Smith/Packett is a development firm specializing in the design, the development, and the strategic planning of senior housing. This includes Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing Facilities. Smith/Packett is nationally recognized and enjoys a longstanding and valued reputation in this industry. Our primary market concentration is in the eastern half of the United States with home offices in Roanoke, VA and Charleston, SC. This position will be a 100% in office position in Roanoke, VA.
JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Development will help lead and supervise the development team responsible for the planning and execution of new senior housing projects, as well as the acquisition, repositioning, and renovation of existing assets. This role provides strategic direction, maintains development standards and processes, and ensures disciplined management of scope, budget, schedule, and risk across a portfolio of projects from inception through construction closeout. The Director of Development will communicate frequently with internal leadership and external partners (operators, consultants, lenders, and governing authorities), providing clear status reporting and driving timely decisions that support successful outcomes.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with leading, coaching, and developing the team; set priorities, assign projects, and ensure consistent execution and accountability.
- Maintain development best practices, tools, and processes (budgets, schedules, reporting cadence, document control, contract standards, and risk management).
- Provide strategic oversight of site selection and early feasibility, guiding broker engagement, market evaluation, and go/no-go recommendations in partnership with internal analysts.
- Oversee Development Managers entitlement and permitting strategy and processing (rezoning, special permits, site plan approvals), including engagement of local civil engineers, attorneys, and municipal stakeholders.
- Direct Development Managers consultant and vendor selection and performance (architecture, civil, MEP, survey, geotechnical, environmental, and other third-party due diligence) to ensure quality, responsiveness, and cost control.
- Review, negotiate, and approve key development, design, and construction contracts in coordination with leadership and legal; ensure alignment with project objectives and company standards.
- Maintain oversight of project budgets and schedules; ensure the team proactively forecast, manage variances, and implement corrective actions.
- Partner with operators, general contractors, and internal stakeholders to resolve escalated issues related to scope, constructability, quality, safety, and project delivery.
- Provide regular reporting to company leadership on project status, risks, and decisions needed across the development pipeline; prepare concise summaries for internal and external audiences as required.
- Ensure disciplined financial controls, including review/approval of invoices, commitment tracking, and accurate internal reporting of development expenditures.
- Drive a proactive client-service mindset and cross-functional collaboration; model Smith/Packett values, ethics, and business practices.
- Support business growth by contributing to pipeline planning, market strategy discussions, and continuous improvement of development operations.
- Maintain a flexible schedule with periodic travel to project sites and key jurisdictional meetings as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree required, with preference in Real Estate Development, Urban or Land Planning, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or Business Administration. MBA or comparable advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum five (5) to eight (8) years of progressive real estate development and/or project management experience, with senior housing experience strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated people leadership experience, including supervising, coaching, and evaluating professionals and building a high-performing team.
- Strong working knowledge of the full development lifecycle, including site selection, due diligence, entitlements/permitting, design, budgeting, contracting, construction oversight, and closeout.
- Experience in all phases of construction including bidding, contract negotiations, pre-construction approvals and permitting, adherence to budget and schedules, pay application and change order process, punch out, permit close out and warranty maintenance.
- Proven ability to establish and manage portfolio-level budgets and schedules, develop accurate forecasts, and drive disciplined reporting and controls.
- Excellent negotiation, written, and verbal communication skills, including executive-level presentations and facilitation with governing authorities and community stakeholders.
- Highly organized with strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to manage competing priorities and make timely decisions.
- Proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; comfort with project management and document management tools.
- Ability to travel as required to support project teams and maintain oversight of active development sites.
Attractive compensation and benefits package offered commensurate with experience. EOE.
