Director of Development

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

ABOUT URBAN SITES

Urban Sites is a full-service real estate development company dedicated to enhancing the fabric of urban living in the Greater Cincinnati area. Specializing in apartments, office, and retail spaces, Urban Sites brings over three decades of expertise in construction, market-rate and affordable housing development, as well as property management. Urban Sites is committed to fostering vibrant, inclusive communities, where residents, business owners, and customers may thrive, and diverse housing opportunities are made available, contributing to the vitality of our neighborhoods.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Director of Development will function as a owner’s representative by leading and managing the planning and execution of company-led, urban mixed-use, property developments. This role requires a professional with expertise in project management, construction, and comprehensive real estate development knowledge to ensure successful project delivery from inception through completion. The Director of Development manages multiple large projects and works alongside our Construction and Property Management teams to deliver best-in-class results.

KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead multiple real estate development projects from concept through completion, ensuring alignment with schedule, budget, financing, and return objectives.
• Create and manage detailed project schedules, budgets, pro formas, and due diligence activities in coordination with Urban Sites Construction and key consultants.
• Oversee entitlement procurement—including zoning approvals, plan reviews, negotiations, and public presentations—to secure all required development approvals.
• Direct all due diligence efforts (survey, title, environmental, geotechnical, utilities, etc.) to identify risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Pursue, structure, and close complex financing packages, including public incentives and tax credit programs (TIF, NMTC, Historic, LIHTC), ensuring compliance with all funding requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison among internal teams, contractors, consultants, community groups, and public agencies to maintain clear communication and stakeholder alignment.
• Monitor and manage project budgets, cost assumptions, financial reporting, and draw processes; lead cost certification and permanent loan conversion when applicable.
• Represent the development team in OAC and other key project meetings, communicating status updates, risks, and opportunities to leadership.
• Ensure adherence to inclusion goals (MBE/WBE/SBE, local hiring) and environmental or sustainability certification requirements.
• Oversee project closeout, including punch‑list completion, construction handoff to Property Management, and transition into stabilized operations.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• 7+ years of progressive experience in real estate development, construction management, or owner’s representation, with a proven track record delivering mixed‑use and multifamily projects.
• Deep expertise in development, land use, entitlements, and construction processes, with strong ability to anticipate risks, solve problems, and guide projects from concept through completion.
• Advanced financial and analytical skills, including financial modeling/pro forma creation, and experience structuring complex capital stacks with public financing tools (LIHTC, Historic Tax Credits, NMTC, abatements, etc.).
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and judgment, with the ability to collaborate across internal teams and external partners, inspire alignment, and represent projects effectively to stakeholders.
• Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s in Real Estate, Construction, or related field preferred) and strong alignment with Urban Sites’ mission, values, and culture.

Urban Sites Core Values:

·        We are curious learners

·        It’s bigger than “US”

·        We do the right thing

·        We take ownership of our roles, actions, outcomes, and products

·        We are creative problem solvers

Equal Opportunity Employer

*It is the policy of Urban Sites not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or

any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or

veteran status.