What are the responsibilities and job description for the Development Associate position at Welltower Inc.?
SUMMARY
Welltower is seeking a highly motivated Development Associate to support its Senior Housing Team in overseeing the full lifecycle of development and construction projects. This role provides a unique opportunity to work closely with the Development Manager and Senior Vice President, Head of Global Development, playing a key role in project coordination, financial tracking, and strategic planning. The Associate will help drive efficiency in project execution, ensuring developments align with company objectives and financial targets.
This position is ideal for professionals looking to build a long-term career in real estate development within the senior housing sector (and may include efforts on multifamily, build-to-rent, and Active Adult/55 communities), offering exposure to large-scale projects and cross-functional collaboration across investment, finance, and construction teams.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Coordinate planning approvals, land development, entitlements, and permitting to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations within required timeframes and budgets.
- Track and monitor all project costs, developing systems for budget variance, risk assessment, and milestone tracking to ensure on-time and on-budget completion.
- Oversee the preparation of monthly project updates and provide standardized reporting to the Development Manager and stakeholders.
- Conduct due diligence on prospective direct developments and partners, including reviewing proposals, development costs, feasibility studies, and pre-acquisition checklists.
- Vet, manage, and support development partner relationships, ensuring alignment with company objectives and stakeholder expectations.
- Manage third-party providers, including architects, engineers, consultants, developers, and contractors, to maintain project integrity and efficiency.
- Review and analyze site and building design documents, development guidelines, zoning regulations, and general plan requirements to ensure regulatory and operational compliance.
- Assist in preparing and submitting permit applications while managing required documentation and compliance obligations.
- Develop and maintain project tools such as schedules, budgets, and programs to streamline execution and enhance reporting accuracy.
- Provide input for investment committee presentations, collaborating with the Investment Team on financial feasibility and strategic planning.
- Proactively visit project sites, inspect progress, and address complex field issues to maintain project momentum and mitigate risks.
- Support process improvement initiatives, leveraging data analysis to enhance project execution, operational efficiencies, and strategic growth efforts.
OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of this employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
TRAVEL
25% out-of-area and overnight travel is expected.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Experience: Minimum 3 years in project and development management within single-family, multi-family, senior housing, or medical office real estate development.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business, Finance, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related field is required. An MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
- Project Management Proficiency: Familiarity with project tracking tools such as Microsoft Project, Procore, or equivalent software.
- Financial & Analytical Skills: Experience with financial modeling, feasibility analysis, and budget tracking for real estate development projects.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of local, state, and federal real estate regulations, zoning laws, and permitting processes. (Relevant to senior housing developments is a plus).
- Collaboration & Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally across multiple teams.
- Detail-Oriented & Organized: Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Applicants must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Competitive Base Salary Annual Bonus
- Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays
- Employer-matching 401(k) Program Profit Sharing Program
- Student Debt Program – we’ll contribute up to $10,000 towards your student loans!
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Employee Stock Purchase Program – purchase shares at a 15% discount
- Comprehensive and progressive Medical/Dental/Vision options
- And much more! https://welltower.com/newsroom/careers/
ABOUT WELLTOWER
Welltower, an S&P 500 company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is driving the transformation of health care infrastructure. The Company invests with leading seniors housing operators, post-acute providers and health systems to fund the real estate and infrastructure needed to scale innovative care delivery models and improve people's wellness and overall health care experience. Welltower, a real estate investment trust ("REIT"), owns interests in properties concentrated in major, high-growth markets in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, consisting of seniors housing, post-acute communities and outpatient medical properties. More information is available at www.welltower.com
Welltower is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create great opportunities for our business and our people. EOE/AA. Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Vet
