ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Urban Development Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Urban Dove

Director of Youth Development

Memphis, TN · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Urban Dove Team Charter School (UD Team) is a distinctive network of sports-based high schools ... Lead professional development for the department. * Address performance issues with staff.

W3Global Inc.

Project Manager Civil

Nashville, TN · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

The organization works across a diverse portfolio of projects including corporate, industrial, residential, mixed-use, and urban development initiatives. They are committed to supporting both ...

Fairstead ESC LLC

Community Manager

Covington, TN

Ensure adherence to laws relating to leasing, including but not limited to Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Fair Housing, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Fair Credit ...

Urban Science Applications, Inc.

Analyst

Franklin, TN · On-site

... Urban Science training programs to achieve targeted development objectives. • Works with manager in completing own annual goal setting and performance review in a timely manner. • Works with ...

Urban Science Applications, Inc.

Analyst

Franklin, TN · On-site

Actively supports and participates in required Urban Science training programs to achieve targeted development objectives. * Works with manager in completing own annual goal setting and performance ...

Urban Science Applications, Inc.

Analyst

Franklin, TN · On-site

Actively supports and participates in required Urban Science training programs to achieve targeted development objectives. * Works with manager in completing own annual goal setting and performance ...

Varsity Tutors

Civil Engineering Tutor

Memphis, TN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes applying engineering principles to real infrastructure challenges and connects civil engineering to bridge design, water treatment, and urban development. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ...

Varsity Tutors

Civil Engineering Tutor

Nashville, TN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes applying engineering principles to real infrastructure challenges and connects civil engineering to bridge design, water treatment, and urban development. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsUrban Development JobsUrban Development Jobs in Tennessee

Urban Development information

See Tennessee salary details

$30K

$70.3K

$120.7K

How much do urban development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for urban development in Tennessee is $70,284.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,100.00 and $82,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can you do with an urban development degree?

An urban development degree prepares individuals for careers in city planning, urban design, and community development. Graduates can work as urban planners, development project managers, or policy analysts, often utilizing GIS tools and requiring knowledge of zoning laws and sustainable practices.

What is urban development?

Urban development refers to the process of planning, designing, and improving cities or towns to accommodate growing populations and enhance quality of life. It involves the construction and upgrading of infrastructure like roads, housing, public spaces, and utilities, as well as the implementation of policies for sustainable growth. Urban development aims to create livable, efficient, and resilient urban environments that meet the social, economic, and environmental needs of communities.

What do urban development professionals do?

Urban development professionals plan and design infrastructure, housing, transportation, and public spaces to improve city environments. They analyze community needs, create development proposals, and coordinate with government agencies, engineers, and architects to implement projects that promote sustainable growth.

What is the difference between Urban Development vs Urban Planning?

AspectUrban DevelopmentUrban Planning
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Geography, or related fields
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, project management, collaboration with developers and government agenciesResearch, policy formulation, community engagement, design
Industry UsageFocuses on implementing projects, infrastructure, and development initiativesFocuses on designing policies, land use, and long-term planning strategies

Urban Development involves executing projects and infrastructure improvements, while Urban Planning emphasizes designing policies and land use strategies. Both roles often overlap but serve different stages of city growth and management.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in urban development?

Urban development professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders, navigating complex zoning regulations, and addressing sustainability concerns. Projects may require collaboration with government agencies, community groups, and private developers, each with differing priorities. Additionally, professionals must stay updated on evolving environmental standards and urban planning technologies to ensure that developments are both innovative and compliant with local regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in urban development?

To thrive in Urban Development, you need a solid background in urban planning, architecture, or civil engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and professional certification such as AICP or RICS. Familiarity with GIS software, CAD tools, and urban modeling systems is typically required for effective project design and analysis. Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving skills enable successful collaboration and negotiation in diverse community settings. These abilities ensure that urban development projects are sustainable, compliant, and responsive to community needs.
Urban Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Urban Development 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 $70,284 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

Director, Real Estate Development

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Vanderbilt University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

184th of 616 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.

What Vanderbilt University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply