Director of Development

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 teams—including Planning & Design, Legal, Finance, Construction, and Executive Leadership—while 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.

Essential Functions:

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.

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s 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.
• This is a primarily office-based position. The role requires the ability to sit for extended periods, use a computer and standard office equipment, and communicate efficiently in person, by phone, and via email. Periodic walking, standing, bending, and lifting up to 15 pounds may be required.

Competencies:

• Builds strong relationships both internally and externally; works effectively across teams and functional areas.
• Listens actively and communicates clearly, professionally, and with purpose in both written and verbal formats.
• Prioritizes tasks to meet deadlines; manages multiple projects while maintaining focus on quality outcomes.
• Adaptable to changing priorities, new methods, and evolving project requirements.
• Demonstrates resilience in a fast-paced environment and adjusts effectively to shifting business needs.

Why This Opportunity is Exciting for You: We offer a competitive compensation package, including:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Health, Dental, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability Insurance

Additional Information:

• FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
• Location: Cleveland, Ohio HQ (on-site role)
• Travel: up-to 15%
• Reports To: Vice President, Development
• Direct Reports: N/A
• Decision Making Authority: The Director of Development exercises independent judgment in coordinating development activities, managing design and due diligence efforts, negotiating vendor bids, and maintaining project schedules and budgets. This role may provide recommendations related to project strategy, design direction, and risk mitigation. Final approval on major contracts, budgets, and strategic decisions rests with company leadership.

About Stark Enterprises: