What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Development position at Arena Family of Companies?
VP of Development
Confidential Developer | Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi (Relocation candidates may be considered)
A well-established Hawaiʻi-based real estate development platform is seeking a VP of Development to lead complex residential development initiatives from early-stage land strategy through planning, entitlement, financial coordination, and project execution.
This is a rare opportunity to join a lean, high-impact team where this role serves as a key driver of the development function. The position is best suited for a seasoned development executive who has successfully led projects from start to finish and understands how to navigate the full development lifecycle, not just one segment of it.
What you’ll do
- Lead development initiatives from land evaluation and planning through entitlement, permitting, budgeting, design coordination, and execution oversight
- Coordinate with executive leadership and internal teams on project strategy, timing, feasibility, and financial planning
- Drive development pro formas, cost assumptions, and long-range budgets in partnership with finance and cross-functional leadership
- Work closely with architects, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies
- Support land acquisition and land disposition strategy, including negotiation and deal coordination
- Help shape community planning, product mix, and market-aligned development decisions
- Serve as a key representative of the organization with external stakeholders, agencies, and partners
What they’re looking for
- Significant experience in real estate development leadership, ideally within residential and land development environments
- Proven ability to lead projects end-to-end
- Strong background in entitlement and permitting
- Experience with pro formas, budget development, cost estimation, and financial coordination
- Familiarity with horizontal residential development, product planning, and pricing strategy
- Experience coordinating civil and vertical development-related activities across consultants and project teams
- Strong communication skills, including polished written communication and executive-facing presentation ability
- Ability to operate effectively in a lean organization where leadership depth, judgment, and accountability matter
Preferred background
- Hawaiʻi development experience strongly valued
- Experience working with local agencies, consultants, and regulatory processes
- Background that includes both strategic planning and hands-on development execution
Compensation
- Base salary up to $230,000
- Bonus potential
- Auto allowance
Salary : $230,000