Director of Development and Investment

Summary 

The Director of Development and Investment drives the creation and implementation of real estate development and impact investments that support economic growth via healthy, equitable, and resilient Portland neighborhoods; access to financial resources for business and property owners; and an innovative, financially sustainable agency. This position leads a team of managers and professional staff within the Development and Investment Department (D&I), who are responsible for redevelopment projects, district-scale public-private partnerships, loan and grant programs, asset management, and infrastructure investments. As a member of the Prosper Portland Executive Team, this position demonstrates thoughtful leadership, an unwavering commitment to shared prosperity, and works with public and private partners across the agency and throughout the region to support a thriving economy.  

Note: We are accepting applications until 03/03/2026. 

Functions and Responsibilities  

• Drives the creation and implementation of strategies that foster inclusive development and shared prosperity. 
• Provides overall strategic direction and methodology for agency’s real estate development projects. Ensures department conducts inclusive community outreach, strengthens collaborative partnerships, performs sound financial analyses, and employs project management fundamentals.
• Oversees and leads the development, negotiation, and implementation of plans, strategies, and contracts for community and district-scale development. 
• Oversees and manages performance of agency’s portfolio of real estate assets and loans. Ensures the work of the agency is aligned with current market conditions and that agency investments are a responsible and thoughtful use of public and private resources. 
• Provides strategic direction for and oversees financial programs, products, and investments using tax increment (TIF) financing and other public funding. Identifies new public and private investment resources. Ensures products and investments support a balance of financial and community objectives.
• Leads, empowers, and mentors the D&I Department staff; leads team in a collaborative manner; manages staff performance; supports staff development, and unlocks their innovative potential
• Defines and builds local and national strategic partnerships that enhance impact of work (e.g., Elected officials, public agency directors and staff, community and business leaders, development partners, higher education institutions, lenders, investors and foundations etc.). 
• Cultivates authentic relationships with community members and partners to facilitate inclusive public engagement and access to Prosper Portland’s projects and programs with a particular focus in TIF districts and related Action Plans.
• Leads the preparation and administration of department budget utilizing TIF, general funds, grants, and other resources; leads efforts to secure non-TIF operating funds.
• Produces and champions the messaging and storytelling that illustrate the department’s priorities and impact.  
• Serves as a strategic thought partner that ensures the prioritization of a community-centered approach to projects, programs, and initiatives.
• Represents Prosper Portland on committees, task forces, press and public relations matters, City Council, at events, and with other organizations.
• Partners on budgets, programs, projects, initiatives and opportunities with other departments and teams.
• May serve as Acting Executive Director in the Executive Director’s absence.
• Leads and/or assists the agency with special projects and other relevant duties as assigned.  

Scope   

• Provides leadership, direct supervision, and overall direction to the Development and Investment Department. 
• Operates independently with minimal direction from Executive Director, demonstrates personal initiative, and works closely and collaboratively with counterparts within and outside Prosper Portland.  
• Exercises astute judgment and political acumen within multifaceted and changing economic, political, and governmental environments. 
• Makes decisions that may have significant impact operationally, financially, politically, and/or with public opinion.
• Manages multimillion-dollar budget for Development and Investment Department for projects and programs.
• Manages and motivates the department, ensuring an inclusive and supportive work environment. 
• Accountable for department performance, including budget management, project/program delivery, compliance with internal and external policies and procedures, and ethical and legal conduct of staff. 
• Serves as a member of the Executive Team, supporting, developing, and achieving Prosper Portland’s equity objectives.
• Frequently represents and speaks for the agency in public settings and with the media.  
• Controls sensitive/confidential information, requiring discretion, high levels of tact, and confidentiality. 
• Executes contracts with signature authority up to $75,000. 

Competencies  

Putting People First, Inclusion & Collaboration 

• Interpersonal Skills: Advanced ability to establish and cultivate authentic and effective working relationships and partnerships. Exercises active listening, tact, patience, diplomacy, discretion, and political awareness. Ability to build trust and inspire confidence. 
• Mission-Driven Service: Ability to provide excellent service by demonstrating a people-oriented mindset and a willingness to help. Ability to train and provide mentorship, guidance, and thought partnership to others.
• Teamwork: Ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with others. Resolves conflict and builds consensus.
• Leadership: Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop a collaborative team environment. Ability to coalesce, motivate, and empower a team. Ability to effectively manage staff performance and invest in staff development. 
• Communication: Exemplary verbal and written communication skills. Advanced ability to speak and present in public. Advanced negotiation skills. Utilizes strategic messaging, facilitation, persuasion, and media relations skills. Ability to interpret and use data through storytelling and narrative building to effectively communicate information. Bilingual or multilingual a plus.
• Cultural Curiosity and Reflection: Ability to learn and use culturally responsive practices to understand, communicate, and work with people across cultures and identities. Honors and embraces differences and models inclusivity in interactions and decisions.
• Advancing Equity: Actively embeds equity in strategy and practice. Ability to lead others in learning, understanding, and applying the principles and practices of equity to work.

Excellence, Innovation & Learning 

• Knowledge: 
  • Comprehensive knowledge of real estate principles, finance, analysis, practices, and procedures particularly as applied to commercial and mixed-use real estate development from small, site-specific projects to district-scale endeavors.
  • Advanced understanding of community development, public policy development, urban and economic development planning, and urban design principles.
  • Advanced understanding of business and public finance, social impact investing, and asset/portfolio management.
  • Knowledge of best practices, models, and tools to embed racial equity in inclusive development projects and programs. 
  • Knowledge of public/private partnership structures, public administration, and budgeting.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office, database systems, web-based platforms, and other communication tools. 

• Continuous Learning: Openness to new ideas. Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback. Ability to ask for help and learn from experiences.
• Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to apply complex problem-solving skills. Exercises sound decision-making on financial, organizational, policy, political, and interpersonal issues; Ability to apply creative and innovative solutions.  Ability to interpret and apply law, policy, and procedure to work.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to shifting and competing work demands. Demonstrated ability to navigate complex political environments. Ability to work with ambiguity. Perseveres in the face of obstacles.
• Planning and Organization: Advanced ability to conceptualize and deliver large, highly complex projects within a constrained schedule and budget. Ability to plan and manage key strategic initiatives. Advanced ability to engage with, develop, and execute policies. Ability to provide strategic direction. Ability to develop and oversee complex project and administrative budgets. 
• Accountability: Takes initiative and responsibility for actions. Follows through on commitments and meets deadlines. Maintains a high level of confidentiality.

Minimum Qualifications  

Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible management and leadership experience.
Ten years of progressive experience in community development, real estate development, business finance, related public administration, or equivalent experience.  

Demonstrated success improving access, opportunity, and outcomes through community development initiatives in public/private partnerships, public policies, or equivalent fields. Experience managing people and working in or closely with the public sector, while not required, is considered helpful and valuable experience.  

Physical Requirements  

Position requires ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time along with the ability to frequently move throughout the office. Position often uses a computer and other standard office equipment. Position must communicate and interact with internal and external stakeholders often regarding complex issues. 

Working Conditions 

Normal working hours Monday through Friday [8 AM – 5 PM] in a combination of in-person and remote work; however, additional hours will regularly be needed to meet deadlines. Early morning, evening, and weekend meetings may be necessary. Position will often travel to external meetings, properties, or events and may occasionally travel out of the metro area. Assigned work is often politicized, shifting, and complex, which sometimes necessitates working under stressful conditions. This position is expected to demonstrate a commitment to inclusion through ongoing learning, self-reflection, and participation in—and at times facilitation of—team conversations that support respectful, inclusive workplace practices.