Director of Real Estate Operations and Planning

Overview

The Director of Real Estate Operations and Planning is a pivotal role responsible for managing all aspects of the College’s real estate portfolio. Reporting to the Executive Vice President for Business Affairs/CFO, the Director will lead strategic planning, acquisition, disposition, leasing, and development initiatives that align with the College’s academic and operational goals. This role involves close collaboration with college leadership, external stakeholders, and various departments to optimize the use and value of the institution’s real estate assets.

• Strategic Leadership
  :
  Drive efforts to identify and secure off-campus real estate solutions to meet the College’s needs, including Student, Academic, Research, and Administrative spaces.
• Strategic Leadership
  :
  Serve as the College’s liaison to the City of Charleston, the South Carolina Department of Administration’s Real Property Services Division, corporate real estate development, advisors & law firms, neighborhood partner organizations, and residents.
• Strategic Leadership
  :
  Negotiate leases, resolve landlord disputes, and ensure that off-campus spaces are optimized for College use.
• Strategic Leadership
  :
  Develop and implement a comprehensive real estate strategy that supports the college’s long-term goals, mission, and objectives.
• Innovative Development
  :
  Identify and develop opportunities to transform underused real estate assets into valuable resources, such as student housing, parking, academic and administrative spaces.
• Innovative Development
  :
  Lead these initiatives from concept to completion, ensuring they align with College goals and objectives.
• Innovative Development
  :
  Conduct long-term real estate planning to identify opportunities for growth, consolidation, and optimization of current assets.
• Property Acquisition and Management
  :
  Oversee the acquisition and disposition of real estate properties, managing external real estate advisors, conducting negotiations, and overseeing property closings.
• Property Acquisition and Management
  :
  Ensure properties are prepared for their intended use and manage compliance with program requirements.
• Property Acquisition and Management
  :
  Serve as the College’s advisor for gifts of real property, evaluating potential gifts, recommending acceptance, and overseeing management and disposition of accepted properties.
• Property Acquisition and Management
  :
  Maintain an inventory of all real estate holdings and leases, tracking key metrics and performance indicators.
• Off-Campus Property Oversight
  :
  Manage all College-owned off-campus real estate, ensuring properties are maintained to promote occupancy and optimize financial performance.
• Off-Campus Property Oversight
  :
  Coordinate activities with College departments of Lease Management and Facilities Planning to ensure seamless operations.
• Off-Campus Property Oversight
  :
  Coordinate with CofC Foundation Property Management to ensure consistency with College property management goals and initiatives.

Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field is required. 7+ years of relevant experience in capital assets/real estate management, with a strong foundation in general construction, mechanical systems, electrical systems, roof and building envelope systems, and campus infrastructure. Candidates with an equivalent combination of experience and/or education are encouraged to apply.

• Knowledge of applicable building codes, real estate law, market analysis, financial modeling, and risk management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and other relevant software for problem-solving, design, budgeting, and record-keeping.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare and present comprehensive reports.
• Experience working with the South Carolina Office of the State Engineer, SC Department of Administration Real Property Services, SC state procurement code, and the City of Charleston Board of Architectural Review.
• Professional experience in facilities planning, historic building renovation/restoration, and LEED, CEFP, or PMI accreditation.
• Knowledge of IBC and ADA law, as well as state preservation guidelines and architectural, planning, and engineering disciplines.
• Experience in project budget responsibility and demonstrated ability to manage project budgets effectively.

• Insurance:
  Health/Dental/Vision
• Life Insurance
• Paid Leave:
  Sick/Annual/Parental
• Retirement
• Long Term Disability
• Paid Holidays
• FreeCARTA Bus Service
• Employee Tuition Assistance Program (ETAP)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Full Benefits Package –