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Project Development Director Jobs in Franklin, TN

Ardent Health

Sr Project Manager Construction

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$105K - $143K/yr

This position will be lead manager on projects with oversight from the Director, Planning and ... Develops budgets, constructability analysis and project development schedule. Assists with ...

JE Dunn

Project Director

Nashville, TN · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Role Summary The Project Director will provide overall direction and leadership for the assigned ... Strategy Development andImplementation: Provides strategic direction to team members in light of ...

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Project Development Director information

See Franklin, TN salary details

$60.3K

$137K

$214.6K

How much do project development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for project development director in Franklin, TN is $137,009.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,800.00 and $144,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a project development director do?

A Project Development Director oversees the planning, execution, and completion of major projects within an organization. Their responsibilities include identifying project opportunities, managing budgets, coordinating teams, and ensuring projects align with organizational goals. They often serve as the main point of contact for stakeholders and are responsible for mitigating risks and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope. Effective leadership, strategic planning, and strong communication skills are essential for success in this role.

What are some common challenges faced by a project development director when managing cross-functional teams?

Project Development Directors often work with diverse teams from various departments such as engineering, finance, marketing, and legal. One common challenge is aligning different priorities and communication styles to ensure everyone is working towards the same project goals. Additionally, balancing stakeholder expectations while managing tight deadlines and budget constraints can require strong negotiation and problem-solving skills. Successful Project Development Directors foster collaboration, set clear objectives, and proactively address potential conflicts to keep projects on track.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project development director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Development Director, you need expertise in project management, business development, strategic planning, and a relevant degree—often in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project or Asana), budgeting tools, and certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2 are highly advantageous. Leadership, negotiation, and strong interpersonal communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring project success, stakeholder alignment, and effective delivery of organizational goals.

What is the difference between Project Development Director vs Project Manager?

AspectProject Development DirectorProject Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple projects, strategic planning, and long-term development initiativesManages individual projects, coordinates teams, and ensures project deliverables
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in relevant fields, extensive experience in project planning and leadershipBachelor's degree, PMP or similar certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level, strategic meetings, cross-department collaborationOn-site or remote project teams, day-to-day project oversight

The Project Development Director focuses on strategic, high-level planning and oversees multiple projects, while the Project Manager handles the execution and daily management of individual projects. Both roles require strong leadership and industry knowledge, but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Development jobs in Franklin, TN?

The most popular types of Project Development jobs in Franklin, TN are:

What cities near Franklin, TN are hiring for Project Development Director jobs?

Cities near Franklin, TN with the most Project Development Director job openings:

Project Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Development Director job openings in Franklin, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,279 per year, or $67.4 per hour.

Director, Real Estate Development

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Vanderbilt University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 621 rated colleges and universities

Job description


Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Real Estate, the Director of Development is a critical team member responsible for leading major real estate development initiatives for Vanderbilt University, with a primary focus on the Innovation Neighborhood. The role oversees developer solicitation, pre-development planning, negotiations, implementation, design and construction oversight, activation planning, and ongoing coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
The Director of Development brings deep experience in real estate development, including public-private partnerships (P3s), mixed-use urban development, and complex multi-phase projects. The role ensures that major development initiatives align with Vanderbilt's institutional vision, financial expectations, academic and research objectives, and long-term operational needs.
About Real Estate:
Vanderbilt University's Real Estate portfolio includes approximately 41 buildings consisting of ~1 million gross rentable square feet, 760,000 square feet of commercial space, 305 apartment units, miscellaneous University ground leases, 460,000 square feet of leased space, the Vanderbilt Legends Club golf course and facilities, and West Trace, LLC (Holiday Inn Vanderbilt). Additionally, Real Estate is tasked with leading the University's innovation neighborhood development and managing the University's strategic real estate initiatives to include all acquisitions, dispositions, conversions, entitlements, and necessary real estate engagements to meet the Chancellor's goals throughout the United States.
VURE is part of the Vanderbilt University Real Estate, Facilities, and Development organization which works collaboratively to build, maintain, manage and operate campus infrastructure in a sustainable and cost-efficient manner to support the overarching academic mission and goals of the university.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Development Partner Procurement, Negotiation & Deal Execution
  • Lead the developer solicitation process, including preparing RFP materials, coordinating internal review, evaluating proposals, and managing procurement workflows.
  • Negotiate business terms for P3 structures, ground leases, phased development agreements, and related transaction documents.
  • Collaborate with Legal, Finance, Procurement, Corporate Partnerships, Academic Affairs, VU Enterprises and senior leadership to ensure agreements align with Vanderbilt's objectives and financial and operational requirements.
  • Manage project governance and prepare materials for executive and Board-level decision-making.

