Director of Real Estate Development

Job Description

Job Description

Director of Development

Location: New York, NY

An established real estate owner and developer is seeking a Director of Development to lead projects from initial feasibility and due diligence through design, approvals, construction, and completion. This individual will work directly with ownership, overseeing project strategy, financial performance, and execution across multiple development initiatives.

The ideal candidate combines strong financial and analytical skills with substantial experience managing design and construction teams. This is a senior, hands-on opportunity for an experienced development professional who can independently drive projects, resolve complex issues, and make sound business decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full development process, including feasibility analysis, due diligence, predevelopment planning, design, entitlements, permitting, construction, and project closeout.
• Establish and manage development budgets, schedules, cash flow projections, and financial forecasts, maintaining accountability for project costs and returns.
• Evaluate prospective development opportunities, including site constraints, zoning, development potential, construction costs, and execution risks.
• Direct architects, engineers, land use counsel, expeditors, contractors, and other consultants to achieve project objectives.
• Oversee design development and value engineering, balancing quality, market positioning, constructability, and financial performance.
• Manage municipal approvals and coordinate with agencies, utilities, and other stakeholders to advance projects.
• Lead contractor procurement, bid evaluation, contract negotiations, and review of change orders and payment applications.
• Monitor construction progress, identify potential delays or cost overruns, and implement solutions to keep projects on track.
• Coordinate with internal acquisitions, finance, legal, asset management, and leasing teams throughout the development process.
• Prepare clear reporting and recommendations for ownership regarding project status, capital requirements, material risks, and key decisions.
• Provide leadership and direction to development staff and external project teams.

Qualifications

• Approximately 10 or more years of progressive real estate development experience, including meaningful responsibility for projects from predevelopment through completion.
• Demonstrated success managing complex, ground-up development and/or substantial redevelopment projects in New York City or the surrounding metropolitan area.
• Strong understanding of development economics, financial modeling, budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and project cost controls.
• Substantial experience overseeing design, approvals, permitting, construction, and consultant coordination.
• Working knowledge of New York City zoning, building requirements, and agency approval processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, negotiate effectively, and resolve issues independently.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to work directly with ownership and hold project teams accountable.
• Bachelor’s degree in real estate, construction management, engineering, architecture, finance, or a related discipline preferred.