Land Acquisition Development Manager

Find the sites. Shape the vision. Build what's next for Wendover.

At Wendover Housing Partners, we do more than acquire land—we identify opportunities that become thriving communities where people and potential can flourish. Guided by our Wendover commitment, our work goes beyond buildings. We invest in neighborhoods, elevate resident experiences, and expand access to quality, affordable housing across Florida.

We're seeking a Land Acquisition Development Manager who brings strategic insight, strong analytical skills, and a mission-driven mindset to grow Wendover's development pipeline. If you thrive on uncovering new opportunities, navigating complex due diligence, and building relationships with landowners, brokers, municipalities, and business partners, we'd love to meet you.

The ideal candidate is proactive, precise, collaborative, and energized by shaping the earliest stages of impactful, purpose-centered projects. If you're ready to help secure the sites that become tomorrow's communities, this role is for you.

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What You'll Do

As a Land Acquisition Development Manager, you will lead the identification, evaluation, and execution of land opportunities that support Wendover's growing portfolio of affordable and workforce housing communities. You will manage the front end of the development lifecycle—from market research and feasibility through negotiation, contracting, and entitlement strategy.

Land Identification & Opportunity Sourcing

· Identify land opportunities through broker relationships, community contacts, ownership outreach, and market intelligence.

· Track trends in growth markets and emerging areas aligned with Wendover's development strategy.

· Maintain a robust acquisition pipeline and proactively advance high-priority opportunities.

Site Evaluation & Due Diligence

· Conduct feasibility assessments, preliminary site plans, and density/yield studies.

· Partner to coordinate due diligence including surveys, environmental assessments, geotechnical reviews, utilities, and zoning verification.

· Evaluate parcel characteristics, development risks, infrastructure needs, and entitlement complexity.

· Collaborate with internal and external partners (architects, engineers, surveyors) to determine project viability.

Financial Analysis & Deal Structuring

· Develop and review initial financial models, site budgets, and early-stage pro formas.

· Model acquisition scenarios, development assumptions, and deal structures to guide go/no-go decisions.

· Support early financing strategy for LIHTC, SAIL, SHIP, HOME, HUD programs, and Florida funding opportunities.

Acquisition Strategy, Negotiation & Contracting

· Lead negotiations with sellers, brokers, and landowners to secure favorable deal terms.

· Prepare and manage letters of intent (LOIs), purchase agreements, and contract timelines.

· Coordinate legal review and ensure all agreements meet corporate, financial, and operational standards.

Entitlement, Zoning & Land-Use Approvals

· Support entitlement pathways, including zoning changes, comp plan amendments, variances, and site plan approvals.

· Coordinate with municipalities, counties, planning staff, and regulatory agencies.

· Track requirements, prepare submittals, and assist with presentations at public meetings or hearings.

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management

· Build and maintain strong relationships with government officials, community partners, landowners, and consultants.

· Support community outreach, neighborhood meetings, and early engagement efforts.

· Facilitate strong collaboration across internal teams—from development and finance to design and construction.

Project Coordination & Internal Reporting

· Track acquisition milestones, critical dates, and contract contingencies.

· Conduct site visits and provide up-to-date assessments to project leadership.

· Prepare internal reports, investment summaries, opportunity memos, and pipeline updates.

What You Bring to the Team

· Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Urban Planning, Finance, Architecture, Business, or related field; Master's preferred.

· 5+ years of experience in land acquisition, residential development, or real estate development.

· Strong understanding of land planning, zoning, entitlements, and Florida development processes.

· Experience with affordable or workforce housing, LIHTC, and public funding programs.

· Strong financial acumen with the ability to evaluate feasibility and model development scenarios.

· Exceptional negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.

· Highly organized, analytical, and comfortable managing multiple opportunities simultaneously.

· A mission-aligned mindset and passion for shaping communities with purpose and integrity.

Working Environment

This Florida-based role supports land acquisition and early development activities across the state. You'll work in a collaborative, professional environment with regular interaction across cross-functional teams, external partners, and community stakeholders.

· Occasional statewide travel is required for site visits, meetings, and public hearings.

· Work hours may flex beyond 40 per week based on contract timelines and entitlement schedules.

· Professionalism, confidentiality, and adaptability are essential.

· Compensation includes base salary plus performance-based bonus opportunities.

If you're ready to bring strategic insight, care, and excellence to a team dedicated to building communities that matter, we'd love to meet you.

About Wendover.   

Who We Are

Wendover Management, LLC is a property management company focused on multifamily communities serving students, families, and seniors. As a leading provider of affordable and workforce housing across the Southeast, our diverse and growing portfolio reflects a deep commitment to creating high‑quality, inclusive housing opportunities in communities of all backgrounds.

As our organization continues to grow, we're looking for passionate, talented individuals who want to build meaningful careers while helping us strengthen the communities we serve.

Work With Us

At Wendover, we're committed to creating purpose‑driven careers where associates grow personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact. We go beyond competitive pay to offer a supportive, values‑based environment where people feel cared for, challenged, and inspired.

Why Wendover?

• Purpose in Every Role
  Our work strengthens communities and changes lives. Every role contributes to a greater mission, offering a strong sense of meaning and fulfillment.
• Real Career Growth
  Wendover is more than a workplace—it's a place to build a career. Through leadership development, hands‑on learning, and clear advancement pathways, we support your long‑term success.
• Integrity You Can Count On
  We lead with trust, consistency, and accountability. Our culture promotes psychological safety and fosters strong, authentic relationships.
• Driven & Resilient Culture
  Challenges fuel our innovation. We move forward through teamwork, support, and perseverance—empowering associates to grow, adapt, and succeed together.
• A Place to Belong
  We prioritize inclusivity, connection, and respect. Every individual is valued for who they are and what they bring to the team.
• At Wendover, you're not just joining a company—you're joining a mission.

Wendover Life+

Total Rewards Designed for You

At Wendover, we believe in supporting the whole you—professionally, personally, and purposefully. That's why we offer Wendover Life+, our enhanced total rewards program designed to help you thrive at work and in life.

In addition to competitive pay and a supportive culture, Wendover Life+ provides a robust suite of benefits focused on health, time, financial security, and growth.

Wendover Life+ Benefits

Health & Wellness

• Medical Insurance: Wendover covers up to 90% of the associate‑only premium, with comprehensive partner and family coverage options
• High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with company‑funded HSA contributions
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Short‑Term Disability (company‑paid) and Long‑Term Disability, plus additional complimentary benefits through MetLife
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental, emotional, and personal well‑being

Time to Recharge

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 8 company‑paid holidays plus 1 flex holiday
• Annual Volunteer Wendover Day of Service, supporting the communities where we live and work

Financial Support, Growth & Lifestyle Perks

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with 100% company match up to 4% of salary
• Rent discounts at select Wendover communities
• Fin fit financial wellness tools to support budgeting, planning, and financial confidence
• Learning & Tuition Reimbursement Programs to support continued education and skill development
• Interactive Learning Management System (LMS) for ongoing professional growth
• Career advancement and leadership development opportunities designed to help you grow with Wendover

Our Commitment

Wendover Life+ is more than a benefits program—it's a reflection of how we care for our people. We continually assess and enhance our offerings to meet the evolving needs of our associates, because when you thrive, our communities thrive.