Development Director

Continental Properties; Menomonee Falls (WI); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Continental Properties is seeking an experienced Real Estate Development Director to lead due diligence, entitlements, permitting, and risk analysis for multifamily development projects valued around $70 million.

You will coordinate with internal teams and external partners, negotiate with municipalities, and drive projects from feasibility through construction readiness, with a hybrid work arrangement and relocation assistance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Planning, Civil Engineering, Business or related field.
• 5+ years of project management experience with entitlements and due diligence.
• Deep knowledge of zoning codes and municipal approval processes.
• Experience with environmental issues such as wetlands and floodplains.
• Strong presentation, persuasion, and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead due diligence to advance projects from development to construction readiness.
• Secure municipal entitlements including zoning, site plan, and development plan approvals.
• Build relationships with local officials, stakeholders, landowners, and legal counsel.
• Coordinate cross-functional team across legal, accounting, finance, construction, and property management.

Skills

Project management

Entitlements

Due diligence

Zoning codes

Environmental issues

Public speaking

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture/Planning/Civil Engineering/Business

Job description

Continental Properties islooking for an experienced professional to join our team as aReal Estate Development Director.

As a key leader within a cross-functional project team, you will drive the execution of due diligence, entitlements, permitting, and risk analysis of new multifamily development projects with an estimated cost of approximately $70 million. You’ll lead efforts to obtain and evaluate critical due diligence materials, spearhead negotiations with municipalities for required approvals, and cultivate strong relationships with external stakeholders such as land use attorneys, civil engineers and architects to ensure alignment and momentum across multiple projects at various stages of the development lifecycle. This role reports directly to the Senior Development Director and offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on high-profile initiatives.

We embrace a hybrid working environment and once effectively onboarded, you may elect to work outside of the home office up to two (2) days per week.

(relocation assistance provided)

• Lead the due diligence process to strategically advance projects from development through to construction readiness.
• Secure all necessary municipal entitlements—including zoning, site plan, and development plan approvals—as part of a proactive project advancement strategy.
• Build and manage strong relationships with local officials, community stakeholders, landowners, and legal counsel to resolve complex issues and drive project success.
• Serve as a cross-functional leader within the internal development team, aligning efforts across legal, accounting, finance, construction, and property management to ensure seamless project execution.

Skills for Success:

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Planning, Civil Engineering, Business or related field required
• At least 5+ of related project management experience and an understanding of entitlements and due diligence process required
• Deep expertise in zoning codes, municipal approval processes, and real estate terminology, with the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and advise cross-functional teams
• Understanding of environmental issues including wetlands and floodplains
• Excellent public/one-on-one presentations, persuasion, and negotiation skills

Why You’ll Love Life at Continental:

Our award-winning culture fosters innovation and empowers our team members to lead. Here are some of the reasons that our team members continue to vote for us as a Top Workplace:

• Career Growth : You'll have the tools, training, and opportunities for a meaningful career with long-term growth potential. We invest in your learning & development with paid professional memberships, certifications, and tuition reimbursement.
• Mental Health & Wellness: Your well-being matters. We provide comprehensive mental health support including but not limited to 8-free counseling sessions per year and access to additional wellness resources.
• Balance: We recognize that balance varies for everyone, and we support our team members with that in mind. Recharge with generous vacation time, 9-paid holidays, and half-days on Fridays during designated months.
• Community & Connection: Build relationships through informal gatherings, lunches, community and company events, volunteer opportunities, and a vibrant social culture. Learn more about recent Continental events here!
• Culture of Belonging: The Continental IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Allies) is our commitment to evolving our culture where team members feel a sense of belongingness each day. Our You Belong Here Initiative and Business Resource Groups focus on fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment for all.
• Performance Incentives: Participate in our Building Above and Beyond (BAAB) incentive program that rewards team members annually based on company goals and achievements.
• Industry-Leading Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) with company match, and company-paid life and disability insurance.
• Family Support: Support your growing family with 6-weeks paid parental leave and with family-forming & fertility resources (up to 12-weeks leave for birth mothers).

