Investment Banking Associate – Real Estate, Gaming & Lodging (REGAL)

About the Role and Team

Jefferies' Real Estate, Gaming & Lodging (REGAL) Group delivers comprehensive investment banking and capital markets advisory services tailored to clients in the real estate and lodging sectors. The team supports public and private entities operating within residential, office, industrial, retail, self-storage, casino operations, lodging, and leisure markets. REGAL specialists collaborate closely with corporate management and financial sponsors on mergers & acquisitions, capital fundraising, restructuring, and strategic advisory engagements worldwide.

Position Overview

We are looking for a seasoned Investment Banking Associate to integrate into our REGAL team based in Charlotte. Associates hold a pivotal role in executing transactions and fostering business development by working directly alongside senior bankers and clients across diverse strategic and financing projects. The Associate is responsible for financial analyses, preparing client presentations, transaction execution, due diligence, and overseeing junior team members. This position provides meaningful exposure to senior leadership and collaboration opportunities with experts in M&A, equity capital markets, leveraged finance, investment grade debt, high yield, and restructuring.

Key Duties

• Create and sustain intricate financial models, such as valuation models, three-statement operating forecasts, merger and acquisition pro forma analyses, and specialized REIT and real estate evaluations.
• Develop client presentations, marketing pitches, and strategic advisory documentation.
• Facilitate the execution of M&A, capital market deals, and other key strategic transactions.
• Perform detailed company, industry, and market research.
• Engage in due diligence and management discussion meetings.
• Draft and critique marketing materials including Confidential Information Memoranda, offering documents, investor decks, registration filings, and transaction papers.
• Coordinate project workflows and supervise analysts' outputs.
• Prepare memoranda for internal committees and materials needed for transaction approvals.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with corporate clients, financial sponsors, and internal partners.
• Simultaneously manage several live transactions and marketing initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or related discipline.
• At least 5 years of investment banking experience, ideally focused within real estate, lodging, gaming, REITs, or affiliated sectors; alternatively, an MBA coupled with relevant investment banking background.
• Advanced skills in financial modeling and valuation techniques.
• Superior analytical reasoning, written communication, and presentation capabilities.
• Adeptness in a dynamic, transaction-driven work environment.
• Proven project oversight and leadership competencies.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a strong commitment to superior quality.
• Experience advising on real estate, REIT, lodging, gaming, or leisure sector transactions.
• Direct involvement in executing M&A and capital markets deals.
• Familiarity with valuation methods and metrics specific to real estate industries.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior team members and concurrently handle numerous projects.