Company: Smith Family Companies (Development Division)

Reports To: Owner / Principal Developer

Project Size: $1.5MM – $20MM

Project Types: Commercial, Ranch & Land Improvements, Hospitality, BnB & Mixed-Use Developments

Position Summary

The Director of Development is responsible for executing the Owner’s development vision from concept through completion and stabilization. This role manages all phases of development including feasibility, design coordination, entitlements, budgeting, consultant management, construction oversight, and project delivery. The Director of Development serves as the execution arm of the developer, ensuring projects move efficiently from initial concept through completion while protecting schedule, budget, and quality.

Key Responsibilities

Development Execution

· Lead development projects from concept to completion

· Translate the Owner’s vision into actionable development plans

· Coordinate project feasibility, preliminary budgets, and development schedules

· Manage the development process from land planning through stabilization

Design & Consultant Management

· Hire and manage architects, engineers, surveyors, and consultants

· Coordinate design development and construction documents

· Ensure designs meet project goals, budgets, and operational needs

· Oversee value engineering and constructability reviews

Entitlements & Permitting

· Manage zoning, entitlements, and permitting processes

· Coordinate with municipalities, counties, and regulatory agencies

· Ensure compliance with all development requirements

Financial Oversight

· Assist in development budgeting and financial modeling

· Track project budgets and manage development costs

· Coordinate with lenders, investors, and financial partners when required

· Monitor contingency and cost exposure throughout the project lifecycle

Construction Coordination

· Coordinate with General Contractors and construction teams

· Monitor project schedules and milestones

· Ensure project delivery aligns with design, budget, and timeline

· Identify and resolve issues that could impact project performance

Owner Representation

· Represent ownership during design and construction

· Protect the Owner’s interests in all project decisions

· Provide clear and regular reporting on project progress

Project Types

Projects may include commercial buildings and retail developments, ranch improvements and rural infrastructure, hospitality properties and boutique lodging, BnB developments and resort-style properties, and mixed-use or specialty developments. Project budgets typically range from $1.5 million to $20 million.

Qualifications

· 7+ years in real estate development, construction, or project management

· Experience managing ground-up developments

· Strong understanding of construction, design, and development processes

· Ability to manage architects, engineers, and contractors

· Experience with project budgeting and financial tracking

· Strong leadership and problem-solving skills

· Highly organized with strong communication abilities

Key Traits for Success

· A builder and executor, not just a planner

· Comfortable operating in an entrepreneurial development environment

· Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously

· Detail oriented but capable of making decisions quickly

· Able to take a concept and drive it across the finish line

Success in This Role

· Projects delivered on time and on budget

· Efficient movement from concept to construction

· Strong coordination between design, consultants, and contractors

· Effective communication with ownership

· High-quality completed developments

Position Objective

This role exists to allow the Owner to focus on vision, deal sourcing, and strategy, while the Director of Development ensures projects are executed and delivered successfully.