Executive Director of Development

Our SelectLeaders client is a quasi-public entity committed to fostering economic growth and development within the Capital Region. This client currently plays a pivotal role in developing housing, managing large public assembly venues, and overseeing associated parking and commercial areas.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (E.D.) will lead with a strategic vision that balances public mission goals with financial sustainability. The E.D. is responsible for managing the organization’s diverse portfolio, which includes large-scale real estate projects, public-private partnerships, and the operation of key public assets. This individual will act as the primary liaison with private, municipal, state, and federal stakeholders, ensuring continued impact and relevance.

Key Responsibilities

• Public-Private Collaboration:
• Engage with city and state officials, including the governor, legislators, and various mayors, to align projects with regional priorities.
• Build relationships with private sector stakeholders such as developers, bankers, and investors to drive development initiatives.
• Secure and manage federal, state, and local funding, maintaining compliance and ensuring proper reporting.
• Mission and Project Management:
• Oversee multidisciplinary operations, including the management of public assets such as arenas, convention centers, and stadiums.
• Direct operations for major buildings and parking facilities (17,000 spaces).
• Manage agricultural wholesale market operations and the servicing of loans and assistance for housing projects totaling 3,500 units.
• Note: There is a focus on market-rate housing with an affordable component, but housing properties are privately owned and managed.
• Guide construction projects, loan servicing, and strategies to leverage private investments.
• Deal Flow and Execution
• Identify and structure high-priority project leads.
• Oversee project underwriting, budgeting, and operating pro forma development.
• Secure political and stakeholder buy-in for projects, particularly outside the downtown core.
• Maintain strong relationships with property management vendors and oversee financial controls, including the contracts and operations of large vendors managing specific venues and properties.
• Leadership and Team Management
• Lead a collaborative team of approximately 12 professionals spanning financial, legal, and construction expertise.
• Foster a culture of transparency, collaboration, and accountability.
• Work closely and transparently with the governing board to align strategic priorities, facilitate robust board discussions, and ensure strong board governance.
• Strategic Vision and Governance
• Drive mission while balancing the viability and impact of proposed projects.
• Ensure the agency remains agile and responsive to evolving regional and legislative priorities.
• Monitor and react to legislative, budgetary, and market developments that impact operations and policies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Public Administration, Commercial Real Estate, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible and successful management experience.
• Expertise in commercial real estate (e.g., development, management, and operations).
• Experience in financial underwriting and/ or managing large public venues.
• Experience working with governing boards and navigating by-laws and best practices.
• Superior operational management skills, including regulatory compliance, human resources, and vendor oversight.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and handle press relations effectively.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining relationships with municipal, state, and federal officials.
• Experience with large-scale construction projects (e.g., planning, budgeting, and execution).
• Track record of securing public-private partnerships and leveraging funding opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Finance, Public Administration, Commercial Real Estate, or a related field.
• Proficiency in analyzing data and translating trends into actionable policies and programs.
• Strategic planning and execution experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading diverse teams in finance, legal, construction, and/or marketing.
• Familiarity with the hotel/hospitality industry.
• Knowledge of municipal and state government operations
• Experience with urban matters and dynamics, especially within the context of economic development.
• Dealings with Hartford’s (or similar) economic and development landscape.

Salary Range:

• $250,000-275,000