Director of Real Estate Development and Planning in Chicago

Energy Jobline ZR; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Job summary

South Shore Chamber Community Development Corporation in Chicago, IL seeks a Director of Real Estate Development and Planning, a full-time on-site role leading development initiatives from concept through completion.

You will identify sites, perform feasibility studies, build financial models, coordinate design, permitting and construction, and manage budgets and schedules while engaging public and private partners.

Qualifications

• Experience in real estate development including site selection and feasibility analysis.
• Urban planning or community development background with stakeholder engagement.
• Strong budgeting and pro forma skills, plus public/private financing familiarity.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and coordinate consultants.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of zoning, permitting, and Chicago regulatory processes.
• Experience with nonprofit or community-based organizations focused on equitable development.
• On-site work capability and ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate development opportunities from concept to completion.
• Lead feasibility analyses, financial modeling, and design coordination.
• Oversee budgeting, schedules, permits, and construction coordination.
• Build partnerships with public and private entities; prepare funding applications.
• Supervise staff and consultants; report to leadership and stakeholders.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and alignment with mission.

Skills

Real estate development

Urban planning

Financial modeling

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory compliance

Proposal writing

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in real estate, urban planning, public administration, business, or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Job Description

Company Description

South Shore Chamber Community Development Corporation (CDC) is a mission-driven organization focused on strengthening neighborhoods through strategic real estate development, small business support, and community planning. The CDC partners with , businesses, and public agencies to advance equitable economic growth and high-quality housing and commercial projects. It emphasizes inclusive engagement, sustainable development practices, and long-term community resilience. Team members collaborate across disciplines to deliver projects that reflect local priorities and expand opportunity for South Shore and surrounding communities.

Role Description

The Director of Real Estate Development and Planning is a full-time, on-site role based in Chicago, IL. This position leads real estate development initiatives from concept through completion, including site identification, feasibility analysis, financial modeling, and coordination of design, permitting, and construction. The director oversees planning efforts such as neighborhood plans, corridor revitalization strategies, and community engagement processes that inform development priorities. Day-to-day responsibilities include managing project budgets and timelines, building relationships with public and private partners, preparing funding and incentive applications, and reporting to leadership and stakeholders. The role also involves supervising staff and consultants, ensuring regulatory compliance, and aligning all development and planning activities with the organization’s mission and community goals.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in real estate development, including site selection, feasibility analysis, and project management.
• Experience in urban planning or community development, with skills in land use planning, neighborhood planning, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, pro forma development, funding applications, and familiarity with public and private financing tools.
• Ability to manage multidisciplinary teams, coordinate consultants, and collaborate effectively with public agencies, community organizations, and private partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare proposals, reports, and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of zoning, permitting, and regulatory processes relevant to Chicago or similar urban environments.
• Bachelor's degree in real estate, urban planning, public administration, business, or a related field; an advanced degree is .
• Prior experience working in or with community-based organizations or nonprofit entities focused on equitable development is highly beneficial.
• Capacity to work on-site, manage multiple projects concurrently, and adapt to evolving community and organizational priorities.

Annual Salary: $100,000 + Benefits