Project Associate: Real Estate, Design and Construction

Position: Project Associate: Real Estate, Design and Construction

Matter Real Estate is a growing, entrepreneurial real estate advisory and project management firm based in Manhattan. 

We are on a mission to build a multi-disciplinary team of exceptional professionals – including architects, engineers and construction managers – to help our clients execute complex real estate projects. We specialize in assisting mission-oriented organizations and property owners to successfully plan and effectively build space that is highly-functional and economical. 

We believe that real estate is not just in the pro forma but exists as a place and thing – therefore, having a passion for design and construction is essential to succeed at our firm. We are seeking a Project Associate with an excellent track record of accomplishment, an exceptional work ethic and a desire to learn and grow. The ideal candidate is very organized and is self-motivated to produce very high-quality work and is driven to take on “stretch” assignments. Attention to detail is a must have. 

Required Education and Experience 

This position requires a bachelor’s degree (preferably in architecture, engineering, construction management or other real estate related field but not required) and at least 4-6 years of professional work experience. Previous work experience should demonstrate your ability to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously. The position requires strong written and verbal communication skills and proficiency in MS Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and, particularly, Excel). Proficiency in Adobe Create Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop) is a big plus.

We welcome candidates from the design and construction industries looking to broaden their real estate expertise. You will be asked to wear many hats and be given an opportunity to gain exposure to multiple aspects of real estate.   

Summary of Responsibilities

The Project Associate will work closely with the firm’s Principal and Project Managers on a diverse portfolio of real estate projects and transactions in New York City. This role requires exceptional organizational skills, a proactive “owner’s mindset,” and a strong bias toward action. The Project Associate will be responsible for driving projects forward by anticipating needs, tracking details, and ensuring follow-through across all phases of development. Responsibilities include supporting the management of design and construction, leading clear and timely communications with clients and project stakeholders, coordinating multidisciplinary project teams, completing financial analyses, managing project plans and budgets, and attending on-site meetings and walk-throughs to ensure projects are executed efficiently and successfully.

Detailed Responsibilities

The selected candidate will work in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment and is expected to take ownership of their responsibilities from day one. While prior experience in all facets of the role is not required, the ideal candidate brings strong foundational skills, exceptional attention to detail, persistence, and a demonstrated ability to take initiative and see tasks through to completion. As the Project Associate builds a track record of success, responsibilities will expand meaningfully—evolving from supporting task execution to independently owning and leading workstreams, managing priorities, and proactively solving problems as projects advance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Rigorously tracking all open tasks, deadlines, and deliverables, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks
• Driving project momentum through consistent follow-up, coordination, and clear communication with internal teams, consultants, and clients
• Assisting in the preparation of financial feasibility analyses and synthesizing findings into clear, actionable insights
• Leading site searches to identify leasing and acquisition opportunities, including organizing data and coordinating next steps
• Assisting with the formation and coordination of project teams, ensuring alignment across all disciplines
• Supporting management of project budgets and lender relationships, with a strong focus on accuracy, accountability, and timely reporting
• Working closely with architects and engineers to advance pre-development and design efforts, maintaining schedules and deliverables
• Assisting with construction management and project close-out, including documentation, punch lists, and final coordination

Additional Information

• Base salary: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
• Quarterly and annual bonuses totaling up to 25% of base salary
• Benefits:
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match 
• Hybrid work (3 days per week in office, 2 days per week work from home)
• One-on-one professional development coaching and ongoing mentorship
• Our office is located at 12 East 49th Street, New York, NY 10017

Please submit your resume and a cover letter specifically describing how your experience relates to this position, and why you believe you would be a good fit for this role.