Development Manager

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $7.6 billion in revenue for 2024, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building", providing fast track, efficient solutions for industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential related building projects.

CRG is a privately held real estate development and investment firm with deep expertise in industrial, office, student housing, land, and data center assets. Since 1993, we’ve developed over 220 million square feet across 12,500 acres, representing more than $14 billion in value. The firm serves clients and investors from headquarters in Chicago and St. Louis, and regional offices in Seattle, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Philadelphia, and Atlanta.

CRG manages $2.3 billion in real estate assets across institutional joint ventures and four fund vehicles with over $500 million in AUM. As part of Clayco, a nationally recognized, vertically integrated real estate and construction enterprise, CRG combines the strength and scale of an industry leader with the agility of an entrepreneurial platform.

The Development Manager is responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of ground-up student housing development projects, from site identification and underwriting through entitlements, design, financing, construction, and delivery. This role works cross-functionally with acquisitions, design, construction, finance, and asset management teams to execute projects that align with the company’s investment strategy, brand standards, and financial objectives.

• Manage multiple student housing development projects simultaneously from concept through stabilization
• Coordinate due diligence activities including market studies, zoning analysis, environmental reports, and site feasibility
• Lead entitlement and approval processes with municipalities, universities, and community stakeholders
• Oversee project schedules, budgets, and critical milestones to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery
• Prepare and refine detailed development budgets, pro formas, and sensitivity analyses
• Partner with finance and capital markets teams to support debt and equity sourcing
• Monitor development costs and cash flows throughout the project lifecycle
• Manage and collaborate with architects, engineers, designers, and consultants to ensure brand consistency and market-appropriate design
• Coordinate closely with construction management teams to align design intent, budget, and constructability
• Review and approve plans, specifications, change orders, and major cost items
• Oversee interior design and FFE implementation
• Serve as a primary point of contact for joint venture partners, consultants, lenders, and public officials
• Support university outreach and public-private partnership initiatives when applicable
• Present development updates and investment materials to internal leadership and external partners
• Analyze student housing market trends, competitive properties, and enrollment data
• Assist in defining unit mix, amenity packages, and pricing strategy to maximize project performance
• Collaborate with leasing and operations teams to ensure a smooth transition from development to operations

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Finance, Business, Design, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field
• 4–8+ years of experience in real estate development, preferably with student housing or multifamily projects
• Strong understanding of zoning, entitlements, construction processes, and design, development and finance
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and real estate financial modeling
• Excellent project management, communication, and negotiation skills

• This position is based in Chicago, IL.
• We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs across the United States.
• The pace is fast!

• Join a mission-driven, entrepreneurial team backed by Clayco’s national platform.
• Gain visibility and…