Director of Real Estate Development and Planning

Company Description South Shore Chamber Community Development Corporation (CDC) is a mission-driven organization focused on strengthening neighborhoods through strategic real estate development, small business support, and community planning. The CDC partners with residents, businesses, and public agencies to advance equitable economic growth and high-quality housing and commercial projects. It emphasizes inclusive engagement, sustainable development practices, and long-term community resilience. Team members collaborate across disciplines to deliver projects that reflect local priorities and expand opportunity for South Shore and surrounding communities.

Role Description The Director of Real Estate Development and Planning is a full-time, on-site role based in Chicago, IL. This position leads real estate development initiatives from concept through completion, including site identification, feasibility analysis, financial modeling, and coordination of design, permitting, and construction. The director oversees planning efforts such as neighborhood plans, corridor revitalization strategies, and community engagement processes that inform development priorities. Day-to-day responsibilities include managing project budgets and timelines, building relationships with public and private partners, preparing funding and incentive applications, and reporting to leadership and stakeholders. The role also involves supervising staff and consultants, ensuring regulatory compliance, and aligning all development and planning activities with the organization’s mission and community goals.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in real estate development, including site selection, feasibility analysis, and project management.
• Experience in urban planning or community development, with skills in land use planning, neighborhood planning, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, pro forma development, funding applications, and familiarity with public and private financing tools.
• Ability to manage multidisciplinary teams, coordinate consultants, and collaborate effectively with public agencies, community organizations, and private partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare proposals, reports, and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of zoning, permitting, and regulatory processes relevant to Chicago or similar urban environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in real estate, urban planning, public administration, business, or a related field; an advanced degree is preferred.
• Prior experience working in or with community-based organizations or nonprofit entities focused on equitable development is highly beneficial.
• Capacity to work on-site, manage multiple projects concurrently, and adapt to evolving community and organizational priorities.

Annual Salary: $100,000 + Benefits

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