Director of Development

Overview

Responsibilities

• Leads the identification, acquisition, and due diligence process for new student housing developments, ensuring all stages are managed efficiently and strategically
• Sources, identifies, and underwrites new development opportunities by leveraging an established brokerage network and maintaining proactive outreach efforts
• Stays informed on targeted student housing markets in order to recognize potential opportunities and position new projects advantageously
• Oversees the entire development cycle, including entitlement, design, permitting, construction, and final delivery of project
• Conducts comprehensive market research and financial modeling to evaluate project feasibility, supporting optimal returns on investments
• Develops and manages detailed project budgets, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure successful project execution
• Collaborates cross-functionally with internal teams, consultants, and contractors to drive project success and foster strong working relationships
• Promotes a culture of mentorship, innovation, and accountability within the development team, supporting professional growth and high performance
• Monitors industry trends and proactively adjusts strategies to maintain a competitive advantage in the student housing sector
• Provides clear and consistent updates to senior leadership regarding pipeline progress, financial performance, and key project milestones.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field; an MBA or Master’s in a related discipline is preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in real estate development, with a strong record of success in ground-up student housing or multifamily projects.
• Candidates should have sourced and completed a minimum of six substantial development projects valued between $50 and $150 million, with significant involvement in student housing.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously, at various phases and across diverse geographic locations.
• Experience with mixed-use, retail, and multifamily projects is also desirable.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, complemented by a collaborative and entrepreneurial approach.
• Proven capacity to prioritize and execute tasks efficiently, achieving company and project objectives with prudence and a sense of urgency.
• Advanced skills in financial modeling and analytics are essential for success in this role.
• Proficiency with development tools such as MS Project, Excel, and project management platforms is required.