VP, Development Full Time

The Vice President of Development will play a critical role in shaping Welltower’s development initiatives, particularly in wellness housing assets (build-to-rent, multifamily, and active adult/55+ projects), by identifying opportunities, overseeing zoning and entitlement processes, and guiding projects through construction and community launch. Leading an internal team and collaborating with external partners, they will implement best practices, drive operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Success in this role requires strong cross-functional collaboration across investment, finance, and construction teams to align development strategies with broader business objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Development & Leadership:

• Report directly to the SVP Global Head of Development and work in concert with the Vice President of Construction to align efforts to achieve corporate goals and development growth initiatives.
• Provide visionary leadership to the development team, fostering a high-performance culture with clear goals and accountability measures.
• Align development strategies with corporate objectives to ensure long-term growth, sustainability, and profitability.
• Drive the organization’s self-development platform, reducing reliance on third-party developers and enhancing project efficiency.
• Develop a pipeline of opportunities, leveraging market knowledge and industry relationships.
• Lead internal and external project teams through all phases of development, ensuring alignment with financial and operational goals.

Project Management & Execution:

• Oversee site selection, zoning, entitlement processes, and construction management for new development and expansion projects.
• Ensure projects are completed on time and within budget, proactively mitigating risks and addressing challenges.
• Implement best-in-class project management systems that enhance reporting, budgeting, and risk assessment capabilities.
• Optimize development outcomes by enforcing compliance with all legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations.
• Review development proposals and conduct due diligence on feasibility, design, financial modeling, and pre-acquisition analysis.
• Lead the team through the full development lifecycle, from conceptual design and financing to construction and project delivery.

Financial Oversight & Performance Monitoring:

• Manage development budgets, cost controls, and financial forecasting to maximize project returns.
• Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track project progress, financial performance, and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with internal finance teams to enhance cost management and capitalization strategies.

Collaboration & Third-Party Management:

• Work closely with executive leadership, investment teams, and external partners to align development projects with strategic business goals.
• Build strong relationships with contractors, architects, engineers, and local regulatory agencies to streamline project approvals.
• Ensure transparent communication across all Department leads, providing regular updates and reports.

Innovation & Process Improvement:

• Implement technology-driven solutions to enhance efficiency and scalability of development operations.
• Leverage market insights, demographic trends, and economic factors to inform decision-making and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of this employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

TRAVEL

50% out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 10 years of experience in real estate development, construction, or project management with a proven track record of leading large-scale projects.
• Strong background in self-performing development operations and setting up internal construction teams.
• Expertise in site selection, entitlement, zoning, and feasibility analysis for complex development projects.
• Financial acumen, including experience with capital budgeting, financial modeling, and investment analysis.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to mentor teams, manage cross-functional collaborations, and drive organizational growth.
• Deep understanding of market trends, demographic shifts, and economic influences on real estate development.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills to manage complex deals and stakeholder relationships.
• Relevant certifications or educational background in real estate, architecture, urban planning, or finance preferred (e.g., AIA, LEED, MBA).

Applicants must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Source: Welltower Career Page

Tagged as: REIT