About this role
POSITION SUMMARY
Great States Development is a rapidly growing real estate development firm focused on active adult (55+) communities across the Midwest and Mountain West. We are seeking a Vice President of Development – Adult Active Living to lead the sourcing, underwriting, and execution of 55+ lifestyle-oriented communities.
This is a high-impact leadership role with direct influence on company growth, investment strategy, and long-term portfolio performance. This role is designed for a high-performing developer who wants to take ownership of a growing platform and scale it into a market-leading development operation. This position will report directly to the President of Great States Development.
COMPENSATION STRUCTURE
• $200k/yr+ depending on experience
• Uncapped commission structure based on performance and deal execution
• Opportunity to partner on projects
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Deal Sourcing & Pipeline Development
• Source and secure new Active Adult (55+) development opportunities
• Build and maintain a pipeline of off-market and brokered opportunities
• Lead initial underwriting, site selection strategy, and go/no-go decisions
Capital Markets & Investor Relations
• Partner with executive leadership to structure capital stacks (debt/equity)
• Support or lead investor presentations, capital raises, and lender relationships
Strategic Planning & Market Positioning
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify emerging trends, assess competitive landscapes, and make informed decisions regarding project feasibility and positioning
Go-To-Market Strategy & Lease Up Execution
• Partner with marketing and operations teams to develop and execute lease-up strategies tailored to the Active Adult demographic
• Influence branding, positioning, and pre-leasing strategies to align with target resident profiles and drive early engagement
Project Lifecycle Management
• Own the full lifecycle execution from site selection, due diligence, and entitlements through design, construction, and lease-up
Financial Management & Feasibility
• Oversee project budgets, financial modeling, and financing structures to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget constraints
Team Leadership & Partner Coordination
• Build and lead a high-performing team while coordinating across development, design, capital markets, marketing, and operations
• Nurture and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including landowners, brokers, municipalities, lenders, investors, and community members
• Mentor and develop internal team members as the platform grows
Risk Management & Compliance
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize project delays, cost overruns, and other potential obstacles
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and zoning requirements throughout the development process
Sustainability & Design Standards
• Integrate sustainable design principles and practices into development projects to enhance long-term value and environmental stewardship
Reporting & Stakeholder Communication
• Serve as the primary point of accountability to executive leadership and capital partners for project performance, timelines, and financial outcomes
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate Development, Urban Planning, Architecture, Business Administration, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in real estate development, with direct experience in active adult, senior housing, hospitality, or lifestyle-driven residential communities strongly preferred
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
• Experience with ground-up development and amenity-rich, lifestyle-oriented residential communities
• Demonstrated success sourcing and executing development deals
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
• Proven ability to operate in a high-growth, entrepreneurial environment
• Strong financial acumen and proficiency in financial analysis, including real estate modeling, investment analysis and risk assessment.
• In-depth knowledge of real estate markets, zoning regulations, entitlement processes and construction practices
• Established network of brokerage, capital, and development relationships with a demonstrated ability to generate deal flow
• Deep understanding of the 55+ demographic, including lifestyle preferences, amenity expectations, and community engagement drivers
• Experience designing or delivering amenity-rich environments including wellness, fitness, social spaces, and community programming
WHY THIS ROLE
• Opportunity to build and scale a proven development platform, not just manage projects
• Competitive executive base salary + performance-based bonus structure
• We are seeking a builder—someone driven to create deal flow, execute complex developments, and leave a lasting mark on a growing platform
WORK ENVIRONMENT
• This role demands a high level of ownership, responsiveness, and leadership across multiple active developments.
• Travel required: 25%
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER