Senior Development Associate

Location: Camden, NJ

Employment Type: Full-time

Requisition ID: 2026-10400

About the Employer

The Michaels Organization is a national leader in residential real estate offering full-service capabilities in development, property management, construction, and investment. At Michaels, our teammates strive to fulfill our promise of creating communities that lift lives – ones that jumpstart housing, education, civic engagement, and neighborhood prosperity.

Role Summary

The Senior Development Associate will assist the Division Regional VP and Vice President of Development in the project management of a series of multi-family projects through the development lifecycle, including relationship management, lead generation, land control, legal entitlement, project design, internal reporting, cost accounting and budgeting, financing and underwriting, construction, marketing/leasing, project opening and ongoing operations.

What You'll Do

Lead Generation/Business Development

Maintain and expand a network of consultants, leveraging past project relationships and attending regional professional events to uncover new business opportunities and assist in the company's pipeline growth
Review and summarize incoming RFPs, site acquisition opportunities, and potential partnerships
Generate a "Go/No-Go" analysis for new deals to review with VP/Regional VP of Development and submission to the Michaels Go/No-Go Review Committee
Tour sites with Regional Vice President and/or Vice President and/or attend initial project meetings with potential stakeholders and respond with LOI for site or RFQ/RFP response

Development Project Management

Run assigned deals approximately 75% independently from supervisor(s)
Create initial project and maintain ongoing organizational management of Project Folders and documents for internal and external stakeholders
Create predevelopment budget and secure financial sizing/feasibility analysis from Michaels Residential finance team
Populate new opportunities in Bluebird and assist VP of Development with Investment Committee ("IC") meeting presentation submissions
Attend IC meetings and help VP/Regional VP deliver requisite follow-up information/meetings required by IC after initial approval
Work with Project Accountant to manage pre-development cost accounting and budgeting in Job Costs, reviewing and approving invoices within IC approval amounts
Schedule and lead regular project calls with development and construction teams for assigned projects
Assist in project design coordination and contract/proposal management with Architect, Engineers, General Contractor, and other consultants
Collaborate with VP of Development and design team and land use counsel on local entitlements and State Permits
Work alongside Green Consultant(s) to employ sustainable design initiatives as required by code, land use/site control agreements, and/or funding
Work collaboratively with Urban Practice Owner Representative team to secure progress pricing at each design milestone and with GMP construction agreement development and execution
Coordinate with property management and leasing teams to develop operating budgets and rent assumptions for new development

Financing and Investor Relations

Assist VP/Regional VP of Development and VP of Capital Markets team with information for RFPs and/or offering memos required to secure project debt and equity commitments
Collaborate with VP of Capital Markets to structure financing and compile competitive funding applications for LIHTCs and other subsidy sources of financing
Work with legal team to manage loan closing due diligence and requisite contractual document completion

Construction & Delivery

Participate on OAC calls and attend in-person Monthly Site Visit/Draw meetings and site walks
Work closely with Owners Representative to track and administer signatures on potential Change Orders and Approval of Change Orders to the GMP hard construction contract
Manage "soft" professional cost and FFE Change Management Log – input monthly draw expenses, track and manage estimated future costs and savings
Assist and review Monthly Draw Submittals with Accounting, Development and Construction Team
Create monthly draw reports to financial institutions, equity partners and company executives as required
Liaise with VP of Leasing in the Project "creative process" including project branding, logo development, and website "splash pages"
Manage FF&E Vendors and Delivery Schedule and assist Owner Representative Punch Lists
Coordinate Move-In Strategy/execution with Construction and Operations team
Facilitate payables and FF&E vendors after project delivery by working with the management company to effectively transfer accounts into operations
Facilitate project closeout by ensuring O&M manuals, as-built plans and surveys are received
Lead efforts of permanent loan conversion with lenders

Additional Duties

Participate in select Industry and Regional market education and networking
Perform general and various project management tasks to advance project delivery, including garnering community and political support and stewardship of projects
Assist with project schedule and production of predevelopment budget tracking reports to ensure continued compliance with project IC approvals
Facilitate financial decisions by working with Developers to ensure delivery of projects in a timely manner via the construction draw or check request process
Analyze financial data and present business unit forecasted monthly predevelopment "cash use" and yearly reports and analysis for Michaels Residential accountants
Manage marketing and leasing analysis and tracking commencing with respective project lease-up, ensuring adequate reporting to projects' financial partners
Participate in monthly Regional Development calls and company-wide meetings, assisting with reporting
Assist development teams with requisite community engagement process

Required Qualifications

4–10 years of development experience
Project management experience and strong real estate fundamentals
Fundamental understanding of real estate and business contracts, accounting, finance, budget management and reporting
Experience working in a team environment with strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to effectively communicate key data and information to development team members and executives
Keen analytic, organization and problem-solving skills
Minimum of a BA or BS degree

Preferred Qualifications

Masters level education
Experience in a relative field

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Self-starter with the ability to work independently while leveraging an established development platform
Detail oriented and drive to always be on top of areas of responsibility
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to manage up and down
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Collaborative, respectful, and transparent approach with all stakeholders
Superior desire to meet commitments and deadlines
Ability to manage several projects simultaneously through high energy, flexibility and excellent organizational skills

Compensation

$86K–$115K. Individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Benefits

Competitive wage, comprehensive benefit package including Medical, Dental, Vision, prescription coverage, generous paid time off, 401(k) plan with company match, Michaels Employee Scholarship Program for employees' children, professional development opportunities.

Additional Information

Michaels teammates make a difference in the lives of residents, colleagues, and the communities where we live and work every day. Help make the world a better place in a team-oriented environment and collaborate and thrive in a company culture where all are welcome.

The Michaels Organization jobs

Senior Development Associate