Associate

Job Description

Launch Development Finance Advisors (“Launch”) is seeking an entrepreneurial, enthusiastic, self-driven Associate to join our Scottsdale Office. Reporting to a Manager, the Associate works alongside Senior Associates, Managers, and Senior Managers to build financial models, prepare detailed project documentation, and support the accuracy and compliance of work products related to special district financing, feasibility studies, and reimbursement processes.

The Associate gathers and verifies project data, develops financial models and pro formas using Launch’s proprietary analytical processes, and assists in preparing reports, applications, and presentations for clients. The role calls for precision, analytical rigor, and the ability to communicate findings clearly and confidently. Beyond technical and analytical work, the Associate contributes to business development efforts, assists with client communications, and supports internal process improvement and product development.

This is an entry-level, in-office position.

Firm Overview

Launch Development Finance Advisors (www.launch-dfa.com) is a national real estate consulting firm affiliated with the Land Advisors Organization (www.landadvisors.com), which operates 25 offices in 10 states. Since its inception in 1994, the firm has provided real estate and financial consulting services to residential and commercial real estate developers as well as lenders, public agencies, and other institutional investors. Our primary purpose is to assist the development community in financing public infrastructure using special-purpose taxing districts and private lending sources; accelerate cash into the project pro forma; reduce infrastructure costs; and mitigate transaction risks.

Responsibilities

• Gather and verify project data, and assist Managers, Senior Managers, and Principals in documenting the client’s project vision, return objectives, and assessment of project dangers, opportunities, and strengths.
• Prepare or review the analyses supporting special district financing, including competitive tax rate comparisons, eligible cost and fee analysis, market-driven bond sizing, and project cash flow modeling.
• Determine eligible special district costs in compliance with state statutes, estimate development fee impact credits, and recommend potential bond structures and supporting agreements.
• Prepare the project finance plan and sections of special district applications, and assist in presenting findings to the client.
• Prepare fiscal impact models and draft fiscal impact reports, gathering the underlying tax, fee, permit, and population data from the applicable jurisdictions.
• Prepare or review feasibility studies for Arizona, Idaho, and New Mexico projects using the appropriate state template documents, including special assessment lien methodologies, assessment diagrams, debt service schedules, and lien-to-value constraints.
• Reconcile title reports, assessor reports, and stamped cost estimates, and assemble client information for appraisal purposes.
• Support reimbursement work in The Launch Reimbursement System™, including client data entry, binder assembly and audits, interest verification, and public procurement compliance.
• Reference check, math check, and logic check financial models, reports, and applications, and proofread and edit work product.
• Assist with client and municipal presentations, development agreement financing language, public bidding, engagement budgets, task orders, and new project forms.
• Support business development and focused research as directed, contribute to the ongoing development of Launch’s products and services, and perform other tasks as assigned.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience building financial models, with strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Working knowledge of data analysis and performance and operations metrics.
• Proficiency across the Microsoft Office suite, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to explain clearly what the data shows.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple assignments and support engagement budgeting.
• Sound judgment and a practical, professional approach to solving problems and resolving issues.
• Collaborative working style, with the ability to build strong relationships and contribute to an accountable team environment.
• Comfort working at a fast pace, taking ownership of assignments, and anticipating the next step.

Compensation & Benefits

• $75,000 annual base salary, plus performance-based bonus. This is a full-time W2 position.
• Benefits include PTO, paid holidays, and medical, dental, and vision coverage.

About Us

Launch Development Finance Advisors is a transaction-based real estate consulting firm specializing in the financing of public infrastructure. We are the one-stop-shop for taking public infrastructure financing from the planning stage through the final reimbursement request. Our sole purpose is to assist the private sector in financing public improvements, reducing improvement costs, and mitigating development risks. All of Launch’s professional services and unique processes are designed to achieve these goals for our clients, making their lives easier.

How to Apply

To apply, send your resume and a short cover note to Marilyn Basham at marilynb@launch-dfa.com.

Launch Development Finance Advisors is an equal opportunity employer.