Director Development (West Coast)

Sunrise Senior Living•McLean, VA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Director Development will advance Sunrise’s growth strategy by leading the execution of the full development process for new communities and major capital projects. This position, in partnership with the Senior Vice President / Vice President Development, manages all key aspects of the development lifecycle, including site selection, feasibility analysis, budgeting, acquisition, deal structuring, contract negotiation, entitlements, design coordination and construction oversight. The role also collaborates closely with internal stakeholders—including Operations and Finance—as well as external partners such as equity investors, consultants, and municipal agencies to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and in alignment with organizational goals. Additionally, the Director Development will lead presentations during monthly project reviews and contribute to the continuous improvement of development processes and standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in real estate development and finance, including direct responsibility for leading complex, multi-phase projects from acquisition through stabilization
Hands-on experience with all phases of the development lifecycle, including site selection, entitlement, financing, design, construction and lease-up
Prior experience with complex, multi-layered financing structures; experience with rental housing development strongly preferred
Strong knowledge of land use regulations, entitlement processes and public/private real estate financing tools
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines while balancing short-term tasks with long-term strategic goals
Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, make informed decisions and resolve complex development challenges
Highly effective communicator with the ability to synthesize complex information and present it to senior and executive leadership audiences
Strong proficiency in public speaking, with the ability to confidently represent the organization in community meetings, public forums and investor presentations
Proven self-starter with a strong work ethic, high degree of adaptability and a proactive approach to problem-solving
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
Experience with Microsoft Project and PowerPoint is a plus

Nice To Haves

advanced degree (MBA, MS, MURP, MCP or similar) preferred

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive analyses of potential land acquisitions, including the development of proformas and detailed project documentation
Coordinate due diligence activities, perform sub-market analyses and provide critical input to the SVP/VP of Development for final site selection and approval processes
Drive the development of responses to requests for proposals and solicitations for bids in partnership with development managers and analysts, including creative concepts, economic analyses, financing structures and proposal materials
Oversee the preparation of development budgets and pro forma operating budgets, ensuring balanced sources and uses, and manage budgets throughout the development process to achieve stated revenue goals
Oversee the preparation of financing applications - debt, equity and/or bond - for assigned developments, working closely with development managers and analysts to ensure alignment with project strategy and organizational goals
Lead the drafting of loan and partnership documents, managing the financial closing process for each assigned development
Develop and implement strategies for entitlement, zoning and permitting processes, including managing community engagement and approval procedures
Engage with federal, state/provincial and local government agencies to ensure compliance with financing and regulatory requirements, securing necessary approvals when needed
Manage and maintain development schedules to ensure timely completion of milestones, including project closings
Onboard and coordinate the work of professional consultants within the development team, schedule meetings and review consultant reports to ensure alignment with project objectives
Monitor the marketing lease-up process in collaboration with management to meet or exceed lease-up goals
Coordinate and deliver project updates to executive leadership and prepare materials for Board approval, ensuring timely and accurate reporting
Participate in industry associations and forums to stay informed of market trends, share best practices and represent the organization within the industry
Maintain compliance in assigned required training and all training required by state/province or other regulating authorities as applicable to this role to ensure that Sunrise standards are always met
Perform other duties as assigned