Associate, Originations

Bellwether is a global advisory firm that helps businesses solve their most complex challenges and enhance enterprise value. We specialize in formulating and executing dynamic growth strategies through true partnership with our clients. Merging deep industry expertise, advanced analytical capabilities and best-in-class talent, we create value across the business lifecycle, from transaction management to operational transformation. Bellwether is privately held and has offices in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, London and Dallas.

Overview

We are seeking a CRE origination associate to be fully dedicated to our client, a New York City-based real estate high yield debt fund with several billion in assets under management.  The firm focuses on opportunistic and value-add debt and equity investments across asset classes in major and secondary markets throughout the U.S.

In this role, you will sit on-site at our client and work among their team.  The Associate will be responsible for assisting with all aspects of originating and structuring complex commercial real estate investments, including stretch senior mortgages, mezzanine loans, preferred equity, and common equity. You will take investments from initial inquiry through term sheet and collaborate with the underwriting team through the full due diligence and closing of the investments. 

• Real estate valuation and financial analysis, including modeling property and portfolio cash flows in Excel and ARGUS.
• Conducting market research and analysis to support underwriting assumptions and investment strategies.
• Developing market insights and effectively presenting your views to senior team members.
• Analyzing and underwriting property-level operating history and financial statements to assess performance.
• Preparing presentations and investment memoranda, evaluating investment structures, identifying strengths and risks, assessing market dynamics, and projecting investment returns.

• 3-5 years of relevant experience in real estate investment banking, private equity, or related fields, with a strong preference for asset-level underwriting experience.
• Advanced financial modeling expertise, with experience modeling commercial real estate (CRE) assets and capital structures.
• Broad knowledge of multiple property types and their market dynamics.
• Proficiency in Excel; experience with Argus is highly desirable.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• A proactive, solution-oriented approach to challenges.
• A collaborative, team-oriented mindset, grounded in integrity and a strong work ethic.

• Bachelor’s degree required

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, and walk. Must be able to sit at an office workstation for an extended period of time. May need to reach, stoop, or kneel to access items.
• Must be able to talk, hear and use wrists, hands and/or fingers frequently and repetitively to operate a computer, telephone and other office productivity machinery.
• Must frequently prepare or inspect documents, and convey details or important instructions or ideas accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Ability to work independently, and prioritize duties to ensure timely completion. The ability to collaborate is also imperative.
• Requires active listening, critical thinking, making decisions, time management, as well as administration skills.
• Ability to interact in a courteous professional manner at all times.
• Regular, predictable attendance is required.
• The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• No hazardous or significantly unpleasant conditions (such as in a typical office).
• Moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phones, printers and light traffic)
• Indoor business office environment with windows; light foot traffic within work areas
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teammate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• Employer-paid Medical, Dental & Vision, with buy-up options available
• Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account
• Carrot Fertility Benefit - $10,000 lifetime benefit
• 401k company match 4%, immediately vested
• Generous PTO, 11 Paid Company Holidays & Paid Holiday Office Closure
• 14 weeks Maternity Leave & 12 weeks Parental Leave
• Wellbeing program offerings
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Engaging team events & holiday parties

Intent of Position Description

This position description describes the general nature and level of work required by the position. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of qualifications, skills, duties, responsibilities or working conditions of the job. The job description is subject to change with or without notice, and Management reserves the right to add, modify or remove any qualification or duty. Nothing in this job description changes the existing at-will employment relationship between the Company and the employee occupying the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Bellwether is an equal-opportunity employer. Bellwether complies with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to an individual's race, color, religion, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition  (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, reproductive health decision-making, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), age, sexual orientation, protected veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. All candidates must be able to prove eligibility to work in the United States and willing to complete a background check.