Associate Real Estate Strategy Built Environment
About MKThinkMKThink is a future-forward design firm grounded in spatial intelligence and dedicated to "Build Less, Solve More." We work at the intersection of architecture, systems thinking, and strategy—helping institutions make better decisions about space, resources, and long-term impact. Our interdisciplinary team brings together designers, strategists, and analysts to solve complex challenges across workplaces, school districts, universities, and civic organizations.The RoleWe are seeking an Associate, Real Estate Strategy to support our consulting work at the intersection of space, data, and organizational strategy.This role is suited for early- to mid-career professionals with experience in real estate consulting, planning, or economic development who are ready to take on meaningful responsibility. Candidates should be able to work independently, think critically, and contribute to project work with limited oversight while continuing to grow within MKThink's frameworks.Rather than focusing on single-asset development or pure financial underwriting, this position centers on shaping portfolio-level strategies, investment priorities, and system-wide decisions that guide how organizations deploy and optimize their real estate assets.Who This Role Is ForThis role is for candidates who:Have a background in real estate, urban planning, development, or a related field with strong analytical capabilitiesAre motivated to work on complex, mission-driven problems at an institutional scaleAre interested in applying real estate thinking at a portfolio or systems levelAre curious about how real estate decisions influence organizational performance, financial outcomes, and long-term impactWant to work across disciplines—integrating strategy, analytics, and spatial thinkingAre comfortable taking ownership of workstreams and contributing to client-facing deliverables early onResponsibilitiesDiscovery and Problem DefinitionContribute to client engagements to define and frame complex challenges related to asset portfolios, performance, and organizational goalsConduct research to build a systems-level understanding of the problem contextHelp develop guiding principles and success metricsIdentify data needs and opportunities to strengthen decision-makingAnalysis & Insight DevelopmentCollaborate with analysts to analyze and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data into clear, actionable insights, working with large, sometimes incomplete datasets.Conduct real estate portfolio and opportunity analysis, need assessments, and scenario modeling.Develop models to evaluate investment strategies, portfolio optimization, and phasing scenarios.Translate findings into clear implications for real estate portfolio and organizational strategy.Collaborate with planning and design strategists to connect findings with physical outcomes.Strategy & RecommendationsContribute to the development of portfolio strategies, asset plans, and investment frameworksSupport the development of implementation roadmaps and phasing strategiesHelp define opportunities for consolidation, adaptive reuse, and more efficient use of existing assetsProduce clear, well-structured deliverables, including presentations, reports, and strategy documentsStakeholder EngagementSupport interviews, workshops, and client meetingsCommunicate complex ideas clearly to various stakeholder audiences.Project & Client SupportSupport project planning and coordinationDevelop presentations and deliverablesAssist with business development materialsRequired Skills and AbilitiesStrong analytical and quantitative skills, including financial modeling and data analysisFamiliarity with Census and other data sources commonly used in real estate market and needs analysesAbility to synthesize research and translate findings into actionable insightsUnderstanding of real estate fundamentals, including development processes and market dynamicsStrong problem-solving and systems thinking capabilitiesExcellent communication and storytelling across written and verbal formats. Ability to direct visual output for effective storytellingAbility to structure work, manage time effectively, and produce high-quality outputs with limited directionProficiency with:Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint)Experience with data analysis tools or GIS is a plusFamiliarity with Adobe Suite or visualization tools is a plusExperience in project management is a plusWorking with OthersSelf‐awareness and willingness to continuously improve.Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and seek support when needed.Flexibility in collaborating with teams and clients; able to receive, clarify, and incorporate feedback.Demonstrates kindness and actively supports colleagues.InterestsDemonstrated interest in at least one of the following:The role of real estate in supporting organizational or public‐sector outcomesThe impact of built environment solutions on community strength, human health, environmental resiliency, or learning outcomes.Education and ExperienceGraduate degree preferred in one of the following or similar: Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, Architecture / Business joint degree3–5 years of relevant professional experience in real estate consulting, economic development, planning, or a related fieldInterdisciplinary experience bridging real estate, planning, and strategy is a plus.#J-18808-Ljbffr