Director, Real Estate Development - SoCal

Accountabilities

• Lead regional development activities: Oversee new construction, refinancing, and rehabilitation projects across the assigned Southern California territory, coordinating project managers and providing progress updates to executive leadership.

• Develop and execute regional business plans: Identify and evaluate affordable housing opportunities, assess feasibility, and establish development strategies aligned with organizational goals and regional housing needs.

• Structure projects and financing: Research, evaluate, and secure public and private funding for predevelopment, construction, and permanent financing. Develop underwriting assumptions, financial structures, and investment recommendations.

• Manage projects through the full development lifecycle: Oversee activities from predevelopment and initial closing through construction, final closing, and completion, ensuring delivery within approved budgets and timelines.

• Build community and government partnerships: Develop relationships with local and state agencies, community-based organizations, housing finance authorities, and other stakeholders to advance project approvals and support regional housing priorities.

• Coordinate regulatory and environmental reviews: Work with public agencies and project teams to secure timely entitlements, environmental clearances, and other required approvals. Represent the organization at public meetings and policy discussions.

• Lead project procurement and negotiations: Identify and negotiate agreements with architects, engineers, general contractors, and other development partners. Support requests for qualifications and proposals, and help establish commercial terms and financial assumptions.

• Oversee design and construction quality: Ensure plans and specifications align with organizational standards and applicable accessibility and fair housing requirements, including ADA and Section 504 considerations. Monitor contractor performance, budgets, construction contracts, and project objectives.

• Manage project changes and financial closeout: Review proposed change orders and oversee final closing requirements, including cost certifications, tax credit documentation, and required financial schedules.

• Lead and develop the team: Recruit, onboard, train, supervise, and motivate development staff. Set expectations, provide coaching, support professional growth, and ensure performance reviews and organizational policies are followed.

• Collaborate across departments: Partner with business development, finance, project management, real estate management, asset management, operations, resident services, and compliance teams to optimize project feasibility and long-term performance.

• Represent regional housing priorities: Participate in affordable housing associations and industry initiatives, strengthen external relationships, and advocate for development opportunities at local and state levels.

• Maintain organizational standards: Follow applicable regulations, safety programs, mandatory training requirements, and internal procedures while promoting accountability and consistent project execution.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in real estate or a related field is required. A master's degree in architecture, real estate development, business, finance, planning, construction management, or a related discipline is preferred; equivalent combinations of education and relevant professional experience may be considered.

• At least five years of relevant experience in real estate development or a related field, such as residential architecture, finance, planning, construction, or affordable housing development.

• Experience in residential multifamily development, particularly sourcing land or existing properties for acquisition, is required; approximately three to five years of relevant experience is identified in the job qualifications.

• Strong experience with deed-restricted affordable housing is highly preferred, particularly multifamily developments financed through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program in California.

• Demonstrated ability to evaluate real estate opportunities, conduct feasibility analyses, develop project budgets, and assess financial assumptions and investment structures.

• Experience securing or coordinating public and private financing, including predevelopment, construction, and permanent funding sources.

• Strong knowledge of the real estate development lifecycle, including entitlements, environmental reviews, construction oversight, financing, and final closing requirements.

• Ability to manage complex projects against budgets and timelines while balancing regulatory obligations, design standards, construction requirements, and long-term operating considerations.

• Experience negotiating contracts and managing relationships with architects, engineers, contractors, public agencies, financing partners, and community stakeholders.

• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to supervise and develop teams, establish accountability, manage performance, and guide multiple projects with limited day-to-day oversight.

• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to represent development initiatives in public and executive settings.

• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• A demonstrated commitment to affordable housing, community development, and mission-driven real estate initiatives.

• Ability to work in a hybrid arrangement based in the Southern California region, with the primary office location in Burbank, California.

Benefits

• Annual salary range: $125,000–$220,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

• Typical hiring range for new employees: $125,000–$172,500 per year, depending on experience and internal compensation considerations.

• Medical coverage: Comprehensive medical insurance options.

• Dental and vision: Affordable dental and vision plans.

• Retirement savings: A 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching contributions of up to 5% of pay.

• Paid time off: 15 vacation days per year, with additional accrual based on length of service.

• Paid sick leave: 10 paid sick days annually.

• Paid holidays: 13 paid holidays each year.

• Work flexibility: Hybrid work arrangement and flexible scheduling options where applicable.

• Employee wellness: Access to an employee wellness program and an Employee Assistance Program offering mental health, financial, and legal support.

• Professional development: In-house training and learning opportunities through an employee development program.

• Employee referral program: $1,500 employee referral incentive.

• Meaningful impact: Opportunity to lead affordable housing developments that support communities and expand access to housing.