Investment Analyst

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Hillcrest Finance, a real estate investment management firm focused on credit solutions, is seeking an Investment Analyst to support the firm’s originations, portfolio management, capital raising, and asset management teams.  The Investment Analyst will participate in the entire investment process from deal origination and research to execution and asset management of new and existing whole loans, mezzanine loans, and preferred equity investments for commercial real estate across property sectors throughout the United States.  The Investment Analyst will work closely with the firm’s executives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Screen, underwrite and evaluate new opportunities and portfolio investments across property sectors and capital structures
• Produce underwritten and pro forma cash flow analysis and sensitivity analysis using ARGUS and Microsoft Excel
• Conduct in-depth macro- and micro-level market research, including comparable data, demographic and usage trends for major/metro markets, submarkets, and neighborhoods
• Identify specific credit metrics, risks (market, real estate, sponsor – financial and execution, exit/refinancing), and mitigants for each transaction
• Assist in the preparation of “green light” and investment committee memos used in making investment recommendations to senior management
• Conduct property-level due diligence and assist senior originations professionals in closing new transactions
• Manage investment opportunity pipeline:  log all opportunities, indicate those investments that meet the firm’s investment strategies, prepare pipeline report for discussion at originations and investment committee meetings
• Create investment summaries for select pipeline opportunities and completed transactions
• Assist in quarterly asset management reporting and valuations
• Support senior executives in maintaining the firm’s track record, which includes modeling the firm’s investment performance and projections
• Support in the preparation of collateral materials including marketing, investor presentations, and data management  
• Participate in special projects, as needed

REQUIREMENTS:

• Ideal candidate will have at least three years of related commercial real estate experience focused on real estate finance, portfolio management, or acquisitions
• Proficient use of Excel and Argus Enterprise Software for financial modeling, spreadsheet analysis, and underwriting
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail
• Critical thinking and strong analytical skills  
• Excellent writing skills and the ability to simplify complex ideas into presentable messages
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment

ABOUT HILLCREST FINANCE

Hillcrest, based in New York City, is a real estate investment management firm specializing in the acquisition/origination and management of high quality, middle-market, U.S. first mortgage and subordinate (mezzanine and preferred equity) credit solutions on behalf of the firm’s institutional investors through separate accounts and commingled discretionary funds.