Denham Wolf's Development Services professionals plan, structure, and negotiate real estate development projects for nonprofit clients, such as faith-based organizations, higher education institutions, and social service providers.

The group helps its clients understand the development potential of the real estate that they control, to determine the viability and mission impact of undertaking one or more development projects, and to prepare for such projects. The Development Services group also serves nonprofits that aspire to participate in outside development projects as a means of acquiring control of real estate.

Nonprofits typically hire the Development Services group to conduct:

• robust site analysis,
• project- and organizationally-specific financial analysis,
• space programming,
• assembly of key project consultants,
• active engagement with local developers (both informally and formally through the preparation and administration of developer RFPs),
• negotiation of development partnership terms,
• presentations to community-based associations, and
• substantial coordination of transaction documents, design, and other predevelopment activities.

The Director of Development Services is tasked with overseeing the delivery of these services, ensuring the quality of the services, monitoring and managing the profitability of the group, recruiting and mentoring Development Services employees, and marketing Denham Wolf’s services. When the group is fully staffed, the Director will spend an estimated 50-60% of their time running projects, many of which will be significant client engagements that vary greatly in subject and complexity.

Development Services is one of three focused but highly collaborative client-facing practice groups at Denham Wolf, along with Transaction Services and Project Management Services. The heads of each practice group contribute regularly and meaningfully to the leadership of the firm, helping to guide the use of the firm’s resources, to develop and implement a strategic plan, and to strengthen business operations by improving each group’s standards, processes, and internal initiatives.

The heads of each practice group are also vital forces in growing Denham Wolf’s market share. Working closely with the firm’s President, the Director of Development Services will conduct research and personal outreach to source new business, attend professional events (sometimes in a speaking capacity), participate in new business pitches, and collaborate with the Marketing group on responding to requests for information, qualifications, and proposals.

The Director of Development Services role is full-time, New York-based, reports directly to the President of Denham Wolf, and includes both in-person and remote work components.

Requirements

Ideal candidates for the position of Director of Development Services will possess the following experience and characteristics:

• A passion for serving the nonprofit community and for partnering with others to make a positive societal impact is essential.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in institutional, nonprofit, and/or commercial real estate, or a closely related field.
• A graduate degree in Real Estate, Urban Planning, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• A demonstrated ability to lead and build a cohesive, inspired team. At least three (3) years directly supervising a team of two or more people is preferred.
• Exceptional technical and analytical skills related to real estate, including financial modeling for real estate development projects.
• Familiarity with affordable housing initiatives, real estate subsidy programs that benefit nonprofits, and other development incentive programs is a significant plus.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including persuasive writing skills, effectiveness in public speaking, and the ability to convey complex information to people with varying levels of real estate experience in a clear and compelling manner.
• Professional experience with nonprofits, government agencies, and real estate developers in the New York City region is a significant plus, as is comfort with navigating their sometimes complex organizational structures.
• An aptitude for creative problem solving and consensus-building, for the benefit of client engagements and of internal initiatives.

Compensation

Compensation for the role of Director of Development Services is salary-based and is commensurate with experience. Performance bonuses and other compensation incentives are available and subject to meeting and exceeding defined performance metrics. Denham Wolf offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Application

To apply, please submit both a resume and cover letter to careers@denhamwolf.com with “Director, Development Services” in the subject line. Applications with a cover letter will receive priority consideration. As of October 2022, initial screenings are underway. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Denham Wolf has been an equal opportunity employer since its founding, fostering an open-minded workplace that embraces different viewpoints and ideas. Today, Denham Wolf invests in talent that shares a commitment to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We enthusiastically welcome applications from candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences to join our team of professionals.