Associate Director of Real Estate Strategy

Are you looking to make a BIG impact? At Zeta, we pursue an unprecedented combination of high academic achievement and social-emotional development for our students. We insist that every student receives a world-class education while fostering a love for learning. We are passionate about changing the landscape of public education in New York City and beyond, and we are uncompromising in our mission.

Currently, we operate multiple elementary and middle schools in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan. We plan to grow and open 1-2 schools each year because children in every community deserve excellent, equitable education. Join our growing team today, and be a change agent for children.

Our Network office is located at 401 W 218th St., New York, NY 10034. Our Network team follows a hybrid work schedule: we work in-person from our office on Tuesdays and Thursdays with optional remote days on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, if your team’s scope of work permits.

To achieve our vision, we are searching for a stellar Associate Director of Real Estate Strategy with at least 4-5+ years of experience in roles requiring strong project management and organizational skills in fast-paced work environments. Real estate project management experience will be highly regarded, but not required.

As the Associate Director of Real Estate Strategy, you will drive the acquisition, real estate financing (including bonds), and development of Zeta’s private facilities to ensure that all our students have beautiful learning spaces to support our growth across the entire network.

Responsibilities:

• Financial Structuring and Bond Financing: Support real estate financing efforts, including leveraging bonds and other financial instruments to fund acquisitions and development projects. Collaborate with finance and advisory teams to assess financing options, manage debt structures, and ensure deals align with Zeta’s long-term financial sustainability.
• Deal Sourcing and Evaluation: Collaborate with real estate brokers to source potential property deals for new school buildings, efficiently organize and assess each option, and work closely with the internal team to identify the most viable properties that align with Zeta’s strategic goals and schooling needs.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Actively engage with internal stakeholders, including finance, operations, and leadership (CEO, COO), to analyze each deal and assess it against our strategic and financial needs.
• Negotiation and Acquisition: Lead (or support) negotiations with property owners and brokers to secure facilities under terms that are favorable to Zeta, leveraging strong negotiation skills to achieve the best possible outcomes.
• Systems and Process Development: Design and implement robust tracking systems to manage real estate opportunities and transactions, ensuring high levels of organization and the ability to retrieve and analyze information quickly and effectively. Maintain effective and efficient records of real estate project progress by leveraging spreadsheets and project management software.
• Communication and Relationship Management: Excel in internal and external communications, maintaining clear, persuasive, and frequent contact to move quickly on securing deals.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Conduct research as needed, aggregate and synthesize data and insights into concise, actionable memos and compelling presentations to support decision-making at both the board and leadership level.
• Wear multiple hats as a part of a lean start-up team, supporting the work of others on the team and taking on new projects and tasks as needed.

Zeta teammates are lifelong learners who live with child-like joy and a deep sense of purpose. We disrupt the status quo and tackle problems together. Our team stands united by our commitment to a limitless future for every child. Our Zeta team is comprised of top talent with incredible schooling and private sector experience. At Zeta:

• We are passionate about our mission of providing world-class education to all students.
• We bring a mindset of growth, flexibility, and openness to…