Development Manager - Cincinnati, OH

Organizational Overview · The Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC) is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt, private, non-profit corporation. The organization's mission and strategic focus is to strengthen the core assets of downtown by revitalizing and connecting the Central ...

Job description

Organizational Overview

The Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC) is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt, private, non-profit corporation. The organization's mission and strategic focus is to strengthen the core assets of downtown by revitalizing and connecting the Central Business District and Over-the-Rhine (OTR). 3CDC works in close collaboration with the Cincinnati corporate community and City of Cincinnati to carry out its mission. With an annual operating budget of $20 million, the organization has a team of approximately 170 full-time staff and 180 part-time staff engaged in real estate development, real estate management, civic space management and programming and business district management.

• Real Estate Development - To date, 3CDC has played a direct role in over $2 billion in development projects in downtown Cincinnati and the adjacent neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine. In completing over 100 development projects, 3CDC has reimagined key civic spaces, added market-rate and affordable housing to the urban core and created density through mixed-use residential and office projects that support local small businesses.
• Real Estate Management - 3CDC leases and manages over 660,000 square feet of commercial space and nearly 6,000 parking spaces with annual operating revenues exceeding $32 million.
• Civic Space Management and Programming - 3CDC manages and programs six civic spaces – Fountain Square, Washington Park, Ziegler Park, Memorial Hall, Court Street Plaza and Imagination Alley. 3CDC hosts nearly 1,600 free family-friendly events each year at these spaces.
• Business District Management – The organization manages two special improvement districts – the Downtown Cincinnati Improvement District and Over-the-Rhine South Special Improvement District – providing clean and safe services, homeless outreach, beatification efforts and marketing support to both districts.

Job Summary

The Development Manager is a senior-level position within the Real Estate Development team, responsible for leading and executing real estate development projects in Cincinnati's Central Business District (CBD) and Over-the-Rhine (OTR) neighborhoods. This role oversees all phases of development – from opportunity assessment and design coordination to financial structuring and project delivery. The Development Manager will supervise project staff and serve as the central point of coordination among internal teams, consultants, contractors, and public agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and recommend real estate investment opportunities within the CBD and OTR.
• Lead and supervise all phases of the development process, including the direct management and mentorship of project staff.
• Oversee the design and construction phases.
• Develop financial strategies, including project budgets, underwriting and sourcing financing such as traditional debt, equity, tax credits, public incentives, and other financing tools to ensure project viability.
• Facilitate effective communication between construction and design teams, including coordination of RFIs, change orders, and stakeholder feedback.
• Cultivate strong relationships with internal stakeholders, external partners, investors, public officials, and community organizations.
• Supervise and mentor development team members, including workload management, performance reviews, and professional development.

Success Metrics

• Performance in this role will be measured by the following key outcomes:
• Project Delivery: Successful completion of assigned development projects on time and within budget.
• Financial Performance: Ability to structure financially viable deals, achieving project-specific return thresholds and securing external funding (e.g., tax credits, or public incentives) as targeted.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Positive feedback from partners, community stakeholders, city officials, and internal teams.
• Team Leadership: Development team members are retained, engaged, and show professional growth, as reflected in annual performance evaluations and staff development plans.
• Compliance and Risk Management: All regulatory approvals, permits, and legal closings are completed accurately and on time, with no significant compliance issues.
• Communication and Reporting: Timely and clear communication with senior leadership and stakeholders, including accurate monthly reporting on project status, risks, and financials.

Qualifications, Skills and Specialized Knowledge

• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in real estate development, urban planning, architecture, construction management, or related field.
• Proven experience managing complex urban development projects, preferably within mixed-use or adaptive reuse contexts.
• Strong knowledge of real estate finance, design and construction processes, including familiarity with zoning and entitlement processes and public-private development models.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
• Proficiency in financial modeling, project budgeting, and construction contract oversight.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public presentation experience.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in real estate, finance, architecture, urban planning, or a related discipline preferred.
• Personable, positive, and enthusiastic attitude with capability to deal effectively with people (both internal and external).
• Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
• Excellent organizational skills, work habits, and consistent follow-through.
• Must maintain the highest degree of confidentiality.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Digital dexterity and hand/eye coordination in the operation of office equipment.
• Body motor skills enough to enable employee to move around the office and work environment.
• Additional mental requirements: compare, decide, direct, problem solve, analyze, instruct, and interpret.
• The ability to work well under stress.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. The employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor and other management as required.

This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. It is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or work conditions associated with the job. Furthermore, the employer reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.