Director / Sr. Director Development

The Role

We're looking for a Development Director / Senior Development Director to lead multiple multifamily and mixed-use projects from initial deal evaluation through stabilization. This is a hands-on role owning the full lifecycle—feasibility, entitlement, design, execution, and delivery.

You’ll work across internal teams and external partners to move deals forward, manage risk, and drive projects to successful outcomes.

What You’ll Do

• Own the project lifecycle

  • Lead projects from site evaluation through stabilization
  • Build and evaluate feasibility: entitlements, market, financials, environmental and engineering
  • Prepare investment materials and recommendations for internal approvals (MIC)
  • Manage contracts, risk, and overall deal strategy
  • Deliver clear monthly project updates

• Drive execution through partners

  • Manage architects, engineers, planners, and other consultants
  • Lead design process and ensure deliverables hit scope, schedule, and budget
  • Oversee vendor selection and performance at an executive level

• Lead cross-functional teams

  • Run asset teams across Development, Construction, Design, and Operations
  • Align stakeholders and keep projects moving

• Navigate entitlements

  • Own the entitlement process end-to-end
  • Work directly with municipalities, land use attorneys, and consultants
  • Participate in hearings and approvals, manage timelines and risk

• Source new deals

  • Identify and help advance new development opportunities

What You Bring

• ~7+ years in real estate development
• Direct experience running development deals—not just supporting
• Strong understanding of entitlements, financial underwriting, and project execution
• Proven ability to manage consultants, vendors, and internal stakeholders
• Comfortable operating at both strategy level and in the weeds

Education

• Bachelor’s required
• MBA or Master’s in Real Estate (or similar) is a plus

Nice to Have

• LEED or other industry certifications

AvalonBay Supports You

• Comprehensive benefits — health, dental and vision, 401(k) with company match, paid vacation and holidays, tuition reimbursement, an employee stock purchase plan and more.
• Growth based on achievement and promotion from within.
• Associate recognition (a company-wide recognition program that celebrates associate efforts and successes in contributing to the overall success of the organization – including destination awards, ‘AvalonBay’s Very Best’ recognition program and others!)
• A 20% discount on our incredible apartment homes.
• A culture built on purpose and our core values - A Commitment to Integrity, A Spirit of Caring, and A Focus on Continuous Improvement.

Additional Info

• AvalonBay is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment free of discrimination and harassment.
• AvalonBay will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with requirements under the law.
• AvalonBay does not require or request that you provide any information that identifies your age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. Please redact this information prior to the submission of your application and/or leave these fields incomplete on your application.
• For California residents, if you elect to apply to AvalonBay you accept the AvalonBay California Personnel Privacy Notice (https://www.avaloncommunities.com/california-personnel-privacy-notice/).