Associate, Retail

Description

Ram Realty Advisors LLC acquires and develops retail, multifamily, and mixed-use properties in select high-growth markets throughout the Southeast. The investments are capitalized by Ram-sponsored discretionary private equity funds and institutional co-investment vehicles. Since 1996, Ram has deployed in excess of $4.8 billion of capital. Ram and its predecessor entities were founded in 1978. The Company is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and has offices in Tampa, Florida; Charlotte and Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Nashville, Tennessee.

The Associate will support the senior retail team to source, analyze and execute retail acquisitions opportunities to operate a growing portfolio of high-quality grocery anchored centers in infill sub-markets in the major metros in the Southeast. Responsibilities include financial underwriting of prospective opportunities, comparative financial analysis for alternative scenarios, assisting in the due diligence and closing processes, and providing ongoing support for the execution of the business plans for the Company’s retail assets. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

· Comprehensive understanding of the valuation of retail properties. 

· Pursue best-in-class working knowledge of the region/market, including available investment opportunities, asset class performance, capital markets, and the competitive environment. The knowledge should be driven by direct contact with actual market participants (e.g., tenants, managers, lenders, owners, etc.) in addition to 3rd party research reports.

· Identify and pursue acquisition opportunities that coincide with Ram’s objectives. Initiate contact with property owner(s) and/or their representatives. Obtain and review all relevant information from property owner and their representatives, including operating statements, rent roll, budget and site plans to assist in underwriting and creation of the business plan. 

· Prepare and review cash flow projections, market assumptions, debt models, and financial structuring, to evaluate new opportunities as well as existing Ram assets.

· Prepare quarterly valuations of retail assets. Work directly with Asset Managers and Accounting to generate quarterly fair market value and forecasts for specified assets.

· Assist in the coordination of due diligence for the successful acquisition of the property.

· Assist in the preparation and presentation of the acquisition opportunity to Ram’s Investment Committee.

· Work with Ram’s Legal Department and Ram management in closing the transaction.

· Provide support for ad hoc requests and special projects as assigned.

· Represent firm at conferences, trade shows and industry events.

· Promote the Company throughout the region. Establish active working relationships with local government(s), economic development organizations, and industry associations. Maintain consistent contact with brokers, consultants, developers, investors, and property owners.

Requirements

These requirements represent the education, knowledge, skill, certifications/licensure and/or ability required to perform the job satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties noted above.

· Bachelor’s Degree (master's degree preferred with an emphasis on real estate) from an accredited four-year college or university.

· A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in retail anchored assets.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of software, specifically including extensive experience with Excel. 

· Proficiency with Argus.

· Prior experience as an analyst involved in real estate joint ventures and/or direct acquisitions preferred.

These characteristics and skills are essential for success in this role:

· Relevant real estate experience (retail specifically) in acquisitions, valuation and/or real estate finance. 

· Ability to perform calculations necessary to produce or interpret budgets, discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, rents per square foot, and other basic algebraic functions. Ability to create basic formulas for spreadsheet applications. 

· Ability to produce, review, analyze, and describe complex financial projections and related schedules.

· Comprehensive understanding of the valuation of retail assets and land for development. 

· Demonstrated ability to work within a team environment across various functions/departments.

· Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

· Must be a critical thinker and have a comfort level challenging the status quo and/or conventional wisdom.

These characteristics are highly valued throughout the Company and essential for all team members:

· High degree of professionalism.

· Commitment to quality and a constant desire for improvement.

· Being open-minded and willing to learn.

· Humility and an ability to admit “I don’t know” or “I made a mistake”.

· Knowing when and how to ask for help.

· Adaptability and flexibility.

· A deep belief in the importance of putting the team first.

· A strong sense of respect for self and others.

· An unwavering commitment to integrity (no matter the perceived short-term cost).

Please note: The Team Member Description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities that may be required of the employee. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.