What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Real Estate Development position at Benchmark Senior Living?
Joining the Benchmark Senior Living team means putting your passion to work. Associates thrive in a supportive, diverse, and skilled team that is committed to caring and dedicated service. With specialized training and educational programs, we empower you to explore your interests and growth opportunities.
Benchmark Senior Living is a leading provider of senior living services in the Northeast and is dedicated to transforming lives through the power of human connection. Founded in 1997 by Tom Grape, Benchmark employs 6,300 associates and operates more than 65 senior living communities in eight states. Benchmark has been honored with numerous employment and industry awards. For 17 years running we have been named one of Boston Globe’s Top Places to Work and have been consistently recognized as a Top Workplace by Boston Business Journal, Hartford Courant and Hartford Journal and as one of the healthiest employers by Boston Business Journal, Hartford Business Journal and Providence Business News. We have been named a Best Workplace for Aging Services by FORTUNE magazine six times. Benchmark has also been certified by the Great Place to Work Institute since 2018.
We are seeking an experienced Director of Real Estate Development to lead ground-up and major renovation projects through all aspects of the development process from site selection though building opening. Projects will be within the company’s geographic footprint from New England to greater Washington DC, with an emphasis on the NY metro area including Long Island, Westchester County and New Jersey. The ideal candidate will have 5-7 years of experience in real estate development, with a strong background in site selection, contract negotiations/administration, underwriting, due diligence, entitlements, design, and presenting projects to investors.
Responsibilities
As a Home Office associate at Benchmark, you will have immediate access to a variety of benefits including, but not limited to, the following:
Benchmark Senior Living is a leading provider of senior living services in the Northeast and is dedicated to transforming lives through the power of human connection. Founded in 1997 by Tom Grape, Benchmark employs 6,300 associates and operates more than 65 senior living communities in eight states. Benchmark has been honored with numerous employment and industry awards. For 17 years running we have been named one of Boston Globe’s Top Places to Work and have been consistently recognized as a Top Workplace by Boston Business Journal, Hartford Courant and Hartford Journal and as one of the healthiest employers by Boston Business Journal, Hartford Business Journal and Providence Business News. We have been named a Best Workplace for Aging Services by FORTUNE magazine six times. Benchmark has also been certified by the Great Place to Work Institute since 2018.
We are seeking an experienced Director of Real Estate Development to lead ground-up and major renovation projects through all aspects of the development process from site selection though building opening. Projects will be within the company’s geographic footprint from New England to greater Washington DC, with an emphasis on the NY metro area including Long Island, Westchester County and New Jersey. The ideal candidate will have 5-7 years of experience in real estate development, with a strong background in site selection, contract negotiations/administration, underwriting, due diligence, entitlements, design, and presenting projects to investors.
Responsibilities
- Identify and source land opportunities for senior housing development.
- Negotiate purchase and sale agreements for land acquisitions.
- Conduct and oversee due diligence, including feasibility studies, market analysis, and environmental assessments.
- Underwrite potential development projects, analyzing financial feasibility, risk, and return on investment.
- Lead the entitlement process, working with local municipalities, zoning boards, and other regulatory agencies to secure necessary approvals.
- Oversee project design from conceptual design through construction documents.
- Prepare and present projects to the Investment Committee, articulating project vision, financials, and strategic benefits.
- Oversee project development from acquisition through construction completion, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
- Collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to optimize project design and execution.
- Monitor market trends, regulatory changes, and competitive landscape to inform development strategy.
- 5-7 years of experience in real estate development, with a focus on senior housing, multifamily, or related asset classes.
- Experience with financial modeling, underwriting, and investment analysis.
- Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Finance, Business, Urban Planning, or a related field. A Master’s degree is a plus.
- Proven ability to source, negotiate, and acquire land for development.
- Strong knowledge of entitlement processes and regulatory requirements.
- Excellent presentation skills with the ability to effectively communicate with investment committees and stakeholders.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, MS Project, and PowerPoint.
- Strong leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
As a Home Office associate at Benchmark, you will have immediate access to a variety of benefits including, but not limited to, the following:
- 10 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday
- Vacation and Health & Wellness Paid Time Off
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Physical & Mental Health Wellness Programs
- Medical, Vision & Dental Benefits provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield
- 401K Retirement Plan with Company Match
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Company-provided Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability
