Director, Development - Student Housing

About the role

Gilbane Development Company is seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial Director, Development to lead ground-up student housing projects from concept through completion. This role is pivotal in expanding our development pipeline and shaping vibrant, high-performing communities tailored to student needs. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and brings deep experience in real estate development, strong financial acumen, and a passion for mentoring and team-building.

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

Requirements

• 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

Pay

The pay ranges from $137,840 - $201,600 plus benefits and retirement program.

Benefits

• Competitive health and welfare benefits
• Generous profit-sharing/401k plan
• Investment in employees’ education through Gilbane University, a top training organization in the construction industry