Vice President of Investments

Location: Chicago, IL. Candidates must be based in Chicago or willing to relocate.

First Hospitality’s investment platform, First Investors, is seeking a highly motivated, dynamic Vice President of Investments to join our Chicago-based team. Reporting to the Executive Vice President of Investments & Capital Markets, this strategic role is ideal for a seasoned professional with 7 years of experience in hospitality real estate, responsible for sourcing, underwriting, and executing investment opportunities across lifestyle, full-service, and select-service hotels. The ideal candidate brings a strong investment acumen, a passion for hospitality, and a drive to grow with a fast-moving, entrepreneurial team.

First Investors is the investment platform of First Hospitality, with a track record of 45 ground up and opportunistic acquisitions beginning in 1985. Its disciplined approach has produced returns exceeding 20% across multiple market cycles, resulting in a current portfolio valued at approximately $700 million. The platform deploys capital on behalf of sophisticated high-net-worth individuals and leading institutions, using an integrated process to source, underwrite, and invest across diverse hospitality opportunities. Looking ahead, First Investors plans to scale the platform well beyond $1 billion in assets under management over the next several years. Its core values — Drive to Win, Desire to Serve, Deliver with Passion, Own the Outcome, and Keep it Real-- guide every decision the organization makes and anchor its commitment to generating superior returns.

SCOPE & RESPONSIBILITIES

Deal Origination:

• Source on- and off-market deals aligned with the growth thesis across geographies and strategies
• Build and maintain a broker, owner, and advisor network that provides broad access to marketed and proprietary opportunities.
• Track market activity to develop data-backed investment themes that can be pursued proactively.

Underwriting & Investment Committee

• Own, refine, and automate the underwriting model to deliver speed, accuracy, and transparency.
• Evaluate upside potential through operational improvements, repositioning, capital investment, and market growth.
• Identify and assess key downside risks (market, operational, capital, and execution) and develop mitigation strategies.
• Draft clear Investment Memos and confidently present and defend recommendations as well as risks, returns, and sensitivities to senior partners and LPs.

Capital Markets

• Support equity and debt capital markets activities including outreach, analysis and investor materials. Partner with the capital raising team on roadshows and investor presentations.
• Deepen and maintain relationships with middle-market LPs and lenders. Assist with maintaining an expansive and accurate internal database of market participants.

Execution & Closing

• Negotiate term sheets, joint venture agreements, and purchase contracts in collaboration with counsel and leadership.
• Coordinate and oversee end-to-end due diligence process—including legal, tax, insurance, environmental, and title matters.
• Drive third-party consultants to deliver on-time, on-budget.
• Manage transaction timelines and closing processes with a high degree of organization and attention to detail.

Asset Transition & Value Creation

• Deliver a complete, actionable deal file and business plan to Asset Management, and remain a strategic thought partner through exit. Provide market insights that inform revenue optimization, capital expenditure decisions, and disposition timing.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Hire, coach, and hold accountable a team of analysts and associates while fostering a culture of curiosity, precision, and ownership. Build dashboards and feedback loops to turn every deal into a learning opportunity.

Strategic Support

• Lend investment expertise to First Hospitality’s management-contract pitches to strengthen credibility with prospective owners on an as needed basis.

QUALIFICATIONS

Investment Expertise

• Proven ability to execute the full investment lifecycle — sourcing, underwriting, due diligence, structuring, fundraising, negotiation, risk mitigation, and closing. Skilled in financial modeling, capital structuring, and term sheet negotiation.

Market & Asset Knowledge

• Deep understanding of U.S. hospitality markets, including branded, independent, full service, lifestyle, and premium select-service hotels. Informed perspective on macro trends and value drivers.

Capital Relationships

• Emerging network of institutional investors, family offices, high-net-worth individuals, brokers, developers, operators, and lenders. Demonstrated success in sourcing both equity and debt capital across multiple channels.

Strategic Mindset

• Entrepreneurial approach with a sharp eye for mispriced opportunities, creative deal structures, and long-term value creation aligned with firm strategy.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Experience managing high-performing teams; ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent while fostering a culture of curiosity, precision, and accountability.

Execution Under Pressure

• Effective at managing multiple complex priorities in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, team driven environment where no two days are alike.

Communication & Influence

• Exceptional communicator and presenter, able to engage credibly with a broad range of stakeholders, from LPs and IC members to operating partners and team members.

Integrity & Professionalism

• Uncompromising commitment to honesty, ethical conduct, and respectful relationships; a trusted representative of the firm’s values.

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred. CFA, CAIA, or other relevant certifications a plus.

First Hospitality is a best-in-class hospitality management, investment, and development company. First Hospitality is a certified Great Place to Work (July 2023 – July 2025). We believe this is because of our strong commitment to you and our guests.

First Hospitality’s mission is to care for you on our journey together. We seek to attract and retain a high-performing and diverse workforce. We value integrity, teamwork, ownership, caring service, full living, leadership, and inclusivity and social good. Equal Opportunity Employer.