Director Development (West Coast)

When you join Sunrise Senior Living, you will be able to use your unique skills to empower residents to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Not only will you build meaningful relationships with residents, their families, and team members alike, you will also gain joy in serving others and deep fulfillment in your work. Explore how you can follow your passions and shed light on meaningful ways to serve, grow, and shine together.

Sunrise Senior Living was again certified as a Great Place to Work® by Activated Insights. This is the 9th time Sunrise has received this top culture and workplace designation, highlighting the special place Sunrise is to be a part of.

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.

As a part of the Sunrise team, supporting our Mission, Principles of Service and Core Values is a fundamental part of this job. Our foundational belief is the sacred value of human life. The unique responsibilities for this role include but are not limited to the essential functions listed as follows:

• 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

Core Competencies

• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment in complex, high-stakes decisions involving financial, regulatory and stakeholder considerations

• Demonstrated track record of applying analytical and commercial acumen to inform site selection, financial modeling and project structuring

• Demonstrated mastery in managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines across all phases of the development lifecycle

• Demonstrated strength in leading cross-functional teams and coordinating with internal and external partners to drive projects forward

• Proven expertise in maintaining strong attention to detail while managing budgets, documentation and compliance within a strategic framework

• Expert proficiency in communicating effectively with executive leaders, public officials and community stakeholders to build alignment and influence outcomes

Experience and Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed throughout this job description are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MS, MURP, MCP or similar) preferred

• 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

Ready to take the next step and make a bigger impact than you ever imagined? As part of our team, you will help brighten the future for everyone at Sunrise and beyond. That is why we make it a priority to celebrate the unique ways you bring moments of togetherness and joy to everyone you serve. And when combined with the support, benefits, and growth opportunities we offer, the result is a career that PositivelyShines with everything you need to reach your goals – at work and in your life.

We also offer benefits and other compensation that include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Plans
• Retirement Savings Plans
• Employee Assistant Program / Discount Program
• Paid time off (PTO), sick time, and holiday pay
• myFlexPay offered to get paid within hours of a shift
• Tuition Reimbursement
• In addition to base compensation, Sunrise may offer discretionary and/or non-discretionary bonuses. The eligibility to receive such a bonus will depend on the employee’s position, plan/program offered by Sunrise at the time, and required performance pursuant to the plan/program.
• Some benefits have eligibility requirements

Apply today to learn why Sunrise Senior Living is a certified Great Place to Work®

Sunrise considers the health and safety of its residents, family members, and team members among its highest priorities. Employment with Sunrise is contingent upon successful completion of required pre-employment screenings and health evaluations in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Covid 19 and Influenza vaccination may be required if mandated by applicable federal, state, and local laws and authorities.

Selected candidates will be offered competitive compensation based on geographic location of community/office, skills, experience, qualifications, and certifications/licenses (where applicable).