DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE
Why Merus?
Formerly known as Al. Neyer, Merus combines more than 130 years of commercial real estate expertise with an integrated team of company owners. We specialize in the construction, development, ownership, and management of a diverse portfolio of real estate assets across a growing footprint in the eastern U.S.
We’re all owners here. This not only sets us apart but deeply influences our culture and operations. Every team member demonstrates a deeper sense of ownership and accountability — in both their daily tasks and the collective success of the organization. Learn more about our culture at
www.merus1894.com.
Summary Of Responsibilities
Are you a proactive and assertive person who thrives in an environment that allows you to work independently to attain goals that you value? If so, as an Associate Real Estate Developer, you will have the opportunity to drive outcomes in a dynamic environment where entrepreneurial thinking is embraced. We are looking to take analytical, curious thinkers who don't mind hard work or digging the details, give them the tools and resources necessary to hone their skills and be rewarded with growth opportunity.
The Associate will be built up to own the entire development process from start to finish, as an integrator of both internal and external resources, leveraging his/her own technical background and experiences. Directly assisting the Director of Real Estate Development, the Associate will be accountable for the creation of concepts, budgets and proformas, coordination of due diligence, zoning issues and compilation of all information required to get governmental and other approvals. They act as the owner representative during the construction phase for assigned projects and even after they facilitate a seamless transition of completed projects to operation and management, they still remain involved.
Essential Job Functions
- Assist in identifying properties within targeted investment areas that comply with company-specific criteria as well as client needs
- Support and assist Director with the complete due diligence process (soils, Phase I, environmental surveys, title, etc.), compile information, and prepare budgets for a feasibility/pro forma analysis for selected sites
- Investigate current zoning regulations for selected sites and coordinate procedures for rezoning, if applicable
- Assist with the coordination of site plan/governmental approvals for signed developments; assist with presentations to government bodies as necessary
- Organize and prepare pre-development budget, track expenses to budget and explain variances for management
- Prepare financial model(s) using company standards and project specific inputs, working with multiple internal and external sources
- Arrange project summary, feasibility analysis and other required information to support internal approval by Investment Committee
- Coordinate efforts for the purchase of approved sites, leasing efforts and other required development procedures
- Supervise budgets during construction and prepare monthly draw requests with the support of the Financial Analyst and respond to questions in a timely manner
- Develop monthly reporting to lenders and investors for on-going development projects
- Other assignments, as needed
Essential Competencies
- Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
- Resourcefulness - Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently.
- Interpersonal Savvy - Relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.
- Optimizes Work Processes - Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Being Resilient - Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.
- Courage - Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
Position Requirements
- Enthusiastic, entrepreneurial, and outgoing individual with the drive to take initiative and work both independently and collaboratively with a team
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining strong attention to detail
- Proficient skill to analyze data and make recommendations to a diverse audience, both internally and externally
- Aptitude to use critical thinking to solve complex problems and address them directly and timely
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; communicate professionally with external partners, including planning commissions/other government bodies, as well as internal teams of executives and colleagues
- Ability to coordinate outside vendors, particularly in the due diligence process
- Familiarity with principles of real estate finance and real estate financial models
- Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, and webinars, reading professional publications, establishing personal networks, participating in professional organizations
Qualifications And Experience
- 2 to 4 years of experience in commercial real estate experience in development, finance, or civil engineering.
- Bachelor’s Degree in either Business, Finance, Civil Engineering, Law, Planning or related field required
- MBA and/or JD preferred
Safety Hazard of the Job
Normal safety hazards associated with office work, and with occasional observational visits to construction sites.
Physical Demands
Low physical effort required to sit, stand at files, bend, stoop, lift, and walk. Maximum unassisted lift is 35 lbs. Average lift is less than 10 lbs. Requires ability to use a keyboard and monitor. Also requires the ability to communicate verbally, both in person and on the telephone. May require some travel by car.
Environmental Requirements
Average inside office environment. Average office noise levels. No personal protective equipment is required. Ambient temperature is between 68F and 76F.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor and other management as required. This job description is not a contract or offer for employment, and either you or Merus may terminate employment at any time for any reason.
