Strategic Real Estate Development Lead

WesleyLife; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

WesleyLife in Des Moines, IA seeks a WDS Project Manager to lead real estate development activities including rehabilitation, new construction coordination, and asset management across multiple campuses. You will coordinate with internal teams, manage budgets, schedules, and vendor relationships to ensure on‑time, on‑budget delivery and seamless handoffs to operations.

Travel to WesleyLife communities is required (up to 45–50%).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business Management, Construction Management, Construction Engineering or related field or equivalent commensurate experience.
• Minimum of four years of experience in project management, design, urban planning, real estate, property management, plant/facilities operation management, and/or construction.
• Strong analytical skills and knowledge of real estate development and construction processes.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse personalities and deliver results.

Responsibilities

• Provides full support in implementing multipronged, place‑based real estate development throughout all project phases (site acquisition, contracts, programming, design, financing, construction, leasing/marketing).
• Works closely on policy development, financial analysis, property management, and administrative support to existing Community team‑members, as well as new asset opportunities.
• Maintains productive relationships with subcontractors/vendors and oversees their work.
• Addresses issues including timelines and performance, representing WesleyLife ownership when needed.
• Partners with internal teams to keep projects on track and on budget, leading Development Committee meetings as needed.
• Provides accurate documentation and data collection to ensure grant and public‑private partnership compliance.
• Facilitates transition from development to operations with hand‑off meetings between departments.
• Reviews capital equipment expenditures to ensure quality, value, and proper bid processes.
• Engages in long‑range capital expenditure planning for campuses and offices.
• Coordinates and manages internal development/campus improvement projects, including budgeting, oversight, contracting, and close‑out.

Skills

Travel willingness

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Independent & collaborative

Microsoft Office

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Real Estate/Construction/Business

Tools

MS Project

Excel

Word

Job description

WesleyLife in Des Moines, IA seeks a WDS Project Manager to lead real estate development activities including rehabilitation, new construction coordination, and asset management across multiple campuses. You will coordinate with internal teams, manage budgets, schedules, and vendor relationships to ensure on‑time, on‑budget delivery and seamless handoffs to operations.

Travel to WesleyLife communities is required (up to 45–50%).