Community Development Project Manager Jobs in Des Moines, IA

Position Summary

The WDS Project Manager will engage and assist in the implementation of our real estate development strategy, which includes substantial rehabilitation and long-term physical plant asset management of existing properties, new construction coordination, and review of land for future developments. This can include projects on both a smaller, and larger scale; particularly for residential uses to further the mission of WesleyLife’s organizational goals related to improving the aging experience.

Pay: $90,000-110,000 Annually 

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities 

• Provides full support in implementing multipronged, place-based real estate development throughout all project phases (site acquisition, contracts, programming, design, financing, construction, leasing/marketing).
• Works closely on policy development, financial analysis, property management, and administrative support to existing Community team-members, as well as new asset opportunities.
• Maintains productive relationships with all industry related subcontractors/vendors. Assist in overseeing their work completed successfully.
• Addresses issues that arise including project timelines, work levels, performance/quality concerns, etc. on behalf of WesleyLife. Serves as WesleyLife ownership representative, as designated, based on needs of the organization.
• Partners effectively with internal team members to keep the project on track/on budget, while ensuring understanding of processes and critical path. Plans for and helps lead Development Committee Meetings and discussions, in coordination with the Development Project Coordinator.
• Provides accurate documentation, reporting, and data collection to ensure compliance of grants and/or public-private partnerships.
• Provides accurate documentation to facilitate transition from development to operations, including “hand off” meetings from one department to the other(s).
• Partners with the communities to review capital equipment expenditures to ensure quality, value, and consistent bid process occurs. Aids those communities in helping log, track, and monitor expenditure planning related to equipment or other large investments.
• Engages in long-range capital expenditure and asset preservation planning for campus locations and office buildings. Provides project oversight for annual capital projects or expenditures that are complex or involve multiple vendors within the organization.
• Coordinates, and manages, internal development / campus improvement projects. This includes, but is not limited to, estimating/budgeting, project management / oversite, contractual writing / buy out, accounting, and close-out.

Requirements 

• Ability and willingness to travel to all WL Community locations.   
• Bachelor's Degree in Real Estate, Business Management, Construction Management, Construction Engineering or related field or equivalent commensurate experience is preferred.
• Minimum of four years of experience in project management, design, urban planning, real estate, property management, plant/facilities operation management, and/or construction is required.
• Strong analytical skills, with working knowledge or experience with design, property management and/or construction of real estate.
• Energetic, organized, and highly motivated person with the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Flexibility and willingness to do a variety of tasks.
• Proficiency with WesleyLife asset management systems, including incorporations of monitoring CHL work orders, asset tagging, and long term capital need forecasting.
• Excellent interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Must demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of personalities, communicate effectively with team members, and demonstrate accountability for results at the individual, team and organizational level.
• Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, MS Project)
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and auto insurance.

Work Environment 

• Attendance is considered an essential function of this position. 
• Office setting with moderate noise levels. Significant travel to WL Communities will be required (50/50) 
• Field setting with occasional loud noises, or needs for PPE, when surroundings warrant 
• Field conditions can include active construction sites, properties under development, or existing physical plant environments that have heavy equipment and/or machinery in close proximity 
• Role may require flexibility with hours, including overtime, or off-hours at times 
• Role may require travel, up to 45% of the time. 
• High volume workload, with multi faceted responsibilities and flexibility required 
• Mentally stressful conditions 
• Critical thinking skills, ability to influence and negotiate change, ability to deliver difficult messages with tact and high levels of professionalism.

Why Choose WesleyLife?   

At WesleyLife, you're not just starting a job — you're joining a purpose-driven community where your well-being, growth, and impact truly matter. With nearly 80 years of excellence in serving older adults, we empower our team members to thrive while making meaningful connections and changing lives every day.  

WesleyLife is proud to be recognized as one of Senior Care’s Best Places to Work by WeCare Connect! We’re committed to a workplace where every team member is seen, heard, and appreciated.   

Ready to make a difference? Apply today!