Development Director (Real Estate)

C.D. Smith Construction, Inc.; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

C.D. Smith Construction, Inc. is seeking a Development Manager or Director to lead its real estate development pipeline in Wisconsin. This role focuses on site sourcing, financial analysis, and securing partnerships, not construction oversight.

The ideal candidate will have 4–10+ years in real estate development, a bachelor's degree, and strong negotiation skills. Responsibilities include managing project financing, analyzing market trends, and mentoring the development team. Opportunities exist in Milwaukee, Madison, and Fond du Lac with necessary travel throughout the U.S.

Qualifications

• 4–10+ years of progressive experience in real estate development.
• Demonstrated record of sourcing, underwriting, entitling, financing, and executing successful projects.

Responsibilities

• Help analyze and define long-term development strategy.
• Lead the sourcing of new sites and conduct thorough financial analysis.
• Manage the entitlement process and secure project financing.
• Build and maintain relationships with key partners.
• Mentor internal development team members and establish goals.
• Support management of existing assets/LLC structures.

Skills

Negotiation

Financial Acumen

Regulatory Expertise

Strategic Thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field

Master’s degree (MBA or MSRE)

Job description

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE

C.D. Smith Construction is seeking a Development Manager or Director to lead and grow our real estate development pipeline—from site sourcing and acquisition through entitlements, financing, and disposition. This executive role partners closely with company leadership to shape development strategy, evaluate opportunities through rigorous financial analysis, and build strong relationships with investors, public agencies, and external partners. Construction oversight is not a requirement for this position.

This position will be based in one of our Wisconsin offices: Milwaukee, Madison, or Fond du Lac, with travel as needed to support pursuits and projects throughout the United States.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Strategic vision: Help analyze and define long-term development strategy, identify emerging market opportunities, and set tactical objectives for the real estate department.
• Acquisition & feasibility: Lead the sourcing of new sites and conduct thorough financial analysis, including pro-forma modeling and risk assessments, to determine project viability.
• Entitlements & approvals: Manage the entitlement process, including public approvals, zoning actions, and permitting with governing bodies.
• Financial management: Secure project financing through lenders or investors, manage capital budgets, and monitor expenditures to prevent cost overruns.
• Stakeholder management: Build and maintain relationships with key partners, including architects, public officials, lenders/investors, and other stakeholders.
• Operational leadership: Mentor internal development team members, establish goals, and drive accountability.
• Asset/portfolio management: Support management of existing assets/LLC structures and coordinate with accounting on reporting and ongoing administration.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field required. Master’s degree (MBA or MSRE) preferred.
• Experience: 4–10+ years of progressive experience in real estate development with a demonstrated record of sourcing, underwriting, entitling, financing, and executing successful projects.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Negotiation: Critical for closing land deals, securing favorable construction contracts, and finalizing lease agreements.
• Financial Acumen: Deep knowledge of real estate finance, accounting, and tax laws to manage complex investment structures.
• Regulatory Expertise: Thorough understanding of local building codes, zoning laws, and environmental standards.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to interpret market data and demographic trends to design projects that meet future demand.