Real Estate Development Manager

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The 2033 Higher Education Development Foundation is a Texas nonprofit corporation formed in 2017 to support the University of Texas at Austin. We work at the intersection of public mission and private-sector execution — structuring and delivering complex real estate development projects that directly benefit one of the nation’s leading research universities. Our portfolio spans student housing, athletics facilities, mixed-use developments, office buildings, and the development and asset management of UT’s extensive land holdings across Austin. We are a small, experienced team that moves quickly, works at scale, and takes pride in the quality and impact of everything we build.

THE ROLE

We are seeking a full-time, on-site Real Estate Development Manager based in the Austin, Texas to join our team in a high-impact, cross-functional role reporting directly to the Director of Development. This is a position for a seasoned real estate professional who can operate independently across the full development lifecycle — from early-stage underwriting and entitlements through vendor selection, construction oversight, and project delivery. You will work on a diverse mix of institutional and commercial real estate projects, partnering closely with the University and its stakeholders to advance the Foundation’s mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Predevelopment

• Lead predevelopment activities on assigned projects from concept through construction start, including site analysis, feasibility, underwriting, RFPs, entitlements, and design coordination.

• Manage the entitlements process from start to finish, including zoning applications, public hearings, agency coordination, and regulatory approvals.

• Build and maintain financial models for development opportunities, including ground-up development, public-private partnerships, and adaptive reuse projects.

• Prepare and respond to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) in coordination with University and Foundation leadership.

• Coordinate land development activities, including due diligence, title review, survey, environmental, and other third-party work streams.

• Manage design teams through schematic and design development phases, ensuring alignment with program, schedule, and budget.

Vendor & General Contractor Selection

• Lead the selection process for general contractors and development partners, including RFP preparation, bid solicitation, proposal evaluation, and final recommendation to leadership.

• Negotiate and administer contracts with GCs, developers, and other key vendors, ensuring terms protect the Foundation’s interests and align with project objectives.

• Evaluate contractor qualifications, track records, and financial capacity in the context of each project’s scope and delivery requirements.

Owner’s Representation & Project Delivery

• Serve as owner’s representative throughout the development and construction process, acting as the primary point of accountability for ownership-level decisions.

• Monitor project progress against schedule and budget, proactively identifying and resolving issues that could affect delivery, cost, or quality.

• Review and approve contractor pay applications, change orders, and other project-level expenditures in coordination with the Director of Finance.

• Lead regular project meetings with GCs, design teams, and consultants; ensure timely communication and resolution of open items.

• Manage project close-out activities, including punch list completion, final documentation, and transition to operations or asset management.

• Prepare internal and external project reports, investment memoranda, and Board presentations throughout the development lifecycle.

Stakeholder & University Relations

• Build and maintain relationships with City of Austin staff, consultants, contractors, and University counterparts.

• Support the Executive Director and Directors of Development, Construction, and Finance on active projects as needed.

• Represent the Foundation professionally in public forums, community engagement processes, and University planning discussions.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5 years of experience in real estate development, with demonstrated ability to manage projects independently from predevelopment through delivery.

• Deep knowledge of the entitlements process in Texas, including zoning, land use, and regulatory approvals — Austin experience strongly preferred.

• Strong financial modeling skills with the ability to underwrite acquisitions, ground-up development, and public-private partnership structures.

• Proven experience leading GC and developer selection processes, including RFP preparation, bid evaluation, and contract negotiation.

• Experience serving as owner’s representative during construction, with a track record of delivering projects on time and on budget.

• Experience with RFP and RFQ processes, including proposal preparation and evaluation.

• Familiarity with land development, design coordination, and construction delivery methods.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting to senior leadership and institutional stakeholders.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and workstreams simultaneously in a small-team environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in real estate, finance, urban planning, architecture, or a related field; advanced degree a plus.

• Experience with higher education, institutional, or public-private development is preferred but not required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This role offers a base salary of $125,000-$155,000 commensurate with experience plus eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Additional Benefits Include:

• Health Insurance
• Dental & Vision
• Retirement Plan & Employer Match
• Paid Holidays
• $1,000 monthly health insurance stipend ($12,000 annually) for employees who elect coverage
• Flexible, trust-based time off. The Foundation does not track vacation days; employees are trusted to manage their schedule in alignment with project needs
• Schedule flexibility with the expectation 4 days per week in the office

WHY JOIN 2033 HEDF

Few development roles offer the combination of deal diversity, institutional mission, and real ownership that this one does. You will work on projects that shape one of the most dynamic university campuses in the country — and on the most sought-after land portfolio in Austin. Our team is small by design: everyone here carries significant responsibility, works directly with leadership, and sees the impact of their work. If you are looking for a place where your experience translates directly into influence, and where the work genuinely matters, we’d like to hear from you.