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Real Estate Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Highland Holdings

Vice President, Real Estate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$175K - $275K/yr

Our portfolio spans retail strip centers, gas stations, QSRs, and large-scale mixed-use developments. We're not your typical real estate investment firm. We're strategic operators, acquiring ...

Forestar

Real Estate Analyst-FG

Schaumburg, IL

Forestar Group Inc. is a residential lot development company focused on delivering desirable ... Forestar Group is currently looking for a Real Estate Analyst-FG . The right candidate will work ...

5 Legal

Real Estate Associate

Chicago, IL

This candidate will perform transactional work as assigned, including drafting and negotiation of documents relating to the full spectrum of commercial real estate transactions, including development ...

Jobot

Real Estate Attorney

Chicago, IL

$225K - $325K/yr

Responsibilities Lead commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, financing, development, and leasing matters. Draft and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, loan ...

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All JobsReal Estate Development JobsReal Estate Development Jobs in Illinois

Real Estate Development information

See Illinois salary details

$52.8K

$99.1K

$157K

How much do real estate development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for real estate development in Illinois is $99,103.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,700.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the qualifications to get a job in real estate development?

The qualifications to get a job in real estate development vary depending on your responsibilities. For investment and development jobs, the most important thing is money, whether it is from personal wealth or investors. Some developers work specifically with municipal governments or community organizations. If you seek investors, you need to have strong financial skills, good negotiation and presentation tactics, and strategic vision. To become a construction or design worker in real estate development, you need to have a bachelor’s degree or credentials from an apprenticeship and several years of work as a commercial or residential contractor. Marketing professionals need a background in PR or real estate.

What is real estate development?

Real estate development is the process of creating new buildings or renovating existing properties for residential, commercial, or mixed-use purposes. It involves tasks such as acquiring land, securing financing, obtaining permits, overseeing construction, and managing the eventual sale or lease of the property. Developers coordinate with architects, contractors, government agencies, and investors throughout each stage of a project. The goal is to transform raw land or underutilized properties into valuable assets that meet market demand.

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

To thrive as a Real Estate Developer, you need strong project management, financial analysis, and market research skills, often supported by a degree in real estate, business, or a related field. Familiarity with financial modeling software, CAD tools, and zoning or permitting systems is typically required. Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving abilities set top developers apart. These skills are crucial for successfully managing complex projects, securing investment, and navigating regulatory environments to deliver profitable developments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in real estate development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in real estate development often encounter challenges such as navigating complex zoning regulations, securing project financing, and coordinating with a diverse group of stakeholders including architects, contractors, and government agencies. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong project management skills, effective communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Building a network of reliable partners and staying informed about local market trends can also help mitigate risks and ensure project success.

What is the difference between Real Estate Development vs Real Estate Brokerage?

AspectReal Estate DevelopmentReal Estate Brokerage
Required CredentialsReal estate license, possibly a degree in real estate, finance, or urban planningReal estate license, sales certification
Work EnvironmentProject sites, offices, planning meetingsReal estate offices, property showings, client meetings
Industry UsageInvolved in planning, financing, and constructing new propertiesFacilitates property sales and leasing between buyers and sellers

Real estate development focuses on creating new properties from planning to construction, while real estate brokerage centers on selling and leasing existing properties. Both roles require real estate licenses but differ significantly in daily activities and project involvement.

More about Real Estate Development jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Real Estate Development jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Real Estate Development jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Real Estate Development jobs in Illinois? For Real Estate Development jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Real Estate Development jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Real Estate Development jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Real Estate Development jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Real Estate Development job openings:
Real Estate Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Real Estate Development job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $99,103 per year, or $47.6 per hour.

Senior Development Manager

FOCUS DEVELOPMENT INC

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description

Job Description

Position Title: Senior Development ManagerDepartment: DevelopmentReports to: Executive Vice President, DevelopmentIssued:  July 23, 2026
Overview:The Senior Development Manager leads real estate development activities and construction oversight with minimal guidance from executive leadership. The Senior Development Manager will also lead the execution of one or more selected complex multifamily, commercial, and/or mixed-use developments with development costs generally greater than $100MM. This includes leading the production of working drawings and acting as the owner's representative throughout the development lifecycle.The Senior Development Manager will lead a team of consultants and act as the owner's representative, in close collaboration with the consultant team and general contractor, throughout the development lifecycle. It is imperative that the Senior Development Manager have multifamily experience and be able to provide direct, clear direction to the project team. 

Responsibilities:
  • Lead real estate development activities and construction oversight with minimal guidance from executive leadership.
  • Represent Focus as owner and provide direct and clear direction to the project team.
  • Evaluate real estate opportunities through physical inspections and due diligence, including zoning code research, architectural programming, consultant coordination, working drawing coordination, permitting, and construction oversight.
  • Maintain positive relationships with project stakeholders, including consultants, municipalities, partners, lenders, brokers, and other key members of the project team.
  • Lead the preparation of business plans and regular reporting for multiple real estate developments and ensure compliance throughout the life of each development with limited assistance from senior leadership.
  • Participate in the company's internal quality control efforts and design standards.
  • Create and manage soft cost budgets and related contracts.
  • Regularly perform site visits to ensure quality of construction and adherence to schedule.

Skills Required: 

  • 5+ years of experience in multifamily real estate development, architecture, construction management, or a related field.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Real Estate, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related field.
  • Proven experience in large multifamily ground-up development is mandatory.
  • Ability to read, coordinate, and analyze a set of drawings.
  • Proven experience in development management and/or owner representation, including partner and investor relationship management.
  • Advanced understanding of the roles and key participants within the real estate industry, including construction teams, consultants, municipalities, governing bodies, and other project stakeholders.
  • Must be assertive and have proven leadership skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office is required. Experience with Procore, Bluebeam, Revit, or other Autodesk CAD software is beneficial.
  • Valid driver's license and/or ability to travel to sites and meetings.

Physical Demands: 

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, or hear. 
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. The employee is occasionally required to use hands or fingers to type. 
  • The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. 
  • The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

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