coordinate marketing and lease-up milestones in compliance with income and regulatory requirements.  Manage completion of placed-in-service, 8609 issuance, cost certification, and permanent loan conversion. Oversee the transition to stabilized operations and facilitate lessons-learned debriefs for continuous improvement.  Support accurate project close-out documentation and internal data archiving.  (Senior PMs take responsibility for strategic portfolio reporting and organizational knowledge transfer.)

5)     Cross-Functional Leadership:  Build trust with local jurisdictions, funding partners, and community stakeholders through transparent communication.  Maintain project documentation, risk logs, and development schedules; proactively forecast cash flow and developer fee timing.  Contribute to department-wide process improvements, templates, and technology tools.  Mentor junior staff and interns; foster a collaborative, learning-oriented culture.  (Senior PMs lead departmental initiatives, mentor staff, and represent CEDC in high-level meetings and public forums.)

Qualifications:

Required for Both Roles:  Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Finance, Planning, Public Policy, Architecture, Engineering, or related field; advanced degree a plus.  Proficiency in Excel-based underwriting and development budgeting; strong Word and PowerPoint skills.  Clear, concise writing and presentation skills; comfortable presenting to agencies and community groups.  Valid California driver’s license and reliable transportation for site and agency visits.

Project Manager:  Experience: Minimum 3 years of progressive project management experience in affordable housing or real estate development.

Senior Project Manager:  Experience: 5+ years of related experience with demonstrated success managing multiple projects through all phases of development.

Skills & Competencies:  In-depth knowledge of affordable housing finance, LIHTC, and public subsidy programs.  Strong understanding of real estate transactions, entitlements, and project financing structures.  Exceptional communication, organization, and leadership skills.  Proficiency in financial modeling and analysis (Excel), and comfort with multiple software applications.  Ability to work effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders.