Project Analyst - Planning
Brailsford & Dunlavey is seeking a dynamic project analyst - advisory for our Chicago, IL office.
The primary focus of this position is to produce analytics and outputs to inform the project team’s advisement to college, university, or municipal clients on the positioning of assets such as campus housing, intercollegiate athletic facilities, campus recreation centers, student unions, independent and charter schools, etc., to best leverage the long-term mission and vision of the organization.
We are searching for thinker-doers who are intellectually curious, self-motivated, and willing to take risks to advance their own professional development. As a member of the firm, you should be prepared to work directly with leaders in the industry, on highly visible projects, in a fast-paced environment. Your knowledge will be leveraged and expanded to execute strategic planning, market analyses, financial modeling, and an implementation plan to deliver outcomes-based results. Your work will directly enable our clients' actions to better provide for an organization’s key stakeholders—something we find to be meaningful and invigorating, and that we hope inspires you as well!
Responsibilities
Essential Responsibilities
The primary focus of this position is to produce analytics and resulting synthesis to inform the project team’s advisement to college, university, or municipal clients on the positioning of assets such as campus housing, intercollegiate athletic facilities, campus recreation centers, student unions, arenas, stadiums, campus edge developments, independent and charter schools, community recreation centers, etc. to best leverage the long-term mission and vision of the organization.
Analytics include, but are not limited to, master planning activities, site analyses, needs assessments, program planning, financial modeling, and market analyses.
In collaboration with the Project Lead, the analyst is responsible for managing internal project team meetings and resulting strategy sessions to ensure project milestones are met. The analyst is typically the secondary management interface with the client, and is charged with effectively supporting the client relationship.
- Performing data collection and analysis, which includes but is not limited to, focus group leading and reporting, in-person and telephone interviews to gain market analysis insights, survey design and analysis, space planning, financial modeling, and internet research.
- Synthesizes results of analytics to relevant client context.
- Actively engaging and collaborating with internal and external contacts to support the project team in critical thinking and the development of recommendations.
- Contributing to the development of project documents and tools to support the team’s effective storytelling and development of recommendations, as well as the decision-making of institutions.
- Serving as the secondary client liaison, communicating effectively to ensure appropriate follow through.
- Participating in B&D's business development activities to include attending conferences, writing articles, and developing relationships with potential and current clients.
- Participating in and seeking out professional development and coaching opportunities, including B&D’s mentor program.
- Assists with quality control and client satisfaction activities specific to his/her assigned projects.
- Assists with the recruitment and training of new staff.
- Assists with the company's research and development efforts by identifying new analytical tools, strengthening existing models, and discovering improved ways of doing business.
- Performs other duties as assigned with the effort and skills necessary to contribute to our continued growth.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum of a bachelor's degree and two years’ experience in higher education / non-profit management, construction management, engineering, planning, business, real estate development / management, architecture or related field is required.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Must be willing and able to travel (independently by car, air, or train) weekly.
Competencies
Technical Competencies
- Foundational understanding of the firm's project types, project management concepts and methodologies, as well as general industry knowledge.
- Comprehensive understanding of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel (beyond beginner level), Outlook and PowerPoint.
Core Competencies
- Demonstrated ability to be productive in a fast-paced, multi-dimensional work environment, exemplifying grit and grace under pressure.
- Proven adaptability, flexibility, and creativity.
- Intellectually curious, with strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
- Demonstrated commitment to professionalism with a strong work ethic.
- Demonstrated commitment to excellence and risk taking.
- Aptitude and self-motivation for continuous learning, professional growth and development.
- Demonstrated self-awareness and assertiveness.
- Ability to work independently with minimum supervision, as well as collaboratively in a group setting.
- Excellent oral, group facilitation, presentation and written communication skills.
- Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and project management skills.
- Familiarity with real estate, finance, and accounting principles.
- Clear support for the firm's mission, values, and operating paradigm.
- Demonstrated sensitivity, knowledge and understanding of individuals from diverse academic, socioeconomic, gender, gender identity, cultural, disability and ethical backgrounds.
Human Relations:
Internal contacts include staff at all levels. External contacts include external clients and other consultants. Contact involves: routing calls, troubleshooting, or providing information.
Brailsford & Dunlavey is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Brailsford & Dunlavey participates in E-Verify.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Work Environment, Equipment, and Physical Demands:
[The demands marked below are representative of those that will be required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Please check all that apply. ]
Work Environment
- Office environment; moderate noise.
- Occasional evening or weekend work.
- Air and overnight travel is required.
Equipment
- Office equipment/computers 8 hours per day.
Physical Demands
- Sitting at desk or table up to 6 hours per day
- Standing or walking
- Extended periods of reading fine print.
- Light to moderate bending, crouching, and stooping (filing)