Director of Development

IDEAL HOMES OF NORMAN LP•Norman, OK

11d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for the full lifecycle of community development projects—from sourcing and acquiring land to overseeing development construction through permit-ready completion. This role integrates strategic land acquisition, market analytics, contract negotiation, and field execution, while also leading internal teams and maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders.

Requirements

One to two years of project management experience.
One to two years of land development and/or building experience.
Working knowledge of Microsoft applications such as Outlook, Excel, and Word.
Proven ability to develop strong, personal relationships with a variety of people.
Evidence of strong organizational abilities.
Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills.
Evidence of self-motivation.
Strong understanding of land development processes from acquisition through construction
Working knowledge of construction drawings, utilities, and civil engineering concepts
Experience with real estate contracts, negotiation, and deal structuring
Ability to analyze market data and identify strategic growth opportunities
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) and mapping tools (e.g., Google Earth, NearMap)
Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
Strong organizational and time management abilities
Ability to lead teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Responsibilities

Source, evaluate, and secure new land opportunities in existing and emerging markets
Oversee all phases of land development from acquisition through permit-ready stage
Ensure development projects are completed on time, within scope, and aligned with company standards
Develop and maintain relationships with municipalities, engineers, landowners, and industry partners
Utilize market data and analytics to identify growth opportunities and guide acquisition strategy
Lead and support development team members to ensure consistent execution and performance
Negotiate land purchases, contracts, and development agreements
Identify, research, and pursue new land opportunities (on- and off-market)
Conduct market analysis using mapping tools and data sources to guide decisions
Present land opportunities and recommendations to leadership
Maintain pipeline of acquisition opportunities and meet defined contract goals
Monitor all phases of development construction using checklists, scopes of work, and site visits
Ensure projects progress from land purchase through permit-ready status on schedule
Coordinate with contractors, engineers, and utility providers
Ensure installation of utilities (electric, gas, water, telecom) prior to home closings
Oversee erosion control, signage, infrastructure, and landscaping of developments
Conduct regular site visits and maintain active field presence
Train, mentor, and support Community Development Project Managers
Lead or participate in development meetings, land meetings, and planning sessions
Collaborate cross-functionally with construction, sales, and leadership teams
Provide problem-solving support across active development projects
Lead due diligence processes including feasibility, utilities, and engineering considerations
Maintain and analyze data on land opportunities, contracts, and market trends
Build and manage mapping and tracking systems for land, utilities, and demographics
Stay current on industry trends, regulations, and development best practices
Develop and maintain development policies, procedures, and documentation
Build strong relationships with city officials, engineers, landowners, and contractors
Represent the company at planning commission, city council, and industry events
Maintain organized records of meetings, contracts, and development activities
Other duties as assigned