This position is ideal for someone looking to deepen their real estate investment knowledge while making meaningful contributions to a values-driven firm.
The Associate is a key member of Grounded Capital’s Investment Team, supporting the execution of our real estate investment strategy. We are seeking an individual with strong financial and analytical modeling skills, strategic insight, industry experience, and intellectual curiosity who is aligned with our values.
As an Associate, you will engage directly with senior investment professionals and external partners. You will play a pivotal role in underwriting and managing investments, working collaboratively with colleagues on the entire investment lifecycle. You will be involved in sourcing, underwriting, and closing transactions; monitoring and managing real estate projects and investments through strategic shifts; and executing follow-on investments and exits. You will also help develop and articulate the firm’s investment themes and strategies collaboratively with other team members.
Primary Responsibilities
Investment Research & Sourcing
- Conduct industry and sector research for thematic investment strategies.
- Generate investment ideas collaboratively with team members.
- Conduct outreach to investment prospects.
- Identify and cultivate relationships with aligned organizations, intermediaries, and partners.
Investment Evaluation & Execution
- Conduct financial analysis, property diligence, and evaluate investment structures and terms.
- Analyze social, ecological, and financial impacts of potential investments.
- Prepare investment memos and due diligence materials articulating the investment case and structure.
- Manage activities related to multiple new and follow-on investments simultaneously at different underwriting stages.
Portfolio Monitoring & Management
- Communicate with property and asset managers; conduct site visits to evaluate progress toward strategic goals.
- Liaise with sponsors, consultants, and accounting partners to review budgets and verify data accuracy.
- Participate in construction and development meetings; track decisions, flag issues, and summarize next steps.
- Track property-level cash positions and assist with CapEx planning and liquidity tracking across projects.
- Review and summarize third-party vendor reports, sponsor communications, and recommendations.
- Assist with annual valuations and appraisals by organizing inputs, validating assumptions, and summarizing results.
- Complete investor reports, internal portfolio reviews, investment valuations, financial updates, and additional quantitative and qualitative analysis of portfolio holdings.
- Participate in overseeing indirect real estate investments and flag material updates or follow-ups.
Internal Documentation & Strategic Support
- Draft clear and compelling memos based on meetings, partner updates, analysis, and communications.
- Lead or support cross-functional projects related to strategy, portfolio planning, budgeting, communication, or impact assessment.
- Maintain and update investment data within the CRM and portfolio management system.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Demonstrated personal or professional commitment to Grounded’s values and mission to build the health of social, ecological, and financial systems.
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s Degree preferred.
- 3–5 years of relevant experience, ideally in development, portfolio management, or asset management for an institutional investor, or developer/operator of Class A properties.
- Prior experience at a Private Equity firm or Family Office preferred.
- Experience with asset management for multifamily, mixed-use, office, or retail real estate.
- Strong financial and analytical modeling skills are required.
- Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to summarize and synthesize complex topics.
- Detail-oriented with sound judgment; able to identify key takeaways and escalate issues appropriately.
- Comfortable managing multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Experience using CRMs or internal systems to manage investment or asset-level data is preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and meet overlapping deadlines.
- Active and engaged self-starter with a collaborative work style.
Grounded Capital was created with a different approach to investing. We believe in a systems-based and holistic approach to responsibly grow capital through our investment framework that considers five areas of focus: Places, Energy, People, Food, and Nature. As an SEC-registered investment advisor, Grounded Capital develops strategies to pursue ideas and solve problems through direct private equity investments in operating companies, agriculture, forests, and real estate.
Grounded Capital’s office is conveniently located in San Francisco’s financial district, with easy access to public transportation.
Workplace Arrangements & Physical Requirements
This full-time position reports to a senior member of the Investment Team.
The role requires regular in-office presence at Grounded Capital’s San Francisco office, currently with the flexibility for optional remote work one day per week. We anticipate a return to the office five days a week sometime in the next twelve months.
The position involves seated desk work, frequent computer and telephone use, and handling both digital and physical legal records.
If you are unsure if you meet all the qualifications, please know that we extend opportunities to a broad array of candidates and celebrate those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you have followed a non-traditional path to a legal career, are returning to work after a gap in employment, or are looking to take the next step in your career, we are excited to connect with you.
