Executive Director of Development

Job Description

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.