Topo brings a unique perspective to real estate drawing from our experiences founding and operating hospitality businesses. We create uncommon spaces where thoughtful design produces meaningful impacts for our tenants, partners, and community – while having fun along the way. 

Our fully integrated team finds innovative real estate solutions for businesses seeking dynamic, attainable workspaces. We build relationships with best-in-class partners who share our passion for activating destinations and helping them thrive. We are proud of what we have already accomplished and excited for the opportunities ahead. We look forward to adding a Property Coordinator to contribute to our team. 

As the Development Associate, you will be responsible for supporting the day-to-day execution of Topo’s real estate projects — from due diligence through design, entitlement, construction, and delivery. This role requires a detail-oriented, analytical thinker who thrives in problem-solving across disciplines and can navigate the unique challenges of projects in the Austin metro area. The ideal candidate combines strong organizational and technical skills with a collaborative, design-minded approach.  

This is a cross functional role that will support key leaders and principals in development, asset management and finance. While this person contributes meaningfully to financial analysis and project underwriting, the firm’s principals and finance team retain ownership of pro forma analysis and capital structuring. 

Key Responsibilities

Project Management 

• Assist in the management of projects through all stages of development, ensuring alignment with Topo’s design intent, budgets, and schedules. 
• Assist in coordination between internal leadership and external teams — architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and city representatives. 
• Support entitlement, permitting, and construction administration processes, tracking critical milestones and regulatory approvals. 
• Support in securing the appropriate approvals, certifications, permits, etc. from city and other government agencies as required. 
• Assist with reports on project performance, risk items, and progress updates for internal and external stakeholders. 

Civil & Site Development Oversight 

• Support the coordination of civil engineering design, site grading, drainage, and utility planning. 
• Work closely with consultants to solve challenges typical of Topo’s projects — constrained access, topography, floodplain interface, or utility conflicts. 
• Evaluate site feasibility and construction impacts during acquisition and early design stages. 
• Support design, construction and operations teams to ensure site work integrates seamlessly with architecture and tenant requirements. 

Financial & Analytical Support 

• Support project underwriting by gathering data, running sensitivity analyses, and validating cost assumptions. 
• Manage consultant proposals, budgets, and pay applications in coordination with internal design and finance leads. 
• Support in tracking project costs, contingencies, and schedule impacts to inform financial reporting and draw requests. 
• Collaborate with the finance and partnership teams on due diligence, lender packages, and investor materials as needed. 

Design & Construction Coordination 

• Collaborate with design teams to ensure architecture and site planning reflect Topo’s creative and contextual standards. 
• Participate in design reviews, material selections, and constructability discussions. 
• Support in monitoring construction progress and quality, addressing design issues and maintaining project vision through execution.  
• Assist leasing efforts to clearly define scope and timing of delivery conditions and work letters.  

We are looking for someone with

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, or related field.  
• 2-5 years of experience in commercial, mixed-use, or urban infill development. 
• Exhibit the curiosity and tenacity to explore innovative solutions, expand network and skillsets to add value creation capabilities.  
• Strong technical understanding of civil design, entitlements, and site construction. 
• Proficiency in project management tools, scheduling, and cost tracking. 
• Working knowledge of real estate finance and pro forma concepts (without requiring modeling ownership). 
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills with consultants, contractors, and municipal staff. 
• Creative problem solver comfortable working through ambiguity and complexity with the ability to manage up and hold others accountable. 
• Understanding software platforms such as Bluebeam, Procore, and MS Project is beneficial.  

What makes Topo different

• Projects that prioritize design, context, and community impact over formulaic development. 
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial culture where every project is a creative challenge. 
• A hands-on, detail-driven approach to managing the messy realities of real estate. 

You embody our Core Values

• We act with integrity – With transparency and genuine intent, we communicate openly and honestly about our work with candor and respect. 
• We take ownership – With courage, we step up, welcome challenges, and solve problems collaboratively. We do what we say we’ll do. 
• We inspire growth – Through continuous teaching and learning, we develop ourselves and others, sharing experiences that elevate our work as a team. With a long-term view, we care for our social and physical environments. 
• We enjoy the day! – We celebrate our successes as a team and as individuals. We roll up our sleeves, providing encouragement and support. 

Benefits of working at Topo

• 100% company sponsored medical plans for employees
• Voluntary dental & vision plans
• Voluntary medical, dental, and vision options for dependents
• Option of HSA with a company match
• Company sponsored short term and long-term disability
• Flexible PTO policy
• Referral bonus program
• Mileage reimbursement
• Cell phone stipend
• Free healthy snacks at the office