The Development Services group’s central expertise is the planning, structuring, and negotiating of real estate development projects for the nonprofit community. Primarily, the group helps clients to understand the development potential of the real estate that they control, to determine the viability and mission impact of undertaking a development project, and to prepare for such a project; the group subsequently sources development partners, usually through the preparation and administration of an RFP, and leads the negotiation of transaction terms. In addition, there are other aspects of development project implementation that the group oversees on behalf of its clients. Nonprofits that aspire to participate in development opportunities as a means of acquiring control of real estate also engage the expertise of the Development Services group.

The group’s engagements typically comprise robust site analysis, project- and organizationally-specific financial analysis, space programming, assembly of key project consultants, active engagement with local communities and developers, and substantial coordination of transaction documents, design, and other predevelopment activities. The Director is tasked with overseeing the delivery of these services and ensuring the quality of these services, often as an active member and leader of the project team. The Director will spend approximately 50% of their time running projects for clients.

As the most senior member of the Development Services practice group, the Director will be actively involved in marketing and selling Denham Wolf’s services and is expected to grow Denham Wolf’s base of clients. Responsibilities include the ongoing review of the sales pipeline, ideating and implementing new business development strategies for short-term gain and long-term growth, attendance at key events (sometimes in a speaking capacity), participation in pitches, and collaborating with the Marketing group in the preparation of responses to requests for information, qualifications, or proposals.

The Director will also contribute regularly and meaningfully to the leadership of the firm. Responsibilities include monitoring and managing the profitability of the Development Services group, helping guide the use of the firm’s resources, supporting the strategic plan for the firm, and establishing internal metrics of success. The Director is expected to actively strengthen the group’s business operations and lead improvements to standards, processes, and internal initiatives. They will be responsible for the management and development of professionals in the Development Services practice group, and they will serve as a primary decision maker in the recruitment and hiring of new employees for the group.

In fulfilling these responsibilities, the Director will work closely with the firm’s President & CEO, who is serving as interim Managing Director of the Development Services group. The Director will also collaborate regularly with senior team members and Managing Directors from the firm’s other practice groups. Development Services is one of three focused but highly collaborative practice groups at Denham Wolf, and the team is designed to regularly employ expertise from the Transaction Services and Project Management Services groups.

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

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 increasingly sophisticated experience in institutional, nonprofit, and/or commercial real estate, or a closely related field.
• At least three (3) years managing a team of two or more people is preferred. The ability to build and lead a cohesive, inspired team is essential.
• A relevant undergraduate degree, preferably in Real Estate, Urban Planning, Architecture, Business Administration, or a closely related field. Candidates with a relevant graduate degree will receive priority consideration.
• Demonstrated capacity for business development. An enthusiasm for securing new clients and actively marketing the group is essential.
• Exceptional technical and analytical skills related to real estate, including preliminary zoning analyses and financial modeling for real estate development projects.
• 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 New York City nonprofits, government agencies, and local real estate developers is a significant plus, as is the ability to navigate their sometimes-complex organizational structures.
• Candidates with professional experience with affordable housing programs and other subsidy programs for nonprofits will receive priority consideration.
• An aptitude for creative problem solving and consensus-building, for the benefit of client engagements and of internal initiatives.

Compensation

Compensation is salary-based and commensurate with experience. The base salary for this position is $150,000-$200,000. Performance bonuses and other compensation incentives are available and subject to meeting and exceeding defined performance metrics.

Denham Wolf offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contribution to medical, vision, and dental insurance, employer contribution to 401(k), continuing education tuition assistance, and four weeks of vacation annually.

Application

To apply, please submit both a resume and cover letter to careers@denhamwolf.com with “Director, Development Services” included in the subject line. Applications with a cover letter will receive priority consideration. Initial screenings will begin on approximately May 22; applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.