Find & Apply For Economist Jobs in Chicago, Illinois

JOB DESCRIPTION SB

Friedman is seeking early career professionals to join our growing economic development and real estate advisory team in Chicago. Successful candidates are creative, detail-oriented and analytical, and are seeking to make positive impacts on communities and the built environment across the country.

OUR FIRM

Our team works at the intersection of real estate economics, development finance and urban planning. We bring this combined expertise to help our clients create equitable, economically resilient and well-designed communities. We work in a variety of places and contexts - which keeps us excited and engaged - with a key commonality being that we collaborate with our clients to address complex land use and development issues. We work nationally, with many of our projects located in the Midwest, Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Mountain West regions. Our work environment is highly collaborative, and we prioritize, fund, and dedicate time to training and professional development activities.

THE ROLE

Associates are integral members of our project teams, having ownership over various analyses and deliverable elements, and collaborating closely with project directors, managers and clients. Successful Associates are curious critical thinkers that enjoy analyzing data, asking thoughtful questions, drawing reasonable conclusions, and composing compelling narratives and visuals for deliverables. Over time, our Associates develop into increasingly influential thought partners on projects. Nearly everyone at the firm started as an Associate.

The day-to-day work includes:

Gathering and synthesizing quantitative and qualitative data Conducting socioeconomic and demographic analyses Evaluating real estate market potential Estimating unmet housing needs Developing real estate pro formas to assess financial feasibility Preparing tax projections to inform public finance and public-private partnership opportunities Using GIS software to conduct spatial analyses Conducting economic impact analyses Preparing deliverables (presentations, technical memos, graphically oriented briefing books, and reports) Working collaboratively with project managers and teams while balancing multiple projects at a time The Associate position presents an opportunity to build a variety of professional and analytical skills.

QUALIFICATIONS

We are looking for candidates that: Hold a graduate degree in urban planning, real estate development, public policy, business, economics or a similar field, or hold a bachelor's degree and have 2-3 years of related professional experience Demonstrate an interest in data-driven analysis and market-based urban planning, public-private partnerships, community and economic development, and/or related topics Are detail-oriented and focused on accuracy Have advanced quantitative analysis skills, particularly using Microsoft Excel Demonstrate strength in oral communication, interpersonal skills and writing ability Preferred qualifications include experience with GIS, real estate market and financial feasibility analysis, and the ability to work effectively with multiple managers in a deadline-driven environment. All Associates must possess a valid driver's license or be willing to obtain one within the first 12 months of employment for fieldwork, client meetings, and other business travel.

TO APPLY

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To apply, please email the following to jobs@sbfriedman.com with "Associate Position" in the subject line: Cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications for this role Resume Writing sample of your professional or academic work Writing samples should be primarily authored by the applicant; if a work product prepared as part of a team is submitted, clearly describe the responsibilities and contributions of the applicant. If AI was leveraged to draft or inform content in any way, please provide context. Incomplete applications may not be considered or reviewed. All applicants will be afforded equal opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, pregnancy, familial status or responsibilities, physical appearance or characteristics, arrest or conviction record, political beliefs, military status, or any other protected classification under federal, state and local laws or contractual requirements. To view our firm's Civil Rights Compliance and Affirmative Action Plan , please contact us at info@sbfriedman.com.

BENEFITS

Performance-based bonus Hybrid schedule Company-paid health and dental insurance; optional vision insurance Life, AD&D, and LTD coverage Flexible spending account Pre-tax transit benefits 401(k) with employer contribution Bikeshare benefit Vacation, sick, and parental leave 11 paid holidays plus paid year-end closure Professional development Internet reimbursement Relocation assistance