Real Estate Finance Jobs in Illinois

Job Description:

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but it’s one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own.

We’re actively seeking talented Real Estate Associates to join our Real Estate Commercial Mortgage team in metro Chicago (Oak Park, IL). As a Real Estate Associate, you’ll play a key role in Pacific Life’s continued growth and long-term success by providing analytical, underwriting, due diligence, and closing support for the loan production efforts in the Central Regional Office that covers the major Central US metros within Illinois, Texas, Florida, etc.

Pacific Life’s Commercial Mortgage team focuses on a variety of property types and strategies across the United States including construction, permanent, bridge and fixed and floating rate loans. As of December 31, 2025, Pacific Life’s mortgage loan investments totaled approximately $30 billion.

How you’ll help move us forward:

• Perform in a supporting role to solicit, structure and underwrite commercial and multifamily mortgage loans that meet Pacific Life’s investment objectives.
• Research and evaluate locational, market, and property specific data.
• Conduct rent roll, income, and expense analysis.
• Create/modify complex cash flow models in Argus and Excel for commercial and multifamily properties.
• Organize and support analysis, draw objective conclusions.
• Present verbal and written recommendations to Pacific Life’s Real Estate Investment Committee.
• Review and analyze transaction documents and third-party reports as part of the due diligence and closing process.
• Interface with institutional-quality borrowers, brokers, and third-party service providers.
• Work cohesively with Pacific Life Investments in-house mortgage loan origination teams, closing, construction services, asset management, capital markets, and loan servicing teams.
• Some travel required to evaluate investment opportunities and market Pacific Life loan programs.

The experience you bring:

• Bachelor's Degree (BS/BA)
• 3-5 years related experience in evaluating and underwriting investment merits and risk associated with commercial real estate.
• Strong in software applications for real estate analysis including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Argus, with ability to quickly learn new program applications.
• Excellent analytical, research and creative problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communications and presentation skills, able to interface with top level executives.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to prioritize workflow and deadlines, self-starter with the ability to work independently with a team player attitude.

What makes you stand out:

• A Master’s Degree in Real Estate or MBA – strongly preferred.
• Experience with multi-family, industrial, retail and office property types is desirable.
• Prior commercial real estate debt underwriting experience (beyond internships) and knowledge of capital markets.
• Proficiency with Argus strongly preferred.

Base Pay Range:

The base pay range noted represents the company’s good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.

$124,830.00 - $152,570.00

Your Benefits Start Day 1

Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we’re committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we’ve got you covered.

• Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents
• Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program
• Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

You Can Be Who You Are

We are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion that embraces the authenticity of all employees, partners and communities. We support all employees to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.

EEO Statement:

Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.