Development
The Vice President, Development is accountable for establishing and leading CMLC’s development function as a scalable, enterprise‑integrated capability that supports increasing project complexity, portfolio growth, and long‑term city‑building outcomes.
This role provides strategic and operational leadership across the full development lifecycle—from land acquisition, concept development, feasibility, and deal structuring through to project delivery alignment—while serving as CMLC’s senior development voice with the City of Calgary, development partners, and key stakeholders.
The Vice President, Development plays a critical role in exercising independent judgment, strengthening front‑end development discipline, and integrating development activities across the organization. A core priority is advancing CMLC’s Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) program while enabling broader development initiatives across the portfolio.
Specific Responsibilities
This is a critical role in CMLC’s continued success and growth.
In the First Year, the Vice President, Development should:
Have developed a strategic plan on how to deliver and execute on CMLC’s land development function over the next five years;
Have built and grown a high-performing team to successfully deliver key land development projects;
Have reinforced strong industry relationships and credibility that have increased confidence in CMLC’s ability to deliver land development;
Have advanced and shaped CMLC’s relationships with the City of Calgary, development partners, and key stakeholders;
Have clearly advanced TOC development as a major business function for CMLC; and,
Have become a trusted advisor to the President and CEO and a key, trusted member of the Executive Leadership Team.
Job Accountabilities
Development Strategy & Feasibility
Ability to originate, assess, and advance development opportunities from land acquisition through feasibility and concept development.
Expertise in evaluating development economics, market conditions, land use potential, and value creation drivers.
Skilled in translating strategic objectives into viable development concepts and delivery pathways.
Transaction Structuring & Partnerships
Strong capability in structuring and negotiating development agreements, joint ventures, and public private partnerships.
Experience aligning commercial, financial, and public interest considerations within complex deal structures.
Ability to oversee due diligence and manage risk across transactions.
Municipal & Regulatory Navigation
Deep understanding of municipal policies, approvals, planning frameworks, and regulatory environments.
Proven ability to navigate complex public sector processes and multi stakeholder approval pathways.
Effective engagement with municipal leaders, agencies, and regulatory bodies.
Portfolio & Program Leadership
Ability to lead and balance multiple concurrent development initiatives across a diverse portfolio.
Experience advancing large scale, long term programs (e.g., transit oriented or master planned communities).
Skilled in setting priorities, sequencing work, and aligning resources to strategic outcomes
Cross Functional Integration
Strong ability to integrate development activities across planning, design, finance, construction, and operations.
Ensure clarity around roles, decision ownership, and lifecycle handoffs across projects.
Build alignment between development strategy and delivery execution.
Financial & Commercial Acumen
Deep understanding of real estate finance, pro formas, and financing.
Stakeholder & Partner Management
Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with developers, consultants, community stakeholders, and government partners.
Skilled in balancing competing interests while maintaining focus on organizational and project objectives.
Effective communicator in high profile, high scrutiny environments.
Desired Candidate Abilities, Background & Experience
Education
Post-secondary degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Engineering, or a related field.
Experience
15+ years of progressive experience in real estate development, including senior leadership responsibility.
Senior‑level experience leading real estate development initiatives across the full development lifecycle, from land acquisition and feasibility through to delivery alignment.
Demonstrated experience overseeing complex, mixed‑use or urban development projects involving multiple stakeholders.
Experience working within municipal planning, approvals, and regulatory environments.
Proven experience structuring and negotiating development agreements, partnerships, or public‑private transactions.
Experience leading or coordinating development portfolios or programs with multiple concurrent projects.
Experience representing an organization with senior government officials, development partners, and industry stakeholders.
Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams and integrating work across functions.
Personal / Professional Attributes
Critical Competencies:
Organizational-Level Perspective: Prioritizes organization wide outcomes over functional ownership.
Strategic and Operational Balance: Thinks long term while executing with discipline at the project level.
Independent Decision Making: Exercises sound judgment and reduces unnecessary escalation.
External Credibility: Recognized as a peer by municipal leaders, developers, and industry stakeholders.
Integrator: Aligns competing priorities and leads effectively across functions.
Systems Builder: Builds repeatable processes, governance, and scalable development practices.
Resilient Leadership: Calm, thoughtful, and effective in high stakes, high complexity environments.