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and all applicable state and local fair employment practices laws, and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities.

For the benefit of our residents, the communities we serve, and our co-workers, all applicants are required to pass a post-offer criminal background check prior to joining the Continental team.

We are committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The posted salary range represents our good faith estimate of the base salary for this role at the time of posting. Final compensation is based on a variety of factors, including a candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. This range does not include bonus potential or other forms of compensation and benefits.

Salary Range: $145,000 - $170,000 annually

Equal Opportunity Employer

Continental Properties islooking for an experienced professional to join our team as aReal Estate Development Director.

As a key leader within a cross-functional project team, you will drive the execution of due diligence, entitlements, permitting, and risk analysis of new multifamily development projects with an estimated cost of approximately $70 million. You’ll lead efforts to obtain and evaluate critical due diligence materials, spearhead negotiations with municipalities for required approvals, and cultivate strong relationships with external stakeholders such as land use attorneys, civil engineers and architects to ensure alignment and momentum across multiple projects at various stages of the development lifecycle. This role reports directly to the Senior Development Director and offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on high-profile initiatives.

We embrace a hybrid working environment and once effectively onboarded, you may elect to work outside of the home office up to two (2) days per week.

(relocation assistance provided)

Essential Responsibilities:

• Lead the due diligence process to strategically advance projects from development through to construction readiness.
• Secure all necessary municipal entitlements—including zoning, site plan, and development plan approvals—as part of a proactive project advancement strategy.
• Build and manage strong relationships with local officials, community stakeholders, landowners, and legal counsel to resolve complex issues and drive project success.
• Serve as a cross-functional leader within the internal development team, aligning efforts across legal, accounting, finance, construction, and property management to ensure seamless project execution.

Skills for Success:

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Planning, Civil Engineering, Business or related field required
• At least 5+ of related project management experience and an understanding of entitlements and due diligence process required
• Deep expertise in zoning codes, municipal approval processes, and real estate terminology, with the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and advise cross-functional teams
• Understanding of environmental issues including wetlands and floodplains
• Excellent public/one-on-one presentations, persuasion, and negotiation skills

Why You’ll Love Life at Continental:

Our award-winning culture fosters innovation and empowers our team members to lead. Here are some of the reasons that our team members continue to vote for us as a Top Workplace:

• Career Growth : You'll have the tools, training, and opportunities for a meaningful career with long-term growth potential. We invest in your learning & development with paid professional memberships, certifications, and tuition reimbursement.
• Mental Health & Wellness: Your well-being matters. We provide comprehensive mental health support including but not limited to 8-free counseling sessions per year and access to additional wellness resources.
• Balance: We recognize that balance varies for everyone, and we support our team members with that in mind. Recharge with generous vacation time, 9-paid holidays, and half-days on Fridays during designated months.
• Community & Connection: Build relationships through informal gatherings, lunches, community and company events, volunteer opportunities, and a vibrant social culture. Learn more about recent Continental events here!
• Culture of Belonging: The Continental IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Allies) is our commitment to evolving our culture where team members feel a sense of belongingness each day. Our You Belong Here Initiative and Business Resource Groups focus on fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment for all.
• Performance Incentives: Participate in our Building Above and Beyond (BAAB) incentive program that rewards team members annually based on company goals and achievements.
• Industry-Leading Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) with company match, and company-paid life and disability insurance.
• Family Support: Support your growing family with 6-weeks paid parental leave and with family-forming & fertility resources (up to 12-weeks leave for birth mothers).

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and all applicable state and local fair employment practices laws, and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities.

For the benefit of our residents, the communities we serve, and our co-workers, all applicants are required to pass a post-offer criminal background check prior to joining the Continental team.

We are committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The posted salary range represents our good faith estimate of the base salary for this role at the time of posting. Final compensation is based on a variety of factors, including a candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. This range does not include bonus potential or other forms of compensation and benefits.

Salary Range: $145,000 - $170,000 annually

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.