Land Acquisition Development Manager

What You'll Do

• Lead the identification, evaluation, and execution of land opportunities that support Wendover's growing portfolio of affordable and workforce housing communities.
• Manage the front end of the development lifecycle—from market research and feasibility through negotiation, contracting, and entitlement strategy.
• Land Identification & Opportunity Sourcing
• Identify land opportunities through broker relationships, community contacts, ownership outreach, and market intelligence.
• Track trends in growth markets and emerging areas aligned with Wendover's development strategy.
• Maintain a robust acquisition pipeline and proactively advance high-priority opportunities.
• Site Evaluation & Due Diligence
• Conduct feasibility assessments, preliminary site plans, and density/yield studies.
• Partner to coordinate due diligence including surveys, environmental assessments, geotechnical reviews, utilities, and zoning verification.
• Evaluate parcel characteristics, development risks, infrastructure needs, and entitlement complexity.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners (architects, engineers, surveyors) to determine project viability.
• Financial Analysis & Deal Structuring
• Develop and review initial financial models, site budgets, and early-stage pro formas.
• Model acquisition scenarios, development assumptions, and deal structures to guide go/no-go decisions.
• Support early financing strategy for LIHTC, SAIL, SHIP, HOME, HUD programs, and Florida funding opportunities.
• Acquisition Strategy, Negotiation & Contracting
• Lead negotiations with sellers, brokers, and landowners to secure favorable deal terms.
• Prepare and manage letters of intent (LOIs), purchase agreements, and contract timelines.
• Cook with legal review and ensure all agreements meet corporate, financial, and operational standards.
• Coordinate legal review and ensure all agreements meet corporate, financial, and operational standards.
• Support early financing strategy for LIHTC, SAIL, SHIP, HOME, HUD programs, and Florida funding opportunities.
• Entitlement, Zoning & Land-Use Approvals
• Support entitlement pathways, including zoning changes, comp plan amendments, variances, and site plan approvals.
• Cook with municipalities, counties, planning staff, and regulatory agencies.
• Track requirements, prepare submittals, and assist with presentations at public meetings or hearings.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government officials, community partners, landowners, and consultants.
• Support community outreach, neighborhood meetings, and early engagement efforts.
• Facilitate strong collaboration across internal teams—from development and finance to design and construction.
• Project Coordination & Internal Reporting
• Track acquisition milestones, critical dates, and contract contingencies.
• Conduct site visits and provide up-to-date assessments to project leadership.
• Prepare internal reports, investment summaries, opportunity memos, and pipeline updates.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Urban Planning, Finance, Architecture, Business, or related field; Master's preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in land acquisition, residential development, or real estate development.
• Strong understanding of land planning, zoning, entitlements, and Florida development processes.
• Experience with affordable or workforce housing, LIHTC, and public funding programs.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to evaluate feasibility and model development scenarios.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Highly organized, analytical, and comfortable managing multiple opportunities simultaneously.
• A mission-aligned mindset and passion for shaping communities with purpose and integrity.