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Real Estate Development Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Mark Spain Real Estate

Real Estate Agent

Columbia, TN · On-site

$200K/yr

Real Estate Agent - 8 - 15 Qualified Appointments Per Month No Prospecting. No Desk Fees. Just Closings. Full-Time | Commission-Based | Active Real Estate License Required (or ability to obtain ...

Mark Spain Real Estate

Real Estate Agent

Franklin, TN

$200K/yr

Real Estate Agent - 8 - 15 Qualified Appointments Per Month No Prospecting. No Desk Fees. Just Closings. Full-Time | Commission-Based | Active Real Estate License Required (or ability to obtain ...

Mark Spain Real Estate

Real Estate Agent

Franklin, TN

$200K/yr

Real Estate Agent - 8 - 15 Qualified Appointments Per Month No Prospecting. No Desk Fees. Just Closings. Full-Time | Commission-Based | Active Real Estate License Required (or ability to obtain ...

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Real Estate Development information

See Tennessee salary details

$49.5K

$92.8K

$147K

How much do real estate development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for real estate development 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 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 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 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.

Do real estate developers make a lot of money?

Real estate developers can earn high incomes, especially when managing large projects or successful developments, but earnings vary widely based on experience, project size, location, and market conditions. Successful developers often require strong financial skills, market knowledge, and access to capital. Income potential increases with experience and a proven track record in the industry.

Is real estate development a good career?

Real estate development is a viable career that involves managing the planning, financing, and construction of property projects. Success requires strong project management skills, knowledge of market trends, and often a background in finance, architecture, or urban planning. It can be financially rewarding but also involves significant risk and long-term commitment.

What exactly do real estate developers do?

Real estate developers plan, design, and oversee the development of new properties or the renovation of existing ones, including residential, commercial, or industrial projects. They coordinate with architects, contractors, and government agencies, secure financing, and manage project timelines to bring developments from concept to completion.
More about Real Estate Development 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 jobs in Tennessee?

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

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

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

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

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

Real Estate Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Real Estate Development job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% 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 18 days ago

Vanderbilt University rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 627 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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