Director, Real Estate Development

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director, Real Estate Development – SoCal based in the United States.

• Lead regional development activities: Oversee new construction, refinancing, and rehabilitation projects across the assigned Southern California territory, coordinating project managers and providing progress updates to executive leadership.
• Develop and execute regional business plans: Identify and evaluate affordable housing opportunities, assess feasibility, and establish development strategies aligned with organizational goals and regional housing needs.
• Structure projects and financing: Research, evaluate, and secure public and private funding for predevelopment, construction, and permanent financing. Develop underwriting assumptions, financial structures, and investment recommendations.
• Manage projects through the full development lifecycle: Oversee activities from predevelopment and initial closing through construction, final closing, and completion, ensuring delivery within approved budgets and timelines.
• Build community and government partnerships: Develop relationships with local and state agencies, community-based organizations, housing finance authorities, and other stakeholders to advance project approvals and support regional housing priorities.
• Coordinate regulatory and environmental reviews: Work with public agencies and project teams to secure timely entitlements, environmental clearances, and other required approvals. Represent the organization at public meetings and policy discussions.
• Lead project procurement and negotiations: Identify and negotiate agreements with architects, engineers, general contractors, and other development partners. Support requests for qualifications and proposals, and help establish commercial terms and financial assumptions.
• Oversee design and construction quality: Ensure plans and specifications align with organizational standards and applicable accessibility and fair housing requirements, including ADA and Section 504 considerations. Monitor contractor performance, budgets, construction contracts, and project objectives.
• Manage project changes and financial closeout: Review proposed change orders and oversee final closing requirements, including cost certifications, tax credit documentation, and required financial schedules.
• Lead and develop the team: Recruit, onboard, train, supervise, and motivate development staff. Set expectations, provide coaching, support professional growth, and ensure performance reviews and organizational policies are followed.
• Collaborate across departments: Partner with business development, finance, project management, real estate management, asset management, operations, resident services, and compliance teams to optimize project feasibility and long-term performance.
• Represent regional housing priorities: Participate in affordable housing associations and industry initiatives, strengthen external relationships, and advocate for development opportunities at local and state levels.
• Maintain organizational standards: Follow applicable regulations, safety programs, mandatory training requirements, and internal procedures while promoting accountability and consistent project execution.

• A bachelor's degree in real estate or a related field is required. A master's degree in architecture, real estate development, business, finance, planning, construction management, or a related discipline is preferred; equivalent combinations of education and relevant professional experience may be considered.
• At least five years of relevant experience in real estate development or a related field, such as residential architecture, finance, planning, construction, or affordable housing development.
• Experience in residential multifamily development, particularly sourcing land or existing properties for acquisition, is required; approximately three to five years of relevant experience is identified in the job qualifications.
• Strong experience with deed-restricted affordable housing is highly preferred, particularly multifamily developments financed through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program in California.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate real estate opportunities, conduct feasibility analyses, develop project budgets, and assess financial assumptions and investment structures.
• Experience securing or coordinating public and private financing, including predevelopment, construction, and permanent funding sources.
• Strong knowledge of the real estate development lifecycle, including entitlements, environmental reviews, construction oversight, financing, and final closing requirements.
• Ability to manage complex projects against budgets and timelines while balancing multiple priorities.

• Hybrid opportunity.
• Based in the United States.