Project Development Manager

Job-ID: 40953Category: DevelopmentLocation: Des Moines, IA, United StatesWorkplace: On-siteSchedule: Full timePosted: 2026-10-15As a Project Development Manager (PDM), you’ll play a pivotable role in shaping the future of senior living by leading the planning, development, and repositioning of vibrant communities where residents can thrive – from identifying new development opportunities to bringing projects to life and guiding communities to 90% occupancy, you will oversee the full project lifecycle across independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Experience is Everything. At LCS, experience is everything. We provide you the opportunity to use your talents in a progressive, growing organization that makes a positive difference in the lives of the seniors we serve. If you are seeking an organization that gives back, you’ll love working here. Our principles and hospitality promises define our company culture. LCS employees can be found participating in volunteer activities, getting involved in our committees or collaborating with team members in our innovative workspace. You’ll find several opportunities to grow as a professional, serve the community, and enhance the lives of seniors. What You’ll Do: In conjunction with a Director of Development and supporting stakeholders, collaborates with project ownership or sponsor to recommend the concept of the project (i.e. size, quality, character, profit potential, etc.) and a project positioning strategy for development (i.e. target market, design budget, and pricing, merchandising scheduling, etc.)Leads, directs, motivates, manages and monitors most members of the development team to bring the project from an idea to a successful outcome. This includes:Preparing a market and financially feasible development plan with client and operations alignment on scope, product pricing, pre-finance (seed capital) requirements and project positioning.In conjunction with design management, prepare design space program, and project team proposal requests.In conjunction with finance management establish capital cost budgets revising them throughout the development process.Obtaining necessary government approvals either directly or through compliance, attorneys and consultants.Selecting the architect and interior designer in conjunction with the client and Design Manager.Directing and monitoring the project architect throughout the development process in conjunction with Design Manager.Establishing the master project schedule and refining it through the development process.Acting as the owner’s representative to project team members.Establishing occupancy development and marketing budget in conjunction with community and regional marketing staff.Monitoring and directing advertising and public relations firms in accordance with the marketing strategy in conjunction with community and regional occupancy development staff.Monitoring sales and cancelation pace, price adjustments to manage to the budgeted entry fee pool or rent rates and assisting the occupancy development process where possible including presenting to potential residents.Directing and assisting the finance team or investment banking team members with respect to borrowing (i.e., seed capital loan, construction and permanent financing).Establishing criteria for and implementing resident selections for potential modifications to independent living residences during construction.Ensuring though review and negotiation of change order and time extension requests during construction in conjunction with the project architect and potential supporting Project Manager (PM) supporting staff.Establishing the quality expectations and punch list and final acceptance process in conjunction with the potential supporting PM, and project architect.Working with Marketing, Operations, and potential PM to facilitate an orderly move-in process including sending proper notice to buyers.Representing the project and Life Care Services to a majority of outside parties including local officials, the general public and the news mediaEnsuring proper project closeout including all final lien waivers, owner training, and final certificate of occupancy are obtained.What We’re Looking For: 5 plus years experience working within the senior living industry, with deep knowledge of how to develop a project for the market segment and location selected.Bachelor degree in Engineering, Business or related fieldStrong organizational and leadership skills.Knowledge of the development process and ability to position a project for the market segments and location selected.Excellent communications skills, and ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders, clients or non profit boards.Understand the relationships of the various budgets (e.g., capital costs, construction, furniture & fixtures, advertising, operations, cash flows, plan of finance) required for the project and ability to help the client balance their needs versus wants for the best interest of the client, investors, and residents.Ability to get things done through people with vastly different backgrounds, ages and expertise.Ability to overcome obstacles and continually move the project along / requires excellent problem solving and decision-making ability, along with a pragmatic work style.Proficient with MS Excel, Power Point, and ability to navigate scheduling software MS Project or Smart Sheets is preferredKnowledge of the design process and the ability to coordinate the architectural design activities to insure optimum functionality while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing building design which is residential in character.Why Join Us? Industry Leader. Inclusive & collaborative culture. Top Workplace USA. Top Workplace Iowa. Charity and community involvement. Outstanding advancement opportunities. Ongoing career development. Benefits Competitive pay, great benefits and vacation time. We are an equal opportunity employer with benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, disability, 401(K) with company match and paid parental leave. Our Commitment LCS creates living experiences that enhance the lives of seniors. You’ll see this commitment in our people. They’re talented, dedicated professionals who truly care about residents, with each conducting his or her work with integrity, honesty and transparency according to the principles of LCS. We strive to help every community succeed—strengthening available resources, establishing proven practices that lead to long-term growth and value for those living in, working for and affiliated with the community. Check us out on our website: Additional Information Travel frequency: 50-75% Estimated Salary: $128,000 - $166,000 The actual title & salary will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and other relevant factors. A POST-OFFER BACKGROUND CHECK, INCLUDING REFERENCES IS REQUIRED. LCS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.