Director of De Novo Development - Gracent

At Gracent, we are dedicated to supporting children with developmental needs through evidence-based therapies, compassionate care, clinical excellence, and innovative approaches. The children we serve are at the heart of everything we do and remain our top priority. 

Summary/Objective: 

The Director of De Novo Development will play a pivotal role in expanding Gracent's reach by driving strategic growth in priority markets. This position is essential to enhancing access to quality care for clients in need, overseeing every phase of new clinic development – from identifying prime locations to managing the full execution of each project. With a commitment to opening several new clinics each year, this role's leadership and vision will enable Gracent to serve more families and communities. 

The Director of De Novo Development isa critical leadership role within our organization. The successful candidate will engage in our annual offsite meetings with the broader leadership team and play a key role in advancing our cultureand enhancing the patient experience. This leader will be instrumental in shaping our growth, ensuring that our mission and values are reflected in every aspect of their work.We are looking for someone based in the Midwest.

Essential Functions: 

• Strategic Market Analysis: The Director of De Novo Development will lead in-depth market research to identify high-impact regions where the company can deliver meaningful care to underserved communities. By analyzing demographic, economic, and competitive data, the Director will guide our expansion strategy, ensuring each clinic is positioned for success.
• Site Selection and Real Estate Acquisition: This role will manage the discovery, evaluation, and acquisition of real estate aligned with our growth objectives. This includes building partnerships with real estate professionals, local agencies, and community leaders to secure locations that are accessible and strategically viable.
• Lease Negotiation and Contract Management: The Director of De Novo Development will oversee all aspects of the lease negotiation process, securing favorable terms that align with Gracent's expansion and financial goals. This role will ensure all contracts and lease agreements are thoroughly reviewed, legally compliant, and protect the company's interests.
• Construction and Development Oversight: From concept to opening, the Director will lead the construction management process, coordinating closely with contractors, vendors, and suppliers. By monitoring and developing project timelines, budgets, and quality standards, the Director will ensure every clinic reflects the company's standards of operational excellence and client satisfaction. 
• Cross-Function Collaboration: The Directorwill collaborate with Gracent's operations, finance, marketing, and clinical leadership to align new clinic development with the company's overarching goals and service standards. Acting as a central point of contact, this role will facilitate a cohesive, cross-functional approach. The Director will provide regular updates to the leadership team, detailing clearly defined timelines, project updates, and goals for each new clinic in development. 
• De Novo Playbook: The Director will be responsible for maintaining a comprehensive de novo playbook, establishing a repeatable and scalable framework for new clinics. This playbook will serve as a standard for all aspects of clinic development, including lease agreements, equipment procurement, construction protocols, and operational readiness. 
• Other Responsibilities: The Director of De Novo Development is expected to show flexibility in leadership and perform additional duties as required. This description is not exhaustive; responsibilities may evolve based on company needs.  

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in real estate development or multi-site project management
• Proven track record in managing end-to-end real estate projects, from market analysis and site selection to construction oversight and successful openings
• Experience negotiating and managing leases and contracts with a focus on compliance, cost-efficiency, and alignment with company growth strategies
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional collaborations with teams such as operations, finance, marketing, and clinical staff to achieve project milestones and organizational objectives 

Competencies and Skills: 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Willingness to travel to various geographies and sites identified for de novo growth for on-site evaluations and to oversee construction / project execution (travel frequency will vary depending on stage and volume of active projects) 
• Excellent judgment and self-reliance in making sound decisions
• Highly detail-oriented with strong follow-through skills, ensuring accuracy and completeness in all tasks
• Exceptional ability to organize, plan, prioritize, and manage multiple projects efficiently, meeting deadlines with ease
• Strategic and proactive mindset with the foresight to anticipate potential challenges, propose effective solutions, and confidently make tough decisions
• Strong ability to interpret data, derive insights, and strategize for future growth and improvement
• Capable of working effectively with minimal supervision
• Works well with others in a supportive manner and can forge and maintain relationships
• Committed to maintaining confidentiality and integrity in all responsibilities 

Physical Demands:  

• Required to sit, stand, bend, and walk regularly; lift and/or move up to 45 pounds 
• Visual and auditory ability enough for written and verbal communication
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate