Job Description

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

POSITION SUMMARY

LEDC's Commercial Real Estate Development Manager will lead the analysis to understand the market, strategic planning development and implementation, and the execution of commercial real estate development initiatives in the Eastside District of Saint Paul. This place-based real estate development role involves managing real estate acquisition opportunities for LEDC clients, rehabilitation of existing buildings, development projects, fostering partnerships with local stakeholders, and securing funding to facilitate community-driven real estate development projects. 

This role requires a strategic thinker who can drive initiatives that align with LEDC’s mission of community empowerment and economic development by collaborating across LEDCs divisions of CDFI lending and business development. This person will be expected to give insightful workshops, serve on panels and be an effective communicator to tell our story. This person will oversee Main Steet funding, marketing, and possible grants in the district. This person will also work on Plaza Del Sol—LEDC’s very own market hall, commissary kitchen, and event center in the district. The person in this role will report directly to the Executive Director. 

The role will lead LEDC's real estate initiatives: 

• Identify, evaluate, and lead potential real estate development opportunities for interested businesses and property owners in the district, conducting property sourcing and feasibility studies. 
• Coordinate and execute real estate projects, including construction of mixed use, commercial, and industrial properties, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and meeting quality standards. 
• Manage programming for district marketing, grant and loan opportunities; collaborate with Director of Advancement on fundraising opportunities for interested businesses and/or property owners and for the initiative. 
• Conduct and analyze market research to determine profitability and feasibility of potential projects. 
• Coordinate with architects, builders, and contractors to develop project plans, designs and timelines. 
• Oversee and manage all phases of the property development process, from initial concept to completion. 
• Negotiate contracts and agreements in coordination with supervisor with various stakeholders, such as landowners, local authorities, and service providers, and ensure all development projects adhere to legal and regulatory requirements. 
• Manage relationships with investors, brokers, property owners, and other stakeholders, providing regular updates and resolving any issues that may arise. 
• Monitor property market trends and identify potential areas for growth and development. 
• Strong communication across all mediums; Public speaking at conferences, conduct workshops, actively participate in local training, and advocating for policies and initiatives that promote economic development. 
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive real estate strategies that align with LEDC's mission and community needs. 
• Project Management: Oversee all phases of real estate development projects, from feasibility analysis and planning to execution and completion. 
• Partnership Building: Cultivate relationships with east side community, community organizations, funders, and government agencies, to secure support and collaboration on projects. 
• Engage with community members and stakeholders to gather input and ensure that development projects meet local needs and expectations. 
• Provide technical assistance to potential real estate clients, and others with a need for information and assistance regarding real estate acquisition. 
• Identify and pursue opportunities for new projects, including site evaluation, due diligence, financial analysis, and negotiation of transactions. 
• Collaborate with financial institutions, government agencies, and other partners to secure funding and support for real estate projects. 
• Ensure all real estate projects comply with relevant laws, regulations, and funders’ requirements. Prepare and present regular progress reports to senior management and the board of directors. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Required minimum 5 years of experience managing commercial and/or Mixed-Use development projects and/or land development projects, 10 plus years preferred 
• Strong understanding of the financial aspects of commercial real estate and CDFI operations 
• Knowledge of real estate development and entitlement processes 
• Proficiency in financial analysis and budgeting 
• Familiarity with local and federal real estate regulations 
• Knowledgeable of commercial and mixed-use construction methods 
• Project management abilities include budgeting, scheduling, and adherence to specifications and requirements 

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES WE WILL BE INTERVIEWING FOR

• Proven track record of collaborating, building trust, and leading across both formal and informal channels 
• Strong negotiation and communication skills 
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail 
• Highly responsive and resourceful with a proactive approach 
• Organizational and problem-solving skills 
• Innovative and enthusiastic mindset 
• Mission aligned with strong ethical standards 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) proficiency is highly desirable 
• Experience working in or with non-profit organizations, especially those serving Latino and other underserved communities 
• Experience with market halls, event centers, and commissary kitchens 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s Degree required, preferred degree in Real Estate Development, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, Construction Management, Business, or related construction or development related discipline. A master’s degree or certification in Real Estate Development or Project Management is a plus. 

SUPERVISORY:  This position may supervise non-exempt positions with program development. This position carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and procedures. 

WORK LOCATION:  LEDC’s St. Paul office. 

HOURS, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:  This is a salaried position. Candidates must be able and willing to be flexible and work some evenings and weekends as needed. 

• Exempt, Full time 
• Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 
• 2025 Benefits: 100% employer paid health and dental insurance for employee and for family members; subject to change 
• Life insurance 
• Employer matched retirement account 
• Paid time off (PTO); 9+2 holidays along with Holiday Closures 

TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to [email protected]. The position will remain open until filled, but applications received by Friday, March 14 will receive priority attention. 

An offer for this position may be contingent upon the completion of a background check. 

ABOUT LEDC

LEDC’s mission is to create economic opportunities for Latino/as by assisting Latinos achieve economic prosperity through entrepreneurship and small business development. We envision a region and state with a thriving multicultural community, enriched with Latino leadership, culture, and economic influence. 

Since its inception in 2003, LEDC has earned its place as a trusted partner for Minnesota’s Latino/a and other minority communities, providing education, lending, and technical assistance to small businesses in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota. We are a Latino/a led, fully bilingual organization, rich in lived experience and nuanced understanding of our clients, their cultural backgrounds, and their specific economic and business needs. As the only Latino-focused CDFI in the upper Midwest, we work to bridge the region’s enormous gap in culturally and linguistically appropriate business development services. 

At LEDC, we have long recognized that the impact of our work goes far beyond the individual small businesses we support. These businesses are woven into the very fabric of Minnesota’s rich and diverse Latino community, providing employment opportunities for immigrants and meeting important social and cultural needs in our community. All our efforts are focused on maintaining the integrity of this fabric and working to strengthen it, so that our culture itself can continue to thrive. 

ABOUT LEDC’S COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE INITIATIVE

LEDC began a place-based initiative in 2024 - the Eastside Saint Paul Commercial Real Estate Program - funded by Rooted Philanthropic for up to 3 years. We received a $1.2MM DEED Main Street seed fund to assist this position with implementation dollars. This new program is charged with understanding the commercial market on the Eastside to make connections with existing residents and businesses that want to build their wealth in the district as pressures around gentrification and displacement come into play. 

LEDC is playing a part in building small business resiliency on the Eastside. This mission-aligned wealth building initiative seeks a passionate commercial corridor/main street professional with a strong understanding of zoning, land use entitlement, market analysis, financial feasibility, real estate development processes, and the importance of communication across stakeholders to build trust. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

LEDC celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. 

Reasonable accommodation will be provided for applicants with disabilities. Contact us at [email protected]. Please indicate what assistance is needed. LEDC regrets that it is unable to offer H-1B sponsorship at this time. A successful candidate, under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations, must be able to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins. 

Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, For contractors, Local area, H1b, Flexible hours, Weekend work, Afternoon shift,

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