Director, Development - Student Housing

Gilbane Development Company; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 137,840 - 201,600; Full time

Job summary

Gilbane Development Company is seeking a Director of Development for student housing to lead ground-up projects from concept through completion. The role demands strategic leadership, deep real estate development expertise, and strong financial acumen to expand the pipeline and deliver high-performing student communities.

The ideal candidate has a track record of six substantial developments valued at $50–$150 million, excels in mentoring teams, and can coordinate cross-functional efforts across

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field; MBA or Master's preferred.
• 10+ years of real estate development experience, with a track record in ground-up student housing or multifamily projects.

Responsibilities

• Leads the identification, acquisition, and due diligence for new student housing developments.
• Sources and underwrites development opportunities using a brokerage network.
• Monitors targeted markets to position new projects advantageously.
• Oversees the development cycle from entitlement to delivery.
• Conducts market research and financial modeling to evaluate feasibility.
• Manages detailed project budgets, schedules, and risk mitigation.
• Collaborates with internal teams, consultants, and contractors to drive success.
• Promotes mentorship, innovation, and accountability within the team.
• Tracks industry trends and adjusts strategies to stay competitive.
• Provides updates to senior leadership on pipeline, financials, and milestones.

Skills

Financial modeling

Leadership

Market analysis

Project management

Strategic planning

Mentorship

MS Project

Excel

Team-building

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Real Estate

MBA or Master's degree

Tools

MS Project

Excel

Project management software

Job description

Director, Development - Student Housing

Job Locations

• US-RI-Providence
• US-PA-Philadelphia
• US-MA-Boston
• US-TX-Austin
• US-TX-Dallas
• US-IL-Chicago
• US-VA-Arlington

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

• Leads the identification, acquisition, and due diligence process for new student housing developments, ensuring all stages are managed efficiently and strategically
• Sources, identifies, and underwrites new development opportunities by leveraging an established brokerage network and maintaining proactive outreach efforts
• Stays informed on targeted student housing markets in order to recognize potential opportunities and position new projects advantageously
• Oversees the entire development cycle, including entitlement, design, permitting, construction, and final delivery of project
• Conducts comprehensive market research and financial modeling to evaluate project feasibility, supporting optimal returns on investments
• Develops and manages detailed project budgets, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure successful project execution
• Collaborates cross-functionally with internal teams, consultants, and contractors to drive project success and foster strong working relationships
• Promotes a culture of mentorship, innovation, and accountability within the development team, supporting professional growth and high performance
• Monitors industry trends and proactively adjusts strategies to maintain a competitive advantage in the student housing sector
• Provides 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.
• Candidates should have sourced and completed 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.

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/401k 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.