Design, Construction & Technical Oversight
  • Provide oversight of developer-led design and construction activities, ensuring alignment with campus design guidelines, infrastructure standards, and operational considerations.
  • Coordinate technical review with VU internal departments (Planning, Design, and Construction, Maintenance & Operations, Mobility/Parking, Environmental Health & Safety) to ensure integration with campus systems.
  • Monitor design quality, construction progress, schedule adherence, and value management efforts.
  • Manage construction communication and impact mitigation in coordination with campus stakeholders and external partners.
  • Maintain continuous oversight to ensure developer performance meets Vanderbilt expectations.

Development Analysis, Feasibility & Financial Modeling
  • Conduct feasibility studies, evaluate development scenarios, and lead financial analysis to assess long-term operating implications, risk factors, and cost/benefit scenarios for major development decisions.
  • Review developer financials, budgets, schedules, and pro formas; provide internal recommendations.
  • Partner with REFD Business Operations and Finance to evaluate deal terms, capital needs, and long-term portfolio impact.

Innovation Neighborhood Leadership & District Management
  • Serve as a central project leader for the Innovation Neighborhood, overseeing entitlements, infrastructure planning, public realm development, retail tenanting strategy, tenant recruitment support, and implementation sequencing.
  • Coordinate internally with VU departments (Center for Technology Transfer & Commercialization, Corporate Partnerships, schools/colleges, researchers, and community partners) to align district tenanting and recruitment with Vanderbilt's innovation and academic goals.
  • Support public realm planning, open space coordination, and activation strategy, ensuring the district evolves as a vibrant, functional innovation ecosystem.
  • Serve as liaison with Metro Nashville agencies alongside development partner and VU's Government and Community Relations office.
  • Work closely with VU's Government and Community Relations office on neighborhood relations, meetings, and construction impact mitigation.

Stakeholder Management & Cross-Functional Coordination
  • Act as a connector across REFD, Finance, Legal, Planning, Design & Construction, Maintenance & Operations, Administration, academic units, and developer teams.
  • Facilitate decision-making processes, manage conflict points, and maintain communication across multiple internal and external workstreams.
  • Develop and present clear and compelling executive-level presentations, scenario analyses, and project summaries.

Assist with regulatory coordination and engagement with Metro Nashville, permitting entities, and other agencies.
Supervisory Relationships:
This position does have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Real Estate
Education and Certifications:
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Degree in Real Estate, Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Finance, Development, or related field preferred.
  • Advanced degree or certifications (e.g., real estate development, finance, project management) preferred.

Experience and Skills:
Required
  • 5-8+ years of real estate development experience, with direct involvement in development projects from conception through implementation.
  • Experience in P3 development, mixed-use or large-scale campus development, or master developer relationships.
  • Demonstrated capability managing design and construction teams, consultants, and technical experts.
  • Strong financial modeling and analytical skills, including pro forma development and deal evaluation.
  • Experience evaluating and negotiating complex real estate agreements.
  • Ability to lead multi-stakeholder initiatives in a complex institutional or corporate environment.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-management skills.

Preferred
  • Experience in higher education, research campuses, or innovation district development.
  • Familiarity with entitlements, infrastructure planning, and public realm/urban design principles.
  • Understanding of large-scale district activation and tenanting strategies.

About Us
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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