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Real Estate Development Manager Jobs in Tennessee

Holladay Ventures

Development Manager (LIHTC)

Nashville, TN · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

The Real Estate (LIHTC) Development Manager will take on a diverse range of responsibilities, combining analytical expertise, project management, and deal sourcing. This position requires a blend of ...

New

Holladay Ventures

Development Manager (LIHTC)

Nashville, TN · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

The Real Estate (LIHTC) Development Manager will take on a diverse range of responsibilities, combining analyticalexpertise, project management, and deal sourcing. This position requires a blend of ...

New

Direct Counsel

Real Estate Associate Attorney

Nashville, TN · On-site

$240K - $420K/yr

Development agreements * Property management agreements * Other real estate-related transactional documents * Handle transactions involving mixed-use, office, multifamily, retail, hospitality, resort ...

AutoZone

Senior Real Estate Specialist

Memphis, TN · On-site

$95K/yr

Join Our Team as a Real Estate Development Specialist Propel AutoZone's growth by collaborating with Real Estate Development Managers to secure high-quality sites and drive new store openings.

AutoZone

Senior Real Estate Specialist

Memphis, TN

Join Our Team as a Real Estate Development Specialist Propel AutoZone's growth by collaborating with Real Estate Development Managers to secure high-quality sites and drive new store openings.

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Real Estate Development Manager information

See Tennessee salary details

$49.5K

$92.8K

$147K

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

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for real estate development manager in Tennessee is $92,823.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $116,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Real Estate Development Manager vs Real Estate Project Coordinator?

AspectReal Estate Development ManagerReal Estate Project Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in real estate, urban planning, or related field; often with experience in developmentBachelor's degree; entry-level or supporting role, often with some industry certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads development projects, interacts with stakeholders, oversees planning and executionSupports project teams, manages schedules, assists with documentation and communication
Employer & Industry UsageReal estate development firms, construction companies, property developersReal estate firms, construction companies, project management teams

The main difference is that the Real Estate Development Manager oversees entire development projects, making strategic decisions, while the Real Estate Project Coordinator supports project execution through administrative and coordination tasks. The manager has more responsibility for project success, whereas the coordinator focuses on supporting roles within the project team.

What are some common challenges faced by real estate development managers during the project lifecycle?

Real Estate Development Managers often encounter challenges such as navigating complex zoning and permitting processes, coordinating with multiple stakeholders (including investors, contractors, and local authorities), and managing project timelines and budgets. Unforeseen issues like market fluctuations, community concerns, or construction delays can also arise, requiring strong problem-solving and negotiation skills. Staying proactive and adaptable is essential for successfully bringing development projects from concept to completion.

What does a real estate development manager do?

A real estate development manager locates undeveloped land and oversees the work to prepare it for commercial or residential real estate construction. They may work on one or more development projects at a time and are knowledgeable of local real estate markets, growth trends, and occupancy rates in cities and counties. A good real estate development manager should be a strong negotiator.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a real estate development manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Real Estate Development Manager, you need expertise in project management, real estate finance, market analysis, and a relevant degree such as in business, finance, or urban planning. Familiarity with property management software, financial modeling tools, and an understanding of zoning and permitting processes are typically required. Strong negotiation, leadership, and communication skills help drive projects forward and foster productive relationships with stakeholders. These competencies are vital for successfully managing complex development projects from concept to completion while maximizing profitability and minimizing risks.

What does a real estate development manager do?

A Real Estate Development Manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of property development projects from inception to completion. Their responsibilities include identifying potential development opportunities, conducting feasibility studies, securing financing, managing budgets, obtaining necessary permits, and coordinating with architects, contractors, and other stakeholders. Their goal is to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulations, while also meeting the financial and strategic objectives of investors or property owners.
More about Real Estate Development Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Real Estate Development jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Real Estate Development jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Real Estate Development Manager jobs in Tennessee?

For Real Estate Development Manager jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Real Estate Development Manager jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Real Estate Development Manager jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Real Estate Development Manager jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Real Estate Development Manager job openings:

Real Estate Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Real Estate Development Manager job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,823 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Director, Real Estate Development

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Vanderbilt University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 618 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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