Designing Justice + Designing Spaces (DJDS) is the only nonprofit architecture and real estate development firm in the country that innovates in and around the built environment to address the root causes of mass incarceration. With a focus on restorative justice and restorative economics, we partner with and serve low-income communities of color across the country. Our work counters the societal inequities evident in the dominant architectural models of justice — courthouses, jails, prisons, etc. — by designing and developing new prototypes such as peacemaking centers, mobile classrooms, and re-entry housing for formerly-incarcerated men and women. To achieve the mission and continue our ethos, the team comprises architects, designers, real estate developers, operations/events production staff, and community organizers; and projects often involve community members and systems-impacted individuals as experts, consultants, and contractors. Our work is founded on restoration and we incorporate it into our company culture and operations. We engage with our communities and partners with trauma-informed processes and patience. We value — and practice — self-awareness and personal growth in order for all staff members to be able to bridge the communities in which we work, from philanthropy to elected officials to those incarcerated and their communities of care.
The Director of Real Estate Development is an integrated part of a creative multidisciplinary team that is looking to develop new concepts and prototypes that will address the root causes of mass incarceration This unique position follows and integrates the core activities of real estate development — concept development and community engagement, site/land acquisition, pre-development, construction, and ultimately occupancy — with the efforts of the entire team. The Director of Real Estate Development positions the organization so that it will be able to consistently develop its social-impact projects, including assisting DJDS in growing its own ownership portfolio and as a consultant with community based organizations and municipalities to support site acquisition strategies, creative financing strategies, pro forma development, program partnership models and innovative funding vehicles for commercial, transitional housing and affordable housing projects. The position will be primarily located in our Oakland office, but may include up to 20% of time traveling to project sites nationally. The Director of Real Estate Development will report to the Executive Director.
Concept Development
Acquisitions
Capital Raising / Marketing
Development Execution
Thought Leadership
The company reserves the right to add or change duties at any time, through the authority of the Board of Directors.
Please send a resume and cover letter using the instructions listed below.
Email: resumes@designingjustice.org
Subject Line: Real Estate Development Director
Attachment: One multipage PDF not to exceed 3MB
The PDF should include:
Please, no phone calls or recruiters. All applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.