Deputy Commissioner, Real Estate

Philadelphia International Airport • Philadelphia, PA

43d

About The Position

The Department of Public Property is seeking a qualified candidate with strong managerial and leadership skills, proven team building skills, and excellent analytical, budgeting, space management, decision making and strategic thinking skills to lead our Real Estate Division. The Real Estate Division is responsible for managing the real estate portfolio for the City as property owner. The person in this position will identify and market surplus properties no longer necessary for City functions and disposition transactions; manage over 110 leases, including rent payments, insurance requirement updates, and renewal amendments; and serve as the principal contact for all legislative matters for the department.

Further, this is a Deputy Commissioner level position, directing through subordinates, the City's real estate and space management program for all departments and agencies serviced by the Department of Public Property. The person in this position has overall responsibility for determining space needs with departmental liaisons and determining adequate space to fill those needs. Contact with consultants, contractors and City officials to achieve the City's facilities management program objectives are significant aspects of the work. The employee reports to the Public Property Commissioner.

Requirements

• Comprehensive understanding of commercial real estate principles, including leasing, property management, and land development.
• Deep knowledge of public-private partnerships (P3s) and their application in complex commercial real estate transactions.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations governing airport property transactions and real estate development.
• Expertise in contract negotiation, legal provisions, and lease administration related to real estate transactions.
• Strong understanding of financial analytics, including cost-benefit analysis, pro forma development, and revenue modeling.
• Knowledge of real estate market trends, including commercial development trends and local market conditions.
• Understanding of architectural drawings, aerial surveys, and land use planning to assess development feasibility.
• Knowledge of the principles and best practices of tenant relations, space allocation, and property compliance oversight.
• Knowledge of real estate appraisal methodologies and the processes involved in the transfer of real property.
• Knowledge of best practices for stakeholder engagement, including collaboration with government agencies, private sector entities, and legal teams.
• Knowledge of supervisory principles and team leadership to build and manage high-performing teams.
• Strong analytical skills to assess financial viability, market feasibility, and economic impact of real estate projects.
• Skill in leading multiple real estate projects, managing land acquisition activities, and overseeing tenant development.
• Skill in analyzing and interpreting financial reports, revenue trends, and lease agreements to make data-driven decisions.
• Skill in interpreting and applying real estate laws, policies, and contract provisions within a governmental setting.
• Ability to work with legal teams, city officials, and private sector partners to facilitate large-scale property transactions.
• Proven ability to negotiate, close, and execute complex commercial real estate deals, including leases, easements, and development agreements.
• Ability to develop, interpret, and enforce legal agreements, ensuring compliance with city regulations and lease terms.
• Ability to interpret architectural and engineering plans, ensuring alignment with lease agreements and infrastructure needs for the Department of Public Property,
• Ability to effectively represent the organization in high-level discussions with government officials, business leaders, and industry stakeholders.
• Ability to address and resolve challenges in real estate development, tenant relations, and lease administration.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines Capacity to work collaboratively with legal teams, city officials, and private sector.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration, and resolving conflicts effectively.
• Ability to adapt to evolving market conditions, identifying new opportunities for commercial growth and development.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including preparing reports, City Council testimony, and legal depositions.
• Ability to manage and mentor teams, establish priorities, and delegate responsibilities effectively.
• Bachelor's degree in business, Finance, Real Estate, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of progressive experience in commercial real estate with a focus on property management, negotiation and strategic execution.
• Ten (10) years progressive experience in commercial real estate with a focus on property management, negotiation and strategic execution.
• a Pennsylvania Real Estate license is required by this position

Responsibilities

• Serves as senior property liaison for all public property including leased and city owned spaces.
• Inventories, analyzes, and reports on business books including sales, revenue, property transactions, lease status, vacancy, etc.
• Develops, negotiates, and drafts business terms for leases, licenses, easements, and other contract agreements.
• Establishes processes and procedures for property management and lease administration to ensure strong contract administration oversight, space allocation enforcement, and tenant compliance with terms and conditions for use of city property.
• Leads and supervises staff and establishes objectives, priorities, and assignments for property management.
• Reviews and assesses tenant design and construction plans for leased property to ensure compliance with lease agreement terms and standards and to coordinate with other anticipated development or capital work.
• Leads and coordinates real estate land acquisition activities in collaboration with other units including legal, engineering, and finance, as needed, including facilitating and overseeing property appraisals and real estate broker services.
• Manage consultants in the preparation of land use feasibility studies and property appraisal valuations.
• Prepares and presents City Council testimony and responses for legal depositions, ad hoc.

Benefits

• City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA's Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Support Activities for Transportation