Development Associate

Why DLC?
DLC is proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work and is driven by a strong culture and entrepreneurial foundation. DLC is one of the nation's leading owners and operators of open-air retail shopping centers and has expertise in all facets of commercial real estate. At DLC, our teammates make all the difference and we offer industry-leading training and career development to assure your success.

What We Offer: 

• Compensation and Benefits: 
  • Competitive pay 
  • 401K company match  
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance  
• Work-Life Balance: 
  • Hybrid work model 
  • 20+ paid days off annually 
  • 13+ paid holidays in addition to PTO 
  • Paid parental leave 
• Career Development: 
  • Industry-leading training and development 
  • Open door policy  
  • Industry trade shows and event access 
  • Mentorship program

About the Role:
The Development Associate supports DLC’s Development team in executing value-creation initiatives across DLC’s portfolio of open-air shopping centers.  These initiatives may include shopping center repositioning, outparcel development, strategic subdivisions, alternative uses, renewable energy opportunities, and other redevelopment projects.

The Development department is responsible for advancing projects that require cross-functional coordination, municipal engagement, entitlements, land-use approvals, easements, subdivisions, eminent domain matters and other property-level initiatives that impact DLC’s portfolio of properties. This role will support the Development team and report directly to the department head.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead diligence efforts on all property-level requests for utility easements, eminent domain action, and general municipal-level activity that may affect DLC’s properties
• Conduct research on local zoning ordinances, land-use regulations, entitlement requirements, municipal procedures, and property-specific constraints.  Prepare written memos, project analyses, summaries and recommendations based on findings.
• Lead internal coordination and project management for strategic subdivisions
• Conduct market research and support the site selection process on behalf of Preferred Development clients
• Oversee lease administration for solar, battery, and EV tenants. Create project reports, trackers, and schedules, and overall lease compliance
• Coordinate project activities with internal teams including Leasing, Property Management, Construction, Asset Management, Legal, Accounting, and Finance.
• Prepare project reporting, presentations, and materials for internal leadership, ownership groups, and business partners.

Technical Skills & Expertise:

• 2–5 years of experience in commercial real estate, development, redevelopment, project management, construction, leasing, asset management, or a related field.
• Retail real estate or open-air shopping center experience (strongly preferred).
• Advanced in Excel, including financial modeling, budgeting, and developing pro formas.
• Familiarity with Argus, Procore, Nexus, or similar systems preferred.
• Understanding of development, entitlement, construction, and project budgeting processes.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Soft Skills:

• Resourceful, proactive, and detail-oriented.
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative team player with a high sense of urgency.
• Curious, adaptable, and eager to learn across multiple areas of commercial real estate.
• Ability to communicate complex issues clearly and effectively to internal and external stakeholders.

The expected salary range for this position is between $85,000 and $100,000. The actual compensation will be based on factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, job-related skills, internal peer equity, market and business considerations and other factors permitted by law.

About DLC:
Founded in 1991, DLC has been one of the nation’s preeminent owners, operators, and managers of shopping centers. Our portfolio includes millions of square feet of attractive retail space and continues to expand as we complete additional acquisitions.