Senior Development Manager

Job Description

Shift Capital and Essence Development are seeking a Senior Development Manager to lead the development of our 7-acre site adjacent to the North Philadelphia Station. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in all aspects of real estate development, including financial analysis and modeling, due diligence, zoning, legal document review, budgeting, construction, design, and community engagement. We aim to find a critical thinker that can effectively organize and lead a project with multiple internal and external stakeholders. This position provides a great opportunity for career growth in large-scale real estate or community-driven economic development. The role will be based in Philadelphia. 

What You Will Do

• Lead and oversee the real estate development process, including feasibility studies, project underwriting, design, and construction.

• Oversee financing, governmental approvals, design, construction monitoring, project branding, community/stakeholder engagement, strategy, and implementation.

• Manage and supervise the project team, ensuring effective collaboration and achievement of project milestones.

• Develop and maintain project proformas, cash flow projections, and schedules.

• Secure financing from public and private lenders for all stages of development.

• Lead the entitlement process, including land use applications, hearings, and neighborhood meetings.

• Cultivate political and community support through public presentations and stakeholder relationship building.

• Select and negotiate contracts with design teams, general contractors, and consultants, overseeing construction and development.

• Monitor project costs, maintain budgets, oversee draw processes, and coordinate real estate closings.

Your Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Development, Finance, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field. MBA preferred. 

• 8+ Years experience in Real Estate Development

• Extensive knowledge and experience in applying for and securing funding with relevant financing programs at local, state, and federal levels.

• Proven track record in new construction and rehab development, from site acquisition to stabilization.

• Strong quantitative, financial analysis, and modeling skills, particularly in MS Excel.

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.

• Ability to engage effectively with diverse community groups.

• Experience with construction, placemaking and community engagement

The transformative North Philadelphia Station Project

SHIFT Capital LLC and Essence Development formed a joint venture to acquire the North Station District site, a 300,000-square-foot site comprised of vacant land and industrial buildings in the City of Philadelphia in 2023. The largest contiguous parcel of 171,000 square feet is a vacant and paved surface parking lot for the adjacent Amtrak North Broad Street train station. The 180,000-square-foot, 6-story INK Building, was built in 1925 but has been vacant for several decades having previously served as manufacturing and warehouse space for much of its history. The team plans to transform the site into an inclusive mixed-use campus encompassing a combination of office, retail, multifamily, and activated community space.

The site sits on the Broad Street corridor in North Philadelphia, directly adjacent to the Amtrak North Broad Street train station, and 5 major SEPTA lines. North Station District is 12 minutes from City Hall, 17 minutes from 30th Street station and 55 minutes from NYC via Amtrak. The site is located 3 blocks south of the Temple Health Sciences Campus and approximately one mile north of the Temple University’s main campus. The site represents one of the most important transit-oriented development opportunities in the country. 

Shift Capital

SHIFT is a nationally-recognized neighborhood investment group who executes real estate projects and financing strategies that create equitable and thriving communities. SHIFT believes community-centered investments create shared and sustainable economic opportunity and growth, and impact that unites people, businesses, neighborhoods, and cities.  To date, SHIFT has invested over $358 million in the neighborhoods we serve to create ecosystems that strengthen entrepreneurship, creativity, and value for tenants, and health and safety for communities. SHIFT owns and manages a mix of 2 million square feet of new and repurposed industrial, commercial, and residential spaces for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and residents. For more information on Essence Development, visit ShiftCapital.us.

Essence Development

Essence Development is a social impact development company that aims to build sustainable, energy-efficient affordable and workforce housing. A 100% minority-owned firm, Essence prioritizes environmental, social and governance goals to develop affordable and workforce housing and mixed-use developments in urban areas that include health and nutritional solutions, not-for-profit partners and services, and workforce development opportunities. For more information on Essence Development, visit EssenceDev.com.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision plans.

• Matching 401(k) contributions to help you plan for your future.

• Commuter benefits to ease your travel expenses.

• Additional benefits to support your overall well-being and work-life balance.

Compensation

The compensation range for this position is $185k to $225k, commensurate with experience. The position will also include a participating ownership interest in the development project.  Shift Capital and Essence Development are equal-opportunity employers.