Director of Development

Stark Enterprises•Cleveland, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Development is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing new development projects from concept through completion. This role ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with company goals and standards. The Director of Development partners closely with internal teamsincluding Planning & Design, Legal, Finance, Construction, and Executive Leadershipwhile managing external consultants, municipal authorities, and third-party vendors. This position plays a critical role in evaluating prospective development opportunities, navigating due diligence, coordinating design and engineering efforts, and supporting entitlement and permitting processes.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in Real Estate Development, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
Minimum of 7 years of project management experience in ground-up development, construction, or related disciplines.
Experience with building design, construction systems, and development processes.
Demonstrated ability to read construction documents, technical plans, and specification manuals.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver results within deadlines.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly convey technical information in writing and in person.
Proficiency with budget development, financial modeling, and project costing.

Responsibilities

Project Planning & Coordination Plan, coordinate, and manage development activities for assigned projects from initial concept through delivery.
Create and oversee project schedules for production, submissions, approvals, and construction milestones.
Prepare comprehensive project proposals, timelines, budgets, and implementation plans.
Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve project issues promptly and accurately to maintain project continuity.
Due Diligence & Site Evaluation Coordinate development site analysis, including feasibility assessments and recommendations for prospective properties.
Read, interpret, and apply building codes, zoning ordinances, and municipal regulations.
Oversee third-party due diligence activities, including ALTA surveys, geotechnical studies, Phase I environmental assessments, and other vendor deliverables.
Collaborate with Legal to execute due diligence tasks and ensure alignment with project requirements.
Design & Technical Coordination Coordinate civil, architectural, structural, MEP, landscape, and other technical disciplines throughout the design and permitting process.
Lead design coordination efforts to ensure plans are accurate, cohesive, and delivered on schedule.
Competently read, interpret, and communicate civil and building plans.
Supervise and support internal Planning & Design team members to ensure projects meet deadlines, cost targets, and quality standards.
Municipal & External Engagement Represent the company in municipal meetings, public hearings, and technical review discussions.
Coordinate plan submissions and revisions with municipal authorities, clients, and regulatory agencies.
Manage contracts, bids, and procurement with consultants, vendors, and suppliers.
Budgeting, Cost Tracking & Reporting Build and maintain project budgets, financial models, and proformas across a variety of development types.
Track and manage project costs to ensure ongoing budgetary compliance.
Update and maintain project schedules and status reports for leadership.
Liaise with contractors to address technical questions and ensure project alignment.
Cross-Functional Communication Provide consistent, clear, and proactive communication with company leadership regarding project updates, risks, and critical path items.
Identify potential challenges and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies to maintain project momentum.
Collaborate effectively with internal departments, including Planning & Design, Legal, Construction, and Finance.
Other Responsibilities Demonstrate company core values consistently.
Complete additional tasks, projects, and responsibilities as assigned by your supervisor or the company.