Director of Development
Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce, Fredericksburg, VA, United States
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
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
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
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
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.
Benefits
401(k)
401(k) matching
Health insurance
Paid time off
Location
Mason, TX 76856 (Required)
Ability to Commute
Mason, TX 76856 (Required)
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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
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
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
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
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.
Benefits
401(k)
401(k) matching
Health insurance
Paid time off
Location
Mason, TX 76856 (Required)
Ability to Commute
Mason, TX 76856 (Required)
#J-18808-Ljbffr