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Real Estate Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (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 · On-site

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 ...

Scout Partners

Real Estate Partner

Chicago, IL

$250K - $350K/yr

Play an active role in business development and cross-selling opportunities across firm practice groups * Provide strategic leadership within the real estate practice, including mentoring junior ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsReal Estate Development JobsReal Estate Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

Real Estate Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$56.2K

$105.4K

$167K

How much do real estate development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for real estate development in Chicago, IL is $105,437.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,300.00 and $132,000.00 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Real Estate Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Real Estate Development jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Real Estate Development jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Real Estate Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Real Estate Development jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Real Estate Development job openings:

Real Estate Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Real Estate Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,437 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Vice President, Real Estate

Highland Holdings

Chicago, IL • On-site

$175K - $275K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Description:

We don’t just invest in real estate—we own, develop, and operate businesses that make those properties thrive. 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 locations to expand our brands—Lindy’s gas stations and Aviator Coffee —while also building a diverse commercial real estate portfolio. Whether it's acquiring a retail strip center, redeveloping a multi-acre parcel, or launching a new hospitality brand, we move fast and think big.

Requirements:

We’re looking for a high-level real estate executive to lead our real estate expansion, acquisitions, and development strategy. This person will be responsible for identifying, acquiring, and developing properties that fuel our brands’ growth, while also driving strategic real estate investments.


You’ll work directly with the executive team to shape the future of our real estate division, leading efforts in:

  • Site Selection & Acquisitions: Identify prime locations for QSRs, gas stations, strip centers, and large-scale developments.
  • Development Strategy: Oversee projects from ground-up construction to tenant placement.
  • Market Expansion Strategy: Plan how to acquire key real estate and roll out our brands to new states/markets and secure long-term advantages.
  • Underwriting & Investment Analysis: Build financial models to determine the best opportunities.
  • Capital Raising & Deal Structuring: Help shape investment strategies, including SPVs, real estate funds, and joint ventures.
  • Divestitures & Asset Management: Decide which properties to hold, sell, or reposition for max value.

This role requires an entrepreneurial mindset, a deep understanding of real estate investment and development, and the ability to scale a fast-moving portfolio.


What We’re Looking For

  • 7+ years in real estate development, acquisitions, asset management, or franchise expansion.
  • Experience in retail, QSR, hospitality, or mixed-use real estate.
  • Strong deal negotiation and capital raising experience.
  • Ability to underwrite and prioritize acquisitions based on strategic business goals.
  • A visionary mindset—we’re thinking big, and you should be too.

This is an executive-level position with the opportunity to lead a major real estate operation from the ground up.


Why Join Us?

  • Direct exposure to principals and decision-making that actually happens in real-time.
  • Growth potential inside a high-velocity platform scaling across new asset types.
  • Entrepreneurial culture where ideas get heard, and performance gets rewarded.
  • Meaningful compensation tied to your impact.