Senior Director, Real Estate

Organization Mission:
The mission of Lutheran Church Extension Fund is to start, sustain and strengthen LCMS ministries through financial and strategic partnerships.

This position reports to the Senior Vice President, Real Estate Solutions (RES).

We’re looking for a seasoned real estate professional to lead end-to-end development projects — from acquisition and feasibility through construction and delivery — serving both ministry clients and LCEF’s own portfolio. This role blends strategic vision with hands‑on execution, overseeing everything from market analysis and financial modeling to securing entitlements, subsidies, and deal structures. You’ll manage architects, contractors, and other partners on projects such as schools, housing, churches, and other ministry facilities.

Once aligned with the SVP, you’ll operate with a high degree of independence while keeping projects on track, on budget, and mission‑focused.

• Conduct market and site analysis to determine highest and best use.
• Analyze zoning regulations and density parameters to assess development potential; collaborate with design teams or independently perform concept design site fit studies using AutoCAD or Revit.
• Lead due diligence, feasibility, and entitlement processes.
• Develop detailed project pro formas and financial models.
• Manage RFPs and vendor selection for architects, engineers, and contractors.
• Oversee all phases of project delivery, including schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with partners, municipalities, and stakeholders.
• Identify and secure project subsidies (e.g., TIF, LIHTC, CDBG). Prepare reports and updates for leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, urban planning, architecture, engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years’ experience in real estate development, including market analysis, entitlements, financing, and project management.
• Experience with Christian/ministry organizations preferred; active member of an LCMS congregation a plus.

• Proven strength in financial modeling, including pro forma development and capital stack structuring.
• Ability to analyze real estate markets from national trends down to site‑specific details.
• A solid understanding of site analytics, deal structuring, and identifying the best use for a property.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with tools like CoStar, Land vision, ArcGIS or AutoCAD/Revit is a plus.
• Comfort learning and using platforms like Salesforce to keep projects and relationships on track.

• Able to see the big picture and design strategies — and just as comfortable rolling up your sleeves to make them happen.
• Confident in navigating ambiguity and quickly adjusting plans when priorities shift.

• Detail‑oriented with a knack for juggling multiple priorities without missing deadlines.
• Driven to achieve results and resilient under pressure.
• Exceptional communication skills — written, verbal, and interpersonal — with the ability to adapt to different audiences.
• Skilled at building trust, influence, and collaboration with colleagues, vendors, and community partners.

• A passion for serving Christian ministries, with a commitment to integrity, transparency, and ethics.
• Dedicated to ongoing learning and professional growth.

• Able to travel up to 35% for project meetings, site visits, and key stakeholder engagements.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.