VP Development – Planned Communities

20/20 Foresight Executive Talent Solutions; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 160,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading real estate development firm based in Houston is seeking a Vice President of Development. This executive will oversee land development and community operations, requiring extensive experience in master planned communities. The ideal candidate has 13+ years in the field, proven leadership skills, and strong financial acumen. This full-time position offers the opportunity to shape vibrant living environments while managing multi-disciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• 13+ years of experience in land development or related fields.
• Track record of delivering large-scale projects on time and within budget.
• Experience with Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) and Property Owners’ Associations (POAs).

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic visioning of master planned communities.
• Manage entitlement and permitting processes for new developments.
• Develop comprehensive project budgets and monitor financial performance.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Master’s or advanced degree

Job description

Company

The company is an award-winning, fully integrated real estate development and investment firm with over 35 years of experience, based in Houston, Texas. Specializing in large-scale master-planned communities and mixed-use developments, the company creates extraordinary, highly amenitized communities that blend residential single-family homes with vibrant commercial, retail, and recreational spaces.

The company’s faith-based culture is rooted in stewarding resources, cultivating relationships, and enriching lives through innovative design and robust lifestyle programming. With a vertically integrated approach, they handle development, construction, brokerage, and property management, delivering projects on time and on budget across Northwest Houston, College Station, and surrounding areas.

Position

The company, a leading real estate development firm headquartered in Houston, is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to join our team as Vice President of Development – Planned Communities. In this senior executive role, you will be responsible for the strategic planning, land development, entitlements, infrastructure delivery, and ongoing operations of our master planned communities.

As VP of Development, you will execute on a community-building plan, champion cross‑functional teams, maintain rigorous budget oversight, and proactively engage stakeholders to ensure each community’s vision is executed to the highest standards – ultimately delivering extraordinary communities that enrich the lives of our residents.

Responsibilities

• Lead the master planning and strategic visioning of large‑scale master planned communities, defining land use plans, amenities, and development phasing
• Oversee all aspects of land development and infrastructure delivery from initial design and engineering through construction of roads, utilities, and amenities, ensuring projects meet quality standards and timeline milestones
• Manage the entitlement and permitting process for new developments – including zoning approvals and the establishment of Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) – by working closely with local authorities and regulatory agencies
• Build and lead high‑performing teams, fostering collaboration across internal departments (construction, marketing, finance) and with external consultants and contractors to ensure alignment with the community vision and successful project delivery
• Oversee the establishment and transition to ongoing community operations – including resort‑style amenities, Property Owners’ Associations (POAs/HOAs), and maintenance programs – to maintain a high‑quality living experience for residents
• Engage with key stakeholders such as investors, public officials, community residents, and builder partners, maintaining strong relationships and addressing concerns to keep development initiatives on track and aligned with community goals
• Develop and manage comprehensive project budgets and pro formas; monitor financial performance and provide regular updates to senior leadership, ensuring projects stay within budget and achieve targeted financial returns
• Champion continuous improvement and innovation in development practices, incorporating industry best practices and new ideas to enhance quality, efficiency, and sustainability across all community projects

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Real Estate Development, Business Administration, or a related field (a master’s or advanced degree is highly preferred). 13+ years of experience in land development, master planned community development, or large‑scale real estate projects, with a strong record of progressive leadership responsibility
• Proven track record of leading multi‑disciplinary teams and successfully delivering large‑scale development projects on schedule and within budget
• Deep understanding of the end‑to‑end land development process, including land planning, entitlements, lot sales, infrastructure construction, and community operations/management
• Extensive experience working with Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs), Property Owners’ Associations (POAs), and collaborating with government agencies in Texas or similar markets
• Exceptional financial acumen, including expertise in project budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis for complex developments
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels (including public officials, investors, and community residents)
• Strategic and analytical thinker with strong problem‑solving skills and a proactive, results‑driven approach

Personal Skills & Attributes

• Self‑starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Highly organized with exceptional time management and multitasking abilities
• Strong leadership skills, including effective delegation and follow‑up
• Thrives in fast‑paced environments with shifting priorities
• Team‑oriented mindset with a passion for creating high‑quality communities and positive community impact

Seniority level

Executive

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Management, Product Management, and General Business

Industries

Real Estate and Construction