CreateTO is shaping Toronto’s future through impactful real estate solutions. A City of Toronto agency, CreateTO works collaboratively with internal stakeholders, external partners and community members to create more livable, sustainable and inclusive communities. CreateTO is here to increase the social, cultural and economic value of our city’s $27-billion real estate portfolio, ensuring positive impacts for residents and a bright future for Toronto. If you’re passionate about contributing to the best use of one of North America’s largest and most valuable real estate portfolios, we’d love to have you on the team.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Director, Development directs the work of our internal and external teams including developing project leads, consultants / contractors, and others to identify market, obtain internal and external approvals, and execute the project for each property that best meets the Company goals. The Director, Development will be responsible for projects from concept inception to completion. This role will oversee two direct reports, ensuring the development team meets its annual goals and objectives.
PRINCIPAL FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership: Create/maintain a working environment that encourages creativity and high productivity by demonstrating desired behavior and outcomes and by setting an inspiring example. Leads, coaches and mentors’ direct reports. Sets annual and long-term strategic goals for the team
Oversee the creation of development concepts and management of approvals, sales, joint ventures and land leases
Manage, provide guidance and oversight to development leads in the preparation of complete due diligence on properties including site analyses, site capacity, planning approval issues, environmental assessment, valuation, site servicing requirements, political sensitivities and community and stakeholder impacts
Manage and assist development leads in the preparation of project schedules, project budget assessments and project business plans (cash flow requirements, funding requirements, pro-formas, etc.)
Presentation of business plans, development plans, negotiated transactions and project schedules to senior management, Board and Committee/Council
Facilitate and negotiate partnerships with local business, developers, senior levels of government, business associations and related agencies with respect to specific development projects
Direct or participate in negotiations with all stakeholders including internal clients, City agencies, councillors, the mayor’s office, neighbours, ratepayers and other interest groups to ensure timely receipt of government approvals
Responsible for preparation and reforecasting of development budgets and recommend for approval for each property
Project management responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the creation of architectural concepts, financial analysis, land acquisition and assembly and transactions (including dispositions, joint ventures and partnerships) and design
Negotiate and secure legal agreements required to execute transactions with preferred proponents for development of city lands
CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES
Minimum of 10 years real estate development experience in the residential mixed-use sector with particular emphasis on conducting due diligence, identifying the optimum development concept and directing the requisite design and municipal approvals and marketing of the subject lands in collaboration with development and industry partners
Appropriate educational background in land use planning, real estate (in the private and/or public sector), finance or urban studies (minimum MBA, CPA or BComm preferred)
Strong experience collaborating and managing a variety of stakeholders and interests including City stakeholders, City Officials, City Councilors private and non-profit developer partners, and residents
Strong aptitude for working within the political system in the creation, approval and implementation of residential, mixed used and master planning projects
Thorough understanding of municipal policies, planning regulation and approval process
Strong knowledge of financial aspects and project budgets as it relates to real estate development and strong financial acumen
Previous experience managing joint venture relationships would be preferred
Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
With a highly engaged team, CreateTO scores well above benchmarked organizations in terms of its employees’ passion, commitment, diversity and pride. As part of the organization’s Strategic Plan 2023-2027, “Inspire internal success” was named as one of five priority objectives.
CreateTO wants its team to reflect the city we represent, and we strive to provide an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective, all of which are proven to build better companies. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best work and be themselves.
We provide equitable treatment and accommodation to ensure barrier-free employment in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Candidates can request accommodation related to the protected grounds at any stage of the hiring process.
Interested and qualified candidates are required to submit their resume and cover letter by November 28, 2025. This posting is for an existing vacancy. Submissions that don’t include the requirements noted above will not be considered. Only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. No agencies at this time please.
For more information on CreateTO, please visit our website at www.createto.ca.
Please note that this is a hybrid working environment.
