Assistant Vice President, Development

Position Title: Assistant Vice President or Vice President, DevelopmentLocation: Boston, MAReports to: Senior Vice President, DevelopmentFLSA: Full-Time, ExemptCompany Overview:Cottonwood Group is a private equity real estate investment firm with offices in Los Angeles, Boston, and New York. Since its founding in 2012, Cottonwood has served as a trusted investment partner to global institutions, foundations, pension funds, and family offices.The firm operates a multi-strategy platform focused on North American real estate, with the majority of activity concentrated in the United States. Cottonwood's flexible mandate enables it to act as a lender, investor, operator, and sponsor, allowing for tailored capital solutions and strategic alignment with partners.To date, Cottonwood has invested, transacted, and advised on over $7 billion of U.S. real estate through a range of capital vehicles, including pooled funds, separate accounts, public and private investment platforms, and entities in which Cottonwood maintains control or governance rights.Position Overview:We are seeking a highly motivated and analytically skilled Assistant Vice President or Vice President, Development to support the firm's development investment, ground-up development and development services platform. This role is unique in that it blends real estate private equity underwriting with hands-on development and construction oversight.This position will work closely with the firm's SVP/Head of Development and Investments team to support the evaluation and execution of equity and debt investments in development projects in primary markets across the country, while also taking on select development services assignments on behalf of external clients.The ideal candidate brings a well-rounded skill set across financial analysis, project feasibility, due diligence, and construction/development execution, and is comfortable operating across both transactional and project management responsibilities.Key Responsibilities:Investment Underwriting & ExecutionCollaborate with the Investment team to evaluate equity and debt investment opportunities in third-party-sponsored real estate developmentsPerform downside and sensitivity analyses to assess risk across key variables (cost, timing, lease-up, exit assumptions)Review sponsor underwriting and challenge key assumptionsReview detailed development pro formas, project budgets and operating cash flow projectionsAssist with preparation of internal investment memoranda and presentation materials for select transactionsDue Diligence & Risk AssessmentSupport all aspects of transaction due diligence, including market, financial, legal, and technical reviewCoordinate and review third-party reports (appraisals, environmental, engineering, market studies, cost reviews)Evaluate development budgets, schedules, and construction risksIdentify key deal risks and propose mitigation strategiesInterface with sponsors, consultants, and legal teams throughout the diligence processPortfolio & Asset MonitoringMonitor active investments during pre-development and construction phasesReview sponsor reporting, construction progress, and budget performanceTrack key construction and development milestonesSupport internal reporting to senior management and investorsThird-Party Development & Construction Project ManagementLead or support development management assignments for external clientsOversee projects from pre-development through construction and deliveryManage budgets, schedules, and consultant teams (architects, engineers, contractors)Conduct site visits and monitor construction progress, quality, and costsReview pay applications, change orders, and contractor performanceProvide strategic guidance to clients on design, cost control, and executionQualifications:5-10 years of experience in real estate private equity, development, or a related fieldStrong financial modeling and underwriting skills, including development pro-formas and waterfallsExperience evaluating or equity and/or debt investments in development projectsStrong knowledge of construction processes, budgeting, and project executionExperience with due diligence and third-party consultant coordinationAbility to manage multiple workstreams across transactions and active projectsExcellent analytical, organizational, and communication skillsBachelor's degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MSRE, or similar) preferredPreferred AttributesExperience working with third-party sponsors or in a lender/investment roleExposure to multiple asset classes (primarily for-sale residential, multifamily, mixed-use, land, retail, data centers)Strong judgment and ability to identify and underwrite riskEntrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate independentlyComfortable in a hybrid role spanning both investments and development executionWhy Join our Team?Be part of a firm that has consistently grown throughout market cycles, institutional investment grade while maintaining its nimble and entrepreneurial culture.Collaborative, respectful, supportive, and entrepreneurial culture.Beautiful office in Boston.Hybrid schedule that supports a healthy work-life balance with generous time off.Passion to provide opportunity for growth.Attractive and competitive compensation package.Rich benefit plans including affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage and 401K with up to 4% match.Company paid Long Term Disability and Life Insurance.Compensation: Base range starting at $150,000+ plus annual discretionary bonusCottonwood is an equal opportunity employer which takes pride in diversification and providing an environment where all team members can thrive. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law.

Created: 2026-05-09