Associate Director of Real Estate
About The Position
Finance, Planning and Budgeting (FPB) offers an opportunity for a senior-level Associate Director in its Real Estate department. Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Real Estate, this position oversees the legal and business aspects of real estate transactions and asset management to advance the University's strategic objectives. The Associate Director leads strategy and operations related to legal services and contract documentation for UW Real Estate, working closely with the Washington State Office of the Attorney General, Special Assistant Attorneys General counsel, and campus partners. The role contributes to University strategic goals by securing optimal legal and financial terms for real estate transactions and asset stewardship while ensuring compliance with applicable policies, regulations, and risk management protocols. It provides direction and oversight for contracts and related documentation, supports a broad portfolio of transactions and assets—including matters valued at several hundred million dollars—and offers professional guidance on real property stewardship, management, and operations. The Associate Director also contributes to UW Real Estate's service and organizational effectiveness, develops training materials, mentors interns and employees, represents the University at industry events, serves on committees as needed, supports diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and fosters teamwork and innovation. Additional real estate responsibilities and projects may be assigned by the Executive Director. This is a regular, 100% FTE position.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor law degree.
- At least 5 years of experience working in commercial real estate, transactions, and contracts, including ground leases and other complex deal structures.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Analytical problem-solving skills to balance legal compliance and risk with strategic and operational objectives.
- Proven ability to work in a cross-functional team environment and accomplish multiple complex projects simultaneously.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to produce clear, accurate legal documentation and other written or presentation materials.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with nonprofit and/or governmental agencies or institutions of higher education.
- Ability to interpret real estate market data and apply it to transactions, with skill in financial analysis.
- Sound business judgment and management experience.
Responsibilities
- Use expertise, research, and consultation to ensure real estate transactions, asset stewardship, and business operations meet institutional objectives while mitigating risk.
- Direct and oversee UW Real Estate contracts and related documentation to ensure appropriate content, valid terms, accuracy, clarity, and compliance with policies and regulations, in consultation with legal counsel.
- Negotiate with external parties, review financial terms, and critically analyze overall business objectives as needed.
- Guide decision-making and advance the University's strategic goals for asset management.
- Oversee legal operations in collaboration with legal counsel to help transactions achieve financial objectives and strategic impact.
- Support a broad portfolio of real estate transactions and assets, including matters valued at several hundred million dollars.
- Contribute to UW Real Estate's excellence and reputation for outstanding customer service.
- Promote organizational effectiveness through high standards for accuracy, fairness, ethical conduct, and policy adherence.
- Develop training materials and presentations on legal and risk management best practices.
- Provide expert professional guidance on real property stewardship, management, and operations.
- Mentor law student interns, other student interns, and employees.
- Represent the University in professional organizations, conferences, and industry events.
- Serve on internal University committees as needed.
- Support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within UW Facilities.
- Foster teamwork, collaboration, camaraderie, and innovation within UW Real Estate and across UW Facilities.
- Lead other real estate-related responsibilities and projects assigned by the Executive Director.
Benefits
- Outstanding benefits
- Opportunities for professional growth
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
