Director, Real Estate Development - SoCal

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director, Real Estate Development – SoCal based in the United States. Lead the development of affordable housing projects across Southern California, helping expand access to quality housing and create lasting community impact. In this senior leadership role, you will oversee complex, multimillion-dollar real estate developments from initial feasibility and financing through construction and final closing. You will shape regional development strategies, identify new investment opportunities, secure public and private funding, and build strong relationships with government agencies, community organizations, and industry partners. Working across finance, construction, design, property management, and resident services, you will ensure projects meet financial objectives, regulatory requirements, and quality standards. You will also lead and mentor development professionals while representing the organization in regional housing initiatives. This hybrid opportunity is ideal for an experienced real estate leader passionate about affordable housing, strategic growth, and meaningful community development.

Lead regional development activities: Oversee new construction, refinancing, and rehabilitation projects across the assigned Southern California territory, coordinating project managers and providing progress updates to executive leadership. Develop and execute regional business plans: Identify and evaluate affordable housing opportunities, assess feasibility, and establish development strategies aligned with organizational goals and regional housing needs. Structure projects and financing: Research, evaluate, and secure public and private funding for predevelopment, construction, and permanent financing. Develop underwriting assumptions, financial structures, and investment recommendations. Manage projects through the full development lifecycle: Oversee activities from predevelopment and initial closing through construction, final closing, and completion, ensuring delivery within approved budgets and timelines. Build community and government partnerships: Develop relationships with local and state agencies, community-based organizations, housing finance authorities, and other stakeholders to advance project approvals and support regional housing priorities. Coordinate regulatory and environmental reviews: Work with public agencies and project teams to secure timely entitlements, environmental clearances, and other required approvals. Represent the organization at public meetings and policy discussions. Lead project procurement and negotiations: Identify and negotiate agreements with architects, engineers, general contractors, and other development partners. Support requests for qualifications and proposals, and help establish commercial terms and financial assumptions. Oversee design and construction quality: Ensure plans and specifications align with organizational standards and applicable accessibility and fair housing requirements, including ADA and Section 504 considerations. Monitor contractor performance, budgets, construction contracts, and project objectives. Manage project changes and financial closeout: Review proposed change orders and oversee final closing requirements, including cost certifications, tax credit documentation, and required financial schedules. Lead and develop the team: Recruit, onboard, train, supervise, and motivate development staff. Set expectations, provide coaching, support professional growth, and ensure performance reviews and organizational policies are followed. Collaborate across departments: Partner with business development, finance, project management, real estate management, asset management, operations, resident services, and compliance teams to optimize project feasibility and long-term performance. Represent regional housing priorities: Participate in affordable housing associations and industry initiatives, strengthen external relationships, and advocate for development opportunities at local and state levels. Maintain organizational standards: Follow applicable regulations, safety programs, mandatory training requirements, and internal procedures while promoting accountability and consistent project execution. Requirements A bachelor's degree in real estate or a related field is required. A master's degree in architecture, real estate development, business, finance, planning, construction management, or a related discipline is preferred; equivalent combinations of education and relevant professional experience may be considered. At least five years of relevant experience in real estate development or a related field, such as residential architecture, finance, planning, construction, or affordable housing development. Experience in residential multifamily development, particularly sourcing land or existing properties for acquisition, is required; approximately three to five years of relevant experience is identified in the job qualifications. Strong experience with deed-restricted affordable housing is highly preferred, particularly multifamily developments financed through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program in California. Demonstrated ability to evaluate real estate opportunities, conduct feasibility analyses, develop project budgets, and assess financial assumptions and investment structures. Experience securing or coordinating public and private financing, including predevelopment, construction, and permanent funding sources. Strong knowledge of the real estate development lifecycle, including entitlements, environmental reviews, construction oversight, financing, and final closing requirements. Ability to manage complex projects against budgets and timelines while balancing regulatory obligations, design standards, construction requirements, and long-term operating considerations. Experience negotiating contracts and managing relationships with architects, engineers, contractors, public agencies, financing partners, and community stakeholders. Proven leadership skills, including the ability to supervise and develop teams, establish accountability, manage performance, and guide multiple projects with limited day-to-day oversight. Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to represent development initiatives in public and executive settings. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders. A demonstrated commitment to affordable housing, community development, and mission-driven real estate initiatives. Ability to work in a hybrid arrangement based in the Southern California region, with the primary office location in Burbank, California. Benefits Annual salary range: $125,000–$220,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Typical hiring range for new employees: $125,000–$172,500 per year, depending on experience and internal compensation considerations. Medical coverage: Comprehensive medical insurance options. Dental and vision: Affordable dental and vision plans. Retirement savings: A 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching contributions of up to 5% of pay. Paid time off: 15 vacation days per year, with additional accrual based on length of service. Paid sick leave: 10 paid sick days annually. Paid holidays: 13 paid holidays each year. Work flexibility: Hybrid work arrangement and flexible scheduling options where applicable. Employee wellness: Access to an employee wellness program and an Employee Assistance Program offering mental health, financial, and legal support. Professional development: In-house training and learning opportunities through an employee development program. Employee referral program: $1,500 employee referral incentive. Meaningful impact: Opportunity to lead affordable housing developments that support communities and expand access to housing.