Director of Real Estate Development

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Digna Recruitment
United States, US
  • Finance
  • FullTime
  • Applications have closed

Director of Real Estate Development

Full-Time | On-Site —Milwaukee, WI (with regional project coverage)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Director of Real Estate Development to join a leading commercial real estate development platform. This role will oversee the full life cycle of development projects across office, medical office, mixed-use, retail, and multifamily. The Director will partner with senior leadership to drive project execution, manage stakeholders, and ensure successful outcomes across a diverse portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the end-to-end development process, from site acquisition through design, entitlements, financing, construction, leasing, and stabilization.
  • Conduct financial modeling, feasibility studies, and due diligence for new projects.
  • Manage entitlements, zoning, and municipal approvals.
  • Oversee design and construction teams, ensuring projects are delivered on time and on budget.
  • Support leasing and marketing efforts, including broker engagement and tenant negotiations.
  • Coordinate financing activities with internal teams and external lenders/investors.
  • Establish and manage project budgets, schedules, and reporting for leadership.
  • Contribute to business development, sourcing new opportunities and building relationships with brokers, tenants, contractors, and consultants.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Finance, Urban Planning, or related field (advanced degree a plus).
  • 5-7 years of experience in commercial real estate development.
  • Strong financial and analytical skills, including underwriting and modeling.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently through the full development cycle.
  • Skilled communicator and relationship builder, with leadership instincts and team management experience.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; exposure to project management tools a plus.

Location & Market Coverage

  • Ideal for candidates based in Milwaukee or greater Wisconsin
  • Open to relocation from the Chicago area (approx. 2-hour drive)
  • Will also consider applicants from Southeastern Wisconsin or Northern Illinois
  • Projects primarily span Southeast Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, with potential work in the Chicago market

Why Join

  • High-impact role at a respected, growing development firm.
  • Opportunity to lead diverse projects across office, medical, multifamily, and mixed-use.
  • Entrepreneurial, team-oriented culture with strong growth potential.
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