Job Title: Director of Development
Location: Denver, CO
Department: Development
Company Overview:
Over its 25-year history, Edgemark has established a leading-edge real estate platform, acquiring, developing, and managing over $2 billion in assets across 6 million square feet in 22 states. Our diverse portfolio includes retail, self-storage, multifamily, senior living, and office properties.
At Edgemark, our investment approach combines an institutional platform with an entrepreneurial mindset to identify and capitalize on strategic opportunities in retail and multifamily real estate. We are committed to acquiring and developing assets in high-potential markets, with a focus on the Midwest, West, and Mountain West regions—areas known for their economic resilience, stability, and growth potential.
Our mission is to deliver exceptional value to investors while maintaining a reputation for trustworthiness, innovation, and results-driven execution.
Position Overview:
The Director of Development is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing and driving all aspects of the development lifecycle, from site acquisition and feasibility analysis through design, construction, and stabilization. This individual will lead the Development Department, providing strategic direction, managing a portfolio of projects, and ensuring high-quality, on-time, and on-budget execution.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned real estate development professional with a deep knowledge base, proven leadership experience, and a track record of successfully delivering complex projects. This role requires a visionary leader who can scale the development function, implement best practices, and foster a culture of excellence and innovation.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership:
- Define and implement the company’s strategic development vision, ensuring alignment with broader corporate objectives.
- Identify new development opportunities and assess their feasibility based on market trends, financial viability, and regulatory requirements.
- Build and maintain relationships with municipalities, investors, partners, and other key stakeholders to support development efforts.
Project Management:
- Oversee the full project lifecycle, including site selection, feasibility studies, entitlements, design, construction, leasing, and stabilization.
- Manage a portfolio of projects to ensure timely delivery, adherence to budgets, and achievement of quality standards.
- Develop and monitor project budgets, timelines, and proformas, and implement strategies to mitigate risks.
- Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams, including architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants.
Financial Oversight:
- Conduct financial analyses and prepare proformas to evaluate project viability and performance.
- Collaborate with the capital and acquisitions teams to secure project funding and align development activities with company financial goals.
- Monitor development budgets, implement cost controls, and ensure projects deliver strong financial returns.
Team Leadership and Development:
- Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing development team capable of executing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Foster a collaborative and innovative culture within the department.
- Establish and implement systems, processes, and best practices to enhance scalability and operational efficiency.
Stakeholder Management:
- Liaise with public officials, community organizations, and private stakeholders to address project-related concerns and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Partner with internal teams, including acquisitions, operations, and investor relations, to align project objectives and achieve organizational goals.
- Serve as the primary representative for development-related communications with investors and external partners.
Qualifications:
Experience:
- Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in real estate development, with a focus on retail, mixed-use, or multifamily projects.
- Demonstrated success in leading development teams and delivering large-scale projects on time and within budget.
- Proven ability to scale development operations within a high-growth organization.
Knowledge Base:
- Comprehensive knowledge of development processes, including entitlements, zoning, permitting, design, construction, and stabilization.
- Strong understanding of financial modeling, proforma analysis, and project financing.
- Expertise in land use and regulatory processes, particularly in the Midwest, West, and Mountain West regions.
Skills:
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship management skills.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive, solution-oriented approach.
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in project management and development software tools.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in real estate, business, construction management, architecture, or a related field. A master’s degree or MBA is strongly preferred.
Key Attributes for Success:
- Visionary leader capable of driving strategic initiatives and scaling operations.
- Results-oriented with a focus on achieving measurable outcomes.
- Collaborative team player with a passion for solving complex challenges.
- Adaptable and innovative in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Compensation:
- $190,000 - $200,000 in base salary
- Bonus Potential: Discretionary performance-based bonus program