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Real Estate Development Associate Jobs in California

Francis Lorraine Inc

Real Estate Attorney

Irvine, CA · On-site

$225K - $250K/yr

... associate to join its team in either Century City or Orange County. This role will focus primarily on construction-related transactional work , supporting a wide range of real estate development and ...

Stoel

Mid-Level Real Estate Associate

San Diego, CA

$220K - $295K/yr

The associate will work closely with clients who are national leaders in the agriculture, renewable ... Our real estate, development, and construction attorneys assist clients with the land use, design ...

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All JobsReal Estate Development Associate JobsReal Estate Development Associate Jobs in California

Real Estate Development Associate information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$86.7K

$134.2K

How much do real estate development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for real estate development associate in California is $86,710.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,800.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Real Estate Development Associates during the project lifecycle?

Real Estate Development Associates often encounter challenges such as navigating complex zoning and permitting processes, managing tight project timelines, and coordinating among multiple stakeholders like architects, contractors, and local officials. Balancing budget constraints while ensuring project quality and compliance can also be demanding. Successful associates proactively address these hurdles by staying organized, communicating effectively with team members, and continuously monitoring project milestones to avoid delays.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Real Estate Development Associate, and why are they important?

To excel as a Real Estate Development Associate, you need a solid understanding of real estate finance, market analysis, and project management, typically supported by a degree in business, real estate, or a related field. Familiarity with financial modeling software (like Excel or Argus), zoning regulations, and project management tools is commonly required. Strong negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively with stakeholders and navigate complex development processes. These skills are crucial for successfully overseeing projects from inception to completion, ensuring profitability and compliance.

What is the difference between Real Estate Development Associate vs Real Estate Analyst?

AspectReal Estate Development AssociateReal Estate Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in real estate, finance, or related field; some roles prefer certifications like CCIMBachelor's degree in finance, economics, or related; often pursuing CFA or similar certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, site visits, project meetingsOffice-based, data analysis, market research
Employer & Industry UsageReal estate development firms, construction companies, investment firmsReal estate investment firms, financial institutions, consulting firms

While both roles involve real estate, a Real Estate Development Associate focuses on project planning, coordination, and execution of development projects. In contrast, a Real Estate Analyst primarily conducts market research, financial analysis, and investment evaluations. The roles often overlap in skills but differ in daily tasks and focus areas.

What does a real estate associate do?

A real estate development associate supports the planning, analysis, and execution of real estate projects. They conduct market research, assist with financial modeling, coordinate with stakeholders, and help manage project timelines, often using tools like Excel and project management software. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.

Is real estate development a good career?

A career as a real estate development associate involves managing projects from acquisition to construction, requiring skills in finance, negotiation, and project management. It can be financially rewarding and offers opportunities for advancement, but it also involves high competition, market risk, and long hours. Success depends on industry knowledge, networking, and the ability to navigate complex regulations.

What is a development associate in real estate?

A development associate in real estate is a professional responsible for supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of real estate development projects. They often handle tasks such as market research, financial analysis, and project management, working closely with developers, architects, and investors to ensure project milestones are met.

What does a Real Estate Development Associate do?

A Real Estate Development Associate supports the planning, coordination, and execution of real estate projects, such as residential, commercial, or mixed-use developments. Their responsibilities often include conducting market research, analyzing financial data, assisting in securing permits, and coordinating with architects, contractors, and other stakeholders. They help ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulations. This role is crucial in turning development concepts into successful, profitable properties.
What are the most commonly searched types of Real Estate Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Real Estate Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Real Estate Development Associate jobs in California? For Real Estate Development Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Real Estate Development Associate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Real Estate Development Associate jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Real Estate Development Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Real Estate Development Associate job openings:
Real Estate Development Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Real Estate Development Associate job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,710 per year, or $41.7 per hour.
Director of Real Estate Development

Director of Real Estate Development

Self-Help Enterprises

Visalia, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

The Director of Real Estate Development (“Director”) is responsible for the departmental functions listed above, which encompass all aspects of real estate development and finance (e.g., site acquisition, development entitlements, financial feasibility planning and implementation, securing capital). The Director will oversee a $4M operating budget and 11 staff members, including 2 Assistant Directors as direct reports, as well as teams of Project Managers and fiscal analysts.

The Director will serve as an active participant on the Executive Leadership Team, which develops, guides, and advances the organization’s goals and mission. The Director reports to the Vice President and has several functions, including new project selection and organizational-level capital financing strategies, developed in direct coordination with the CEO and CFO. The Vice President previously held the Director position for 9 years and has worked at SHE since 2014; she looks forward to working collaboratively with the Director as a thought partner and strategic ally.

This position is based in Visalia, CA, the location of SHE’s headquarters. SHE serves the following counties, and travel to these areas is expected: Kings, Kern, Mariposa, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Tulare Counties. The Director position can be partially hybrid, with several days/week required in the office or on-site for project and partner meetings.


Responsibilities

  • Lead a multifaceted team responsible for all aspects of real estate development and housing rehabilitation, including, but not limited to, project feasibility analysis, market research, financing, operating budgets, environmental review, due diligence, risk assessment, land-use approvals and negotiations, community outreach, and entitlement processes.
  • Develop cash flow projections; coordinate with the Vice President to manage and direct capital investments and resource allocation priorities; and monitor the overall cash flow needs of the Real Estate Department in tandem with the organization's cash needs.
  • Compile and present new multifamily project recommendations, including the financial strategy, site risk analysis, due diligence, and development timeline, to the Vice President, CFO, and CEO.
  • Direct searches for appropriate land for single- and multifamily housing developments, negotiate site control, and oversee all due diligence data collection and analysis.
  • Create urgency and drive within the Real Estate Development team to ensure projects proceed on schedule and within budget.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with and represent SHE to Board members, colleagues, public elected officials and employees, staff from other community organizations, funders, the business community, and the general public.
  • Present new projects to SHE’s Board of Directors and public entities for entitlements (City Council, Board of Supervisors, etc.)
  • Seek appropriate financial resources to maintain and expand real estate development efforts, including the effective implementation of capital strategies and oversight of funding applications to public and private lenders/funders.
  • Oversee an organizational vision for construction standards, product selection, and quality control, collaborating with the Director of Asset Management to ensure operational efficiency and minimize product replacement timelines.
  • Prepare Real Estate Development Department program and project budgets; review fiscal data, effectively manage within budget; review and oversee developer fee and equity installment projections to actual.
  • Review and analyze program regulations and laws, and coordinate advocacy and outreach efforts at the local, state, and federal levels.
  • Perform other duties as required by supervisor.

Must Haves

Candidates well-suited for this position will be able to demonstrate the following skills, experience, and qualities:

  • Deep commitment to SHE’s mission, organizational values, and the individuals, families, and communities that SHE serves
  • Track record of effective management and leadership of a team, and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a complex, fast-moving environment
  • Advanced expertise with low-income housing tax credits, and working knowledge of CEQA, NEPA, CUPs, by-right laws and pathways, the Subdivision Map Act, and other codes and regulations
  • Ability to understand complex financing issues, including capital accounts, the allocation of losses, a variety of depreciation schedules, tax credit pricing, and loan terms/rates
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to identify, develop, and cultivate partnerships and relationships, and make a variety of public presentations and pitches to a variety of audiences, including City Council, Boards, lenders, foundations, and other partners and stakeholders
  • Highly motivated, resourceful, and able to manage multiple overlapping projects, deadlines, and priorities
  • Strategic thinker who can also be detail-oriented

Apply