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Director of Real Estate Economics

STV · Chicago, IL · $179,925–$205,629 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a pursuit you led that the firm won. What made the proposal stand out?

What they are checking: Whether they can grow the business, since the role leads business development, not only analysis.

How do you mentor junior economists to build sound models on their own?

What they are checking: Whether they can develop staff and review work, as both technical expert and mentor.

Tell me about a time you managed several complex assignments for different clients at once.

What they are checking: Whether they can run a program of work while keeping quality high across projects.

What would you do

Your market analysis shows a project is not feasible, but the client is politically committed to it. How do you handle that?

What they are checking: Whether they protect the integrity of their analysis while helping the client find workable options.

How do you work with engineers and planners so the economics shape the project rather than come in at the end?

What they are checking: Whether they can integrate economics into multidisciplinary infrastructure work early.

About the work

Walk me through how you would run a highest and best use analysis for a site near a new transit station.

What they are checking: Whether they can apply core real estate economics to transit-oriented development, a focus of this team.

How do you build a development pro forma, and which assumptions do you stress-test first?

What they are checking: Whether they know which inputs drive feasibility and can run meaningful sensitivity analysis.

What is the difference between a fiscal impact analysis and an economic impact analysis, and when would a client need each?

What they are checking: Whether they can explain distinct methods clearly and match them to client decisions.

How do zoning and regulation affect the value of a site, and how would you advise a client about that?

What they are checking: Whether they can advise on zoning and regulatory frameworks, which the posting lists directly.

How would you build a business case to support a federal grant application for an infrastructure project?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how economic analysis supports grants, which fits this advisory team.

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The full job description

As published by STV.

STV is actively seeking a highly experienced Lead/Director Real Estate Economist to join our Infrastructure and Grants Advisory team STV’s Infrastructure Economics group is a multidisciplinary team with staff across the U.S. We work closely with engineering, architectural and planning disciplines to conduct applied economic analyses that support project development, policy, and investment decision-making. The successful candidate will serve as both a technical expert and mentor, leading business development and program management efforts, guiding complex assignments, managing teams, and engaging directly with clients. The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to: • Lead complex real estate and economic development projects, including market analysis, highest and best use analysis, fiscal impact modeling, comparative scenario modeling, land use alternatives, economic impact analysis, and pro forma development modeling and sensitivity analysis. • Manage multidisciplinary teams delivering land use, real estate, and infrastructure strategies • Advise clients on development feasibility, zoning, regulatory frameworks, and policy considerations • Conduct and oversee financial analysis including pro forma modeling and investment strategy evaluation • Lead market research, demand analysis, and business case development for transit-oriented development and infrastructure projects • Develop public private partnership strategies and innovative funding approaches for real estate and infrastructure investments • Prepare and present high quality reports, presentations, and executive briefings to senior stakeholders and clients • Lead complex economic projects, including benefit-cost analyses, socioeconomic assessments, traffic and revenue forecasts, policy and technology evaluations • Support and lead business development efforts, including proposal writing and client engagement • Mentor and develop junior staff while fostering collaboration within interdisciplinary teams • Represent STV through thought leadership, industry engagement, and client advisory activities Minimum Requirements • Master’s degree in economics, statistics, business, urban planning, real estate development, or a related field. • 15–20 years of professional experience in in real estate economics, land use planning, economic development, or related consulting fields. • Demonstrated experience managing complex real estate or economic development projects and leading multidisciplinary teams. • Strong client facing experience and ability to advise senior decision makers. • Advanced analytical skills, including financial modeling, market analysis, impact fee studies, and economic impact evaluation. • Ability to translate technical findings into clear, decision-oriented narratives and board-ready deliverables. • Advanced spreadsheet and data management skills (MS Excel); strong command of MS Office (Word, PowerPoint). • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of client ready deliverables. • Proven leadership, team management, and mentoring capability. Preferred Qualifications • Expertise in transit-oriented development, joint development, or infrastructure related real estate strategy. • Familiarity with development feasibility, revenue streams, infrastructure cost allocation, and marginal cost approaches. • Experience with public private partnerships and large scale development programs. • Knowledge of public financing tools, local government budgeting and fiscal structures, zoning, land use entitlement processes, and regulatory environments. • Experience developing financial models and evaluating investment feasibility for complex projects. • Familiarity with grant funded infrastructure programs and alignment of development strategy with funding opportunities. • Experience developing benefit-cost analysis models and micro-econometric studies with large datasets. • Demonstrated business development experience, including proposal preparation and client relationship management. • Professional recognition through publications, presentations, or leadership in industry organizations. Compensation Range: $179,925.15 - $205,628.74 STV offers the following benefits • Health insurance, including an option with a Health Savings Account • Dental insurance • Vision insurance • Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care and Transit and Parking where applicable) • Disability insurance • Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment • 401(k) Plan • Retirement Counseling • Employee Assistance Program • Paid Time Off • Paid Holidays • Back-Up Dependent Care • Parental Leave • Continuing Education Program • Professional Licensure and Society Memberships STV is committed to paying all of its employees in a fair, equitable, and transparent manner. The listed pay range is STV’s good-faith salary estimate for this position. Please note that the final salary offered for this position may be outside of this published range based on many factors, including but not limited to geography, education, experience, and/or certifications. Not sure this role is the perfect match? We encourage you to apply if STV’s work and values resonate with you. We know great candidates don’t always meet every qualification, and research shows women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they do. At STV, we believe strong talent comes from a wide range of backgrounds, and your skills and experience may align with this or another opportunity as we continue to grow.

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