Senior Associate

We are partnered with a leading affordable housing developer, owner and operator that is seeking a Senior Associate to support the transactions team in the execution of its affordable housing acquisitions and preservation strategy. Reporting to the Director of Acquisitions, this role is responsible for advancing transactions from underwriting through closing, ensuring diligence, financing, and regulatory workstreams move efficiently and in alignment with investment objectives.

This position is suited for an execution-oriented professional with deep affordable housing experience, specifically within New York, including LIHTC structuring, agency processes, and preservation transactions. The Senior Associate will play a critical role in translating analysis, diligence findings, and stakeholder input into forward progress across complex transactions.

Key Responsibilities

Transaction Execution & Due Diligence

• Support the Director of Acquisitions in managing transactions from advanced underwriting through closing
• Take ownership of day-to-day diligence workflows, tracking progress across all transaction workstreams
• Coordinate and analyze due diligence materials, including financials, title/survey, lease data, and third-party reports (appraisals, environmental, CNA, market studies)
• Identify open items, escalate key risks, and help drive timely resolution

Underwriting & Financial Analysis

• Review, refine, and build financial models to support acquisition and preservation strategies
• Ensure underwriting is complete, accurate, and aligned with Contour’s investment criteria
• Incorporate third-party findings and updated assumptions into financial projections and business plans
• Support sensitivity analyses and evaluation of key deal risks

Transaction Structuring & Financing Support

• Assist in structuring acquisitions and disposition scenarios for transactions involving LIHTC equity, tax-exempt bonds, and layered public subsidies
• Support financing processes, including application materials, lender/investor coordination, and closing documentation
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to advance debt and equity strategies

New York Affordable Housing Execution (Required)

• Execute transactions within New York’s regulatory environment, including coordination with HPD, HDC, DHCR, and related agencies
• Support LIHTC execution, including application, underwriting, and closing processes
• Navigate preservation-specific considerations, including regulatory agreements, tenant occupancy, and rehabilitation planning

Process Management & Coordination

• Maintain transaction timelines, diligence checklists, and internal trackers across active deals
• Coordinate with internal teams (development, asset management, legal, capital markets) to ensure alignment and information flow
• Interface with external stakeholders, including agencies, consultants, lenders, and equity partners
• Provide regular updates to the Director on deal status, risks, and key milestones

Investment Materials & Reporting

• Support preparation of investment memoranda, approvals, and internal presentations
• Maintain organized transaction files and accurate diligence documentation
• Contribute to pipeline tracking and internal reporting tools

Qualifications

Required

• 4 years of experience in affordable housing transactions, development, or acquisitions
• Direct New York affordable housing experience required, including HPD, HDC, DHCR, HFA and other regulatory agencies
• Experience supporting acquisitions from origination through closing and stabilization of business plan.
• Strong working knowledge of Section 8 rental assistance contracts
• Strong Excel-based financial modeling skills and understanding of real estate finance fundamentals (DCF, IRR, NPV, cap rates, etc.)
• Strong project and schedule management skills, including the ability to build, maintain, and drive milestone-based workplans across multiple stakeholders using technology (e.g., Microsoft Project, Microsoft Planner, Asana, or similar platforms)
• Proven ability to manage multiple transactions and project-level workstreams in a deadline driven environment

Preferred

• Experience with preservation and rehabilitation-focused transactions
• Real estate valuation experience
• Construction administration experience
• Experience working with service providers of supportive housing
• Familiarity with tax-exempt bond financing and mixed-finance structures
• Experience reviewing or guiding junior team members’ work
• Experience managing multiple direct reports