877 Best community arts Jobs in Newark, New Jersey (May 2026)

Owner's Representative

12 hours ago

New York

Description Title: Owner’s Representative Employee Status: Full Time - Exempt Salary: Grade 4 Starting range of $70,600 - $79,400 | Tier 1 cities Reports to: Lead Owner's Representative Department: Real Estate Solutions Location: Chicago, IL Hybrid: In office T/W | WFH M/Th/F Department Function: Facilities expertise is a critical resource that’s often beyond the reach of nonprofits serving communities with limited resources. IFF works hard to change that. For more than 25 years, IFF has specialized in creative Real Estate Solutions (RES) that help nonprofits achieve their growth goals and best serve their communities. IFF’s clients include human services agencies, supportive housing providers, schools, health clinics, arts organizations, and community centers. RES takes the time to understand the nonprofit leadership’s vision and become their trusted advisor when it comes to making real estate decisions with more confidence. RES also works closely with municipalities and community-serving groups to help provide solutions to nonprofits in under-resourced communities. Because the needs of nonprofits are unique, RES has developed a specialized team of real estate specialists to support nonprofits in every step of the way, from the early stages of a project to feasibility analysis, facility condition assessments, site search and due diligence for property acquisition, all the way through construction and project closeout. RES also collaborates internally across departments to build nonprofit capacity in targeted sectors and through programmatic initiatives. RES is part of IFF’s Core Business Solutions which is a cross-cutting team that sits at the nexus of nonprofits, communities, and IFF technical knowledge. The group provides thought leadership and expertise to drive corporate strategy across markets. The primary business units in Core Business Solutions are Capital Solutions, Real Estate Solutions, Community Development Solutions, Home First, Legal and Compliance. The Organization IFF is a mission-driven lender, real estate consultant, and developer that helps communities thrive. Key to our success has been a deep sense of purpose, a broad perspective, and a relentless focus on achieving positive results. Across the Midwest we help clients from every sector, including human service agencies, health centers, schools, affordable housing developers, and healthy food grocery operators. Staff contribute extensive business experience and an unrivaled connection to the mission of IFF to the clients we serve. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Partnering to create thriving communities is at the heart of everything we do. We leverage knowledge, capital, and resources to advance equitable and transformational outcomes in under-resourced communities, guided by our commitment to be an inclusive, anti-racist and anti-oppressive institution that honors communities as asset-rich and as experts in their own stories. Basic Job Function The Owner’s Representative (OR) manages facility design and construction phases on behalf of our nonprofit clients for their renovation and new construction projects. The OR participates in projects led by other RES staff, as well as directly coordinates and manages several small- to large-sized projects and project teams simultaneously under the supervision of the Director of Real Estate Solutions, and in close connection with the Director of Consulting for Design and Construction. The OR also participates in departmental planning meetings and supports the work of the Senior Vice President and other RES staff as necessary to further IFF’s mission. Core Responsibilities: 1. Conducts facilities assessments of clients’ existing buildings and potential new buildings to assess major systems, layout, structure and suitability for program purposes. The OR analyzes data collected and provides written and visual recommendations for modifications or improvements., 2. Supports project managers with budgeting of project scenarios for feasibility work., 3. Leads predevelopment work clients including procurement of architect, consultants, and estimator/construction manager. Creates overall development budget and timeline for projects., 4. Coordinates services of architects and engineers and other professionals in connection with the design phase of projects. Ensures that such professionals are providing services according to the project criteria set, and the project schedule and budget., 5. Supports owner in coordination and deployment of assembled funding and financing sources, during preconstruction and construction phases., 6. Coordinates all aspects of owner interests during the construction phase of assigned projects, ensuring that project goals and milestones are met, including: • Soliciting bids from various real estate professionals and vendors for work on projects. Evaluating and making recommendations on bids and negotiating terms of work., • Coordinating predevelopment work associated with projects including the procurement of architect, consultants, and an estimator/construction manager. Creates overall development budget and timeline., • Assists with the negotiation of construction contracts and architectural contracts., • Reviews architectural plans, construction drawings and performance specifications ; identifies areas for cost savings and works with architects to produce plans that meet clients’ budgets., • Manages relationships with contractor and architect during construction, attends construction meetings, reviews and keeps track of shop drawing submittals, reviews and approves change orders, manages project-related accounting, and works toward resolving construction-related disputes that arise, • Monitors projects against their plan, schedule, and budget. Identifies and anticipates project challenges and facilitates and guides solutions to ensure that the projects are completed as planned. Regularly visit project sites., • Advises clients, architects, and contractors on equitable procurement procedures in support of the economic and racial justice goals of the clients and IFF., • Keeps the client and IFF team members apprised of progress through regular written and verbal communication. Prepares and makes presentations for clients and team members; represents RES at meetings. 7. Participates in department knowledge sharing and training efforts by making presentations, conducting research, and participating on committees in support of department performance goals., 8. Maintains required job knowledge and skills and core professional competencies. Attends and participates in required educational programs and staff meetings., 9. Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Promotes an environment of empathy and respect, ensures the inclusion of all team members, and will actively engage in EDI events and learning opportunities., 10. Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements Core Responsibilities: 1. Conducts facilities assessments of clients’ existing buildings and potential new buildings to assess major systems, layout, structure and suitability for program purposes. The OR analyzes data collected and provides written and visual recommendations for modifications or improvements., 2. Supports project managers with budgeting of project scenarios for feasibility work., 3. Leads predevelopment work clients including procurement of architect, consultants, and estimator/construction manager. Creates overall development budget and timeline for projects., 4. Coordinates services of architects and engineers and other professionals in connection with the design phase of projects. Ensures that such professionals are providing services according to the project criteria set, and the project schedule and budget., 5. Supports owner in coordination and deployment of assembled funding and financing sources, during preconstruction and construction phases., 6. Coordinates all aspects of owner interests during the construction phase of assigned projects, ensuring that project goals and milestones are met, including: • Soliciting bids from various real estate professionals and vendors for work on projects. Evaluating and making recommendations on bids and negotiating terms of work., • Coordinating predevelopment work associated with projects including the procurement of architect, consultants, and an estimator/construction manager. Creates overall development budget and timeline., • Assists with the negotiation of construction contracts and architectural contracts., • Reviews architectural plans, construction drawings and performance specifications ; identifies areas for cost savings and works with architects to produce plans that meet clients’ budgets., • Manages relationships with contractor and architect during construction, attends construction meetings, reviews and keeps track of shop drawing submittals, reviews and approves change orders, manages project-related accounting, and works toward resolving construction-related disputes that arise, • Monitors projects against their plan, schedule, and budget. Identifies and anticipates project challenges and facilitates and guides solutions to ensure that the projects are completed as planned. Regularly visit project sites., • Advises clients, architects, and contractors on equitable procurement procedures in support of the economic and racial justice goals of the clients and IFF., • Keeps the client and IFF team members apprised of progress through regular written and verbal communication. Prepares and makes presentations for clients and team members; represents RES at meetings. 7. Participates in department knowledge sharing and training efforts by making presentations, conducting research, and participating on committees in support of department performance goals., 8. Maintains required job knowledge and skills and core professional competencies. Attends and participates in required educational programs and staff meetings., 9. Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Promotes an environment of empathy and respect, ensures the inclusion of all team members, and will actively engage in EDI events and learning opportunities., 10. Performs other duties as assigned. Performance Measures: 1. Successfully completes assigned projects according to goals set for each project and the RES’ policies and practices., 2. Achieves and maintains the highest quality of work product and level of excellence for clients., 3. Demonstrates effective communication, including listening and through written reports and oral presentations., 4. As part of a client-facing consulting position, demonstrates effective thought partnership with all clients., 5. Approaches work with a “growth” mindset, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement through effort, learning and persistence., 6. Approaches work with passion, curiosity and inquisitiveness, proactively seeks solutions to identified issues and challenges relating to assigned projects and departmental processes., 7. Prepares timely, accurate and comprehensive analyses and reporting., 8. Cultivates a culture of openness in information sharing. Encourages open communication, cooperation, and the sharing of knowledge., 9. Models personal accountability that promotes ownership and engagement., 10. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues, clients, peers and team members., 11. Values and supports differences in others, contributing to an inclusive work environment. Demonstrates the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a collaborative, collegial, and caring community., 12. Achieves a high level of satisfaction with both internal colleagues and external contacts. Position Qualifications: Education: Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in architecture, engineering, construction management or similar. Previous Experience: At least two years’ experience in applicable fields required. Additional Requirements: Travel is required. The Owner’s Representative may be required to work throughout IFF’s footprint . Travel to other IFF offices may periodically be required to support the staff working in those markets. The OR will visit and inspect abandoned buildings, vacant lots, and construction project sites. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required. Standard Benefits: • Medical, dental, and vision insurance, • Paid time off, • 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution, • Life Insurance, • Short and long term disability Work-Life Balance Benefits: • Hybrid workplace, • Summer Fridays Employee Development Benefits: • Professional development stipend, • Mentorship program Miscellaneous: • Wellness programs, • Employee assistance, • Referral Bonuses IFF does not offer the following: • relocation package, • 100% remote, • provide sponsorship to applicants who require or will require a work permit. Check off only some boxes in the requirements listed above. Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. So, if you're excited about this role, we encourage you to apply. Application Instructions: Please visit the Careers section of our website to apply online. IFF values equity, diversity, and inclusion as part of its mission to strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve. IFF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

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