Director of Real Estate and Public-Private Partnerships

Job Title

Director of Real Estate and Public-Private Partnerships

The Director of Real Estate and Public-Private Partnerships provides strategic management and administrative oversight for the university's real estate portfolio and the analysis, development, implementation, and oversight of public-private partnerships (P3s). The Director serves as the university's subject matter expert on real estate transactions, property acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, property management, development opportunities, and complex partnership agreements. Working collaboratively with university leadership, legal counsel, finance, facilities management, auxiliary services, academic units, and external partners, the Director develops innovative strategies that maximize institutional assets while minimizing risk.

The position is responsible for identifying opportunities that support the institution's academic mission, strategic growth, financial sustainability, and campus development objectives. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in real estate, business administration, finance, or a closely related field
• At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in real estate, higher education administration, or institutional asset management
• Experience negotiating complex real estate transactions, public-private partnerships, and development agreements
• Demonstrated experience managing real estate portfolio and complex projects
• Experience with financial analysis and project management
• Experience with high-level negotiation, communication, and relationship-building

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in business administration (MBA), finance or real estate
• Juris Doctor (JD)
• Experience in higher education real estate management
• Experience working within a public institution, governmental entity, public authority, or higher education environment subject to public legal, regulatory, governance, and records requirements
• Experience developing and managing public-private partnership projects
• Experience with municipal finance, bond financing, tax-exempt financing, and economic development incentives

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of commercial real estate principles and practices
• Understanding of university governance and higher education operations
• Knowledge of land acquisition, leasing, zoning, development, and entitlement processes
• Knowledge of Public Private Partnership projects
• Ability to complete market and financial modeling and investment analysis
• Excellent contract negotiation and administration ability
• Skilled in strategic planning and organizational development
• Skilled in risk assessment and mitigation
• Skilled in project management and valuation methodologies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build consensus among cross-functional stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously

Commensurate with education and experience

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Optional Documents:

Proof of Veteran Status

Crystal Ellis, Strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist, ce031

Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing.

A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual…