Title: Owner’s Representative - Michigan
Employee Status: Full Time - Exempt
Salary: Salary Grade: 4
Starts at $70,600
Reports to: Director of Real Estate Solution - Michigan
Department: Real Estate Solutions
Location: Detroit
Hybrid Remote: In office: T/W | Remote: M/Th/F
Department Function:
The Real Estate Solutions (RES) Department provides a wide range of real estate consulting and development
services to assist nonprofits with the planning, design, and construction of facilities. RES collaborates with
broader IFF cross-functional, programmatic efforts to build nonprofit capacity in targeted sectors and missionrelated
initiatives.
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 assetrich
and as experts in their own stories.
Basic Job Function
Based in IFF’s Detroit office, the Owner’s Representative (OR) manages facility design and construction phases
on behalf of our nonprofit clients for their renovation and new construction projects. The OR participates in
projects led by other RES staff, as well as directly coordinates and manages several small- to large-sized projects
and project teams simultaneously under the supervision of the Director of Real Estate Solutions, and in close
connection with the Director of Consulting for Design and Construction. The OR also participates in departmental
planning meetings and supports the work of the Senior Vice President and other RES staff as necessary to further
IFF’s mission in our Eastern Region market.
Core Responsibilities Include:
1. Conducts facilities assessments of clients’ existing buildings and potential new buildings to assess major systems, layout, structure and suitability for program purposes. The OR analyzes data collected and provides written and visual recommendations for modifications or improvements.
2. Supports project managers with budgeting of project scenarios for feasibility work.
3. Leads predevelopment work clients including procurement of architect, consultants, and estimator/construction manager. Creates overall development budget and timeline for projects.
4. Coordinates services of architects and engineers and other professionals in connection with the design phase of projects. Ensures that such professionals are providing services according to the project criteria set, and the project schedule and budget.
5. Supports owner in coordination and deployment of assembled funding and financing sources, during preconstruction and construction phases.
6. Coordinates all aspects of owner interests during the construction phase of assigned projects, ensuring that project goals and milestones are met, including:
- Soliciting bids from various real estate professionals and vendors for work on projects. Evaluating and making recommendations on bids and negotiating terms of work.
- Coordinating predevelopment work associated with projects including the procurement of architect, consultants, and an estimator/construction manager. Creates overall development budget and timeline.
- Assists with the negotiation of construction contracts and architectural contracts.
- Reviews architectural plans, construction drawings and performance specifications; identifies areas for cost savings and works with architects to produce plans that meet clients’ budgets.
- Manages relationships with contractor and architect during construction, attends construction meetings, reviews and keeps track of shop drawing submittals, reviews and approves change orders, manages project related accounting, and works toward resolving construction-related disputes that arise.
- Monitors projects against their plan, schedule, and budget. Identifies and anticipates project challenge and facilitates and guides solutions to ensure that the projects are completed as planned. Regularly visit project sites.
- Advises clients, architects, and contractors on equitable procurement procedures in support of the economic and racial justice goals of the clients and IFF.
- Keeps the client and IFF team members apprised of progress through regular written and verbal communication. Prepares and makes presentations for clients and team members; represents RES at meetings.
7. Participates in department knowledge sharing and training efforts by making presentations, conducting research, and participating on committees in support of department performance goals.
8. Maintains required job knowledge and skills and core professional competencies. Attends and participates in required educational programs and staff meetings.
9. 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.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.
Performance Measures:
1. Successfully completes assigned projects according to goals set for each project and the RES’ policies and practices.
2. Achieves and maintains the highest quality of work product and level of excellence for clients.
3. Demonstrates effective communication, including listening and through written reports and oral presentations.
4. As part of a client-facing consulting position, demonstrates effective thought partnership with all clients.
5. Approaches work with a “growth” mindset, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement through effort, learning and persistence.
6. Approaches work with passion, curiosity and inquisitiveness, proactively seeks solutions to identified issues and challenges relating to assigned projects and departmental processes.
7. Prepares timely, accurate and comprehensive analyses and reporting.
8. Cultivates a culture of openness in information sharing. Encourages open communication, cooperation, and the sharing of knowledge.
9. Models personal accountability that promotes ownership and engagement.
10. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues, clients, peers and team members.
11. 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.
12. Achieves a high level of satisfaction with both internal colleagues and external contacts.
Position Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in architecture, engineering, construction management or similar.
Previous Experience: At least two years’ experience in applicable fields required.
Additional Requirements: Travel is required. The Owner’s Representative may be required to work throughout Michigan. Travel will also be required to the Chicago corporate office, and potentially and periodically other IFF offices to support the staff working in those markets. The OR will visit and inspect abandoned buildings, vacant lots, and construction project sites. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
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. A resume is required; a cover letter is greatly appreciated.
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