Director / Sr. Director Development

AvalonBay Communities • Carmel, IN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

AvalonBay Communities, Inc., an equity REIT, has a long-term track record of developing, redeveloping, acquiring and managing distinctive apartment homes in some of the best U.S. markets, and delivering outsized, risk-adjusted returns to shareholders. With equal parts experience and vision, we’ve established a leadership position rooted in our purpose of creating a better way to live and that is always focused on building value for the long term. Creating a better way to live is the purpose that binds AvalonBay associates. We take that purpose seriously and expect you will as well. By focusing on collaboration, innovation, and taking ownership of our choices and actions, we act in ways that focus on creating value for our customers, investors and associates. Your positive, professional, and consistent personal interactions make AvalonBay a great place to work. The Role We’re looking for a Development Director / Senior Development Director to lead multiple multifamily and mixed-use projects from initial deal evaluation through stabilization. This is a hands-on role owning the full lifecycle—feasibility, entitlement, design, execution, and delivery. You’ll work across internal teams and external partners to move deals forward, manage risk, and drive projects to successful outcomes.

Requirements

• ~7+ years in real estate development (or closely related field)
• Direct experience running development deals—not just supporting
• Strong understanding of entitlements, financial underwriting, and project execution
• Proven ability to manage consultants, vendors, and internal stakeholders
• Comfortable operating at both strategy level and in the weeds
• Bachelor's required

Nice To Haves

• MBA or Master’s in Real Estate (or similar) is a plus
• LEED or other industry certifications

Responsibilities

• Own the project lifecycle
• Lead projects from site evaluation through stabilization
• Build and evaluate feasibility: entitlements, market, financials, environmental and engineering
• Prepare investment materials and recommendations for internal approvals (MIC)
• Manage contracts, risk, and overall deal strategy
• Deliver clear monthly project updates
• Drive execution through partners
• Manage architects, engineers, planners, and other consultants
• Lead design process and ensure deliverables hit scope, schedule, and budget
• Oversee vendor selection and performance at an executive level
• Lead cross-functional teams
• Run asset teams across Development, Construction, Design, and Operations
• Align stakeholders and keep projects moving
• Navigate entitlements
• Own the entitlement process end-to-end
• Work directly with municipalities, land use attorneys, and consultants
• Participate in hearings and approvals, manage timelines and risk
• Source new deals
• Identify and help advance new development opportunities

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits — health, dental and vision
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• An employee stock purchase plan
• Growth based on achievement and promotion from within
• Associate recognition (a company-wide recognition program that celebrates associate efforts and successes in contributing to the overall success of the organization – including destination awards, ‘AvalonBay’s Very Best’ recognition program and others!)
• A 20% discount on our incredible apartment homes

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director