Director, Development - Student Housing

Responsibilities

Leads the identification, acquisition, and due diligence process for new student housing developments, ensuring all stages are managed efficiently and strategically
Sources, identifies, and underwrites new development opportunities by leveraging an established brokerage network and maintaining proactive outreach efforts
Stays informed on targeted student housing markets in order to recognize potential opportunities and position new projects advantageously
Oversees the entire development cycle, including entitlement, design, permitting, construction, and final delivery of project
Conducts comprehensive market research and financial modeling to evaluate project feasibility, supporting optimal returns on investments
Develops and manages detailed project budgets, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure successful project execution
Collaborates cross-functionally with internal teams, consultants, and contractors to drive project success and foster strong working relationships
Promotes a culture of mentorship, innovation, and accountability within the development team, supporting professional growth and high performance
Monitors industry trends and proactively adjusts strategies to maintain a competitive advantage in the student housing sector
Provides clear and consistent updates to senior leadership regarding pipeline progress, financial performance, and key project milestones

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field; an MBA or Master’s in a related discipline is preferred.
10+ years of experience in real estate development, with a strong record of success in ground-up student housing or multifamily projects.
Candidates should have sourced and completed a minimum of six substantial development projects valued between $50 and $150 million, with significant involvement in student housing.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously, at various phases and across diverse geographic locations.
Experience with mixed-use, retail, and multifamily projects is also desirable.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, complemented by a collaborative and entrepreneurial approach.
Proven capacity to prioritize and execute tasks efficiently, achieving company and project objectives with prudence and a sense of urgency.
Advanced skills in financial modeling and analytics are essential for success in this role.
Proficiency with development tools such as MS Project, Excel, and project management platforms is required.