Director Of Real Estate Development In Senior Housing

Benchmark has been a trailblazer in senior living for nearly 30 years, operating 70 communities with 7,400 associates across the Northeast. With $3 billion in assets under management and $700 million in annual revenue, the company is experiencing historic growth, expanding its footprint from Boston to Washington DC. Benchmark offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and continuing care retirement communities, positioning itself as a leader within this growing real estate sector. Senior housing has consistently ranked among the top three real estate sectors for long-term investment returns, and with the Baby Boomer 80+ population projected to grow over 5% annually through 2030, demand is surging.

Director of Development- Senior HousingPosition OverviewWe are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Director of Development to lead and execute expansion projects across a growing portfolio of senior housing assets throughout New England. This role will be responsible for managing the full lifecycle of development projects-from early-stage feasibility and entitlements through design, construction, and project delivery.The ideal candidate will have strong project management experience, a deep understanding of real estate development processes, and the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams, third-party consultants, and internal stakeholders.

Key ResponsibilitiesOverview

Lead expansion projects across an existing senior housing portfolio, including additions, renovations, and repositioning initiativesOversee all phases of development, including feasibility, design, permitting, construction, and closeoutCoordinate and manage third-party consultants, including architects, engineers, planners, and attorneysDevelop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and reporting systems

Acquisitions & Due Diligence

Identify adjacent land target to acquire to support expansion plans.Negotiate purchase and sale agreements.Conduct due diligence on potential expansion opportunities, including acquisition of adjacent land parcelsCoordinate third-party reports, site investigations, and feasibility analyses

Entitlements & Permitting

Manage zoning, entitlement, and permitting processes across multiple jurisdictions in New EnglandPrepare and submit applications for approvals, variances, and permitsRepresent projects at public hearings and community meetings

Design & Construction Coordination

Oversee architectural and interior design processes to ensure alignment with project goals and brand standardsManage the bidding, selection, and oversight of contractorsCoordinate construction activities and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budgetOversee installation of FF&E and other owner-provided scopes

Financial Analysis & Reporting

Develop project budgets and support preparation of project underwriting modelsTrack project financial performance, including cost management, schedule management, and variance reporting

Investor & Executive Communication

Prepare and deliver presentations to investors, executives, and internal stakeholdersPrepare investment committee memoranda and present recommendations to executive leadershipProvide regular updates on project status, risks, and financial performance

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Finance, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)5-7 years of experience in real estate development, construction management, or a related fieldExperience managing ground-up or expansion projects, ideally within senior housing, healthcare, or multifamily sectorsStrong understanding of zoning, permitting, and entitlement processesProven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

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 holidayVacation and Health & Wellness Paid Time OffTuition Reimbursement ProgramPhysical & Mental Health Wellness ProgramsMedical, Vision & Dental Benefits provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield401K Retirement Plan with Company MatchLong Term Care InsuranceCompany-provided Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability

• Eligibility may vary by employment status

Benchmark Senior Living is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We embrace and encourage our associates' differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our associates unique.