Senior Development Associate

About Bedrock

Bedrock is an award-winning real estate developer focused on comprehensive city building initiatives in Detroit and Cleveland. Its work includes creating iconic cityscapes, rehabilitating historic properties, and making space for the community—all with the philosophy to operate for more than profit. 

Since 2011, Bedrock has invested and committed more than $7.5 billion to develop and restore more than 140 properties, totaling over 21 million square feet of office, retail, residential, hospitality, industrial, data centers and parking. In 2024, Bedrock was named one of the world’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company. 

For additional information about Bedrock, please visit bedrockdetroit.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X. 

Position Summary

The Senior Development Associate reports directly to the Managing Director, Cleveland and takes an active role in managing Bedrock real estate development and special projects from initial conception through opening. Building on foundational development and underwriting experience, the Senior Development Associate functions as an owner's representative, exercising independence in day-to-day project execution while operating within the strategic direction set by the Managing Director. The role partners closely with Bedrock's construction, finance, architecture, legal, marketing, and other internal teams, as well as outside consultants, to plan, program, design, and deliver development projects that will reshape Downtown Cleveland. The role also is anticipated to require a high degree of analytical and financial modeling expertise to lead the Cleveland Development team in iterating quickly on numerous development and investment scenarios across its portfolio.

Essential Functions

• Supports and independently manages components of multiple development projects, including ground-up and adaptive reuse residential, office, mixed-use, parking, and public space developments.

• Contributes to project planning and strategic recommendations related to program, phasing, schedule, and investment levels to support project objectives and market viability.

• Coordinates with cross-functional Bedrock teams on project schedule, budget, design, construction, marketing, branding, leasing, and operational considerations.

• Reviews and provides feedback on architectural, engineering, financial, marketing, and consultant deliverables.

• Conducts financial underwriting, feasibility analyses, development modeling, and investment scenario evaluations for assigned projects.

• Analyzes development opportunities from financial, strategic, operational, and risk-management perspectives and develops recommendations for leadership review.

• Researches and evaluates solutions to development-related challenges, including land use, transportation, utilities, infrastructure, entitlement, and public policy considerations.

• Monitors project budgets, pro formas, schedules, and consultant engagements; identifies variances and recommends corrective actions as needed.

• Develops and maintains relationships with contractors, consultants, public agencies, legal counsel, and other external stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

• Prepares presentations, reports, analyses, investment materials, and project updates to support business decisions and leadership discussions.

• Tracks industry trends, emerging development practices, and market activity and identifies opportunities to apply relevant insights to active projects.

• Provides regular updates on project progress, milestones, risks, and key decisions to Development leadership.

• All other duties as assigned

Position Qualifications

• Applies sound judgment to development-related issues and independently manages assigned workstreams while elevating higher-risk or strategic decisions as appropriate.

• Knowledge of real estate development processes, project management principles, financial analysis, underwriting, and development feasibility concepts.

• Strong analytical, financial modeling, organizational, and communication skills.

• Ability to review and interpret architectural drawings, engineering reports, development budgets, pro formas, legal documents, and project schedules.

• Ability to build effective relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders and navigate complex projects in a collaborative environment.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Economics, Construction Management, Architecture, Finance, or related field; equivalent experience considered.

• Advanced degree in a related field preferred.

• 3–5 years of experience in real estate development, development consulting, acquisitions, project management, or a related field.

• Experience supporting mixed-use, residential, office, hospitality, or urban development projects preferred.

• Experience with financial modeling, underwriting, feasibility analysis, and project budgeting.

• Strong written, presentation, and verbal communication skills.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

• Experience working with multiple stakeholders and consultants throughout the development lifecycle preferred.

Key Competencies

• Communication: Effectively communicates information clearly and professionally, adapts messaging to the audience, and builds positive working relationships with residents, guests, and team members.

• Planning & Organization: Manages time and priorities effectively, adapts to changing needs, and executes tasks with attention to detail and accuracy.

• Problem Solving: Identifies and addresses routine issues using sound judgment, collaborates with others as needed, and escalates more complex situations appropriately.

• Culture & Ethics: Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and respect in all interactions, contributing to a positive and inclusive environment aligned with organizational values.

• Technical Skills: Demonstrates the skills and knowledge needed to perform role responsibilities effectively and collaborates with others to support team and organizational goals.

• Leadership & Accountability: Demonstrates accountability by setting and meeting expectations, taking ownership of responsibilities, building positive relationships, modeling organizational values, and adapting effectively to change.

Work Environment

• Bedrock is an in-person, five-day-a-week workplace. All team members are expected to work on site Monday through Friday during standard business hours, unless otherwise specified by their role or designated shift.

• Some roles may have flexibility to work remotely on Fridays, based on the nature of the work and business needs. This flexibility is granted at the discretion of the Company and may be adjusted at any time.

• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use; occasional movement between buildings; ability to lift up to 15 lbs. Occasionally.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and may be modified periodically.

Disclaimer

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities performed by persons assigned to this classification. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor or manager to assign, direct and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. All principal duties and responsibilities of this position are essential functions of the position. Job descriptions are reviewed on a regular basis and may be revised at any time. Revisions will be communicated to employees within the classification. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment; therefore, the company may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.

The compensation information below is provided in compliance with all applicable job posting disclosure requirements. The compensation for this position is $90,000 - $110,000. The position is also eligible for an annual bonus and other employment-related benefits including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision benefits, 401K retirement plan, and paid-time off. The information regarding compensation and other benefits included in this paragraph is the company’s current, good faith estimate at the time of posting. [Compensation and benefits are subject to modification from time to time as the Company, in its sole and exclusive discretion, deems appropriate.] The Company may determine during its future reviews of the proposed compensation and benefits provided for this position, that the compensation and benefits for such position should be reduced. In no event will the Company reduce the compensation for the position to a level below the applicable jurisdictional minimum wage rate for the position.

Bedrock is an equal-opportunity employer.