Director, Investments

American Realty Advisors•Los Angeles, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

American Realty Advisors, LLC (ARA) is one of the largest privately held private equity institutional real estate investment managers in the United States, with $11 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2025. ARA invests on behalf of institutional investors through core and value-add real estate funds and separate accounts, targeting industrial, rental residential, retail, office, and select specialty sector assets nationwide through a variety of equity and debt structures. This role is based in ARA’s downtown Los Angeles office, so the candidate will be expected to be a resident of Southern California and commute to the office. Currently, we expect you to generally work in person in the office at least four days per week. THE ROLE The Director, Investments is a senior member of the West Region acquisitions team responsible for sourcing, underwriting, structuring, and executing new investment opportunities on behalf of ARA’s clients. Working closely with the Senior Director, this role is focused on originating and closing equity and structured transactions in key West Region markets, with current priority given to industrial and residential sectors, as well as selective opportunities in retail, self-storage, and office. The Director will independently originate and lead transactions from sourcing through closing, including joint venture negotiations and due diligence, while mentoring junior team members and contributing to the development of their analytical and market skills. The role requires a well-established network of broker, sponsor, and operating partner relationships, and the ability to represent ARA professionally in the market. Informed by previous experience and relationships, the Director will be assigned markