Director, Development - Student Housing

Gilbane Development; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 137,840 - 201,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health and welfare benefits

Profit-sharing/401(k) plan

Educational investment opportunities

Job summary

Gilbane Development in Chicago is seeking a strategic Director, Development to lead student housing projects from concept to completion. The role requires a strong background in real estate development, with a focus on student-centric communities and project management.

The ideal candidate should possess over 10 years of experience and have a proven track record of managing substantial projects. They will enjoy a competitive salary between $137,840 and $201,600, along with excellent benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in real estate development, specifically in student housing.
• Experience in managing multiple development projects across various phases.
• Proven ability in financial modeling and project feasibility analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead the acquisition and due diligence for new student housing projects.
• Oversee the development cycle from design to final delivery.
• Develop and manage project budgets, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies.

Skills

Real estate development

Financial modeling

Project management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Architecture, Construction Management

MBA or Master’s in related discipline

Tools

MS Project

Excel

Job description

Overview

Gilbane Development Company is seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial Director, Development to lead ground‑up student housing projects from concept through completion. This role is pivotal in expanding our development pipeline and shaping vibrant, high‑performing communities tailored to student needs. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment and brings deep experience in real estate development, strong financial acumen, and a passion for mentoring and team‑building.

Responsibilities

• Lead the identification, acquisition, and due diligence process for new student housing developments, ensuring all stages are managed efficiently and strategically.
• Source, identify, and underwrite new development opportunities by leveraging an established brokerage network and maintaining proactive outreach efforts.
• Stay informed on targeted student housing markets in order to recognize potential opportunities and position new projects advantageously.
• Oversee the entire development cycle, including entitlement, design, permitting, construction, and final delivery of projects.
• Conduct comprehensive market research and financial modeling to evaluate project feasibility, supporting optimal returns on investments.
• Develop and manage detailed project budgets, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure successful project execution.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with internal teams, consultants, and contractors to drive project success and foster strong working relationships.
• Promote a culture of mentorship, innovation, and accountability within the development team, supporting professional growth and high performance.
• Monitor industry trends and proactively adjust strategies to maintain a competitive advantage in the student housing sector.
• Provide clear and consistent updates to senior leadership regarding pipeline progress, financial performance, and key project milestones.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field; an MBA or Master’s in a related discipline is preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in real estate development, with a strong record of success in ground‑up student housing or multifamily projects.
• Experience sourcing and completing a minimum of six substantial development projects valued between $50 and $150 million, with significant involvement in student housing.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously, at various phases and across diverse geographic locations.
• Experience with mixed‑use, retail, and multifamily projects is also desirable.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, complemented by a collaborative and entrepreneurial approach.
• Proven capacity to prioritize and execute tasks efficiently, achieving company and project objectives with prudence and a sense of urgency.
• Advanced skills in financial modeling and analytics are essential for success in this role.
• Proficiency with development tools such as MS Project, Excel, and project management platforms is required.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary to be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience of the applicant, as well as the internal equity and alignment with the team.

The pay ranges from $137,840 – $201,600 plus benefits and retirement program. Gilbane offers an excellent total compensation package which includes competitive health and welfare benefits and a generous profit‑sharing/401(k) plan. We invest in our employees’ education and have built Gilbane University into a top training organization in the construction industry. Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre‑employment substance abuse test.

Gilbane is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or disability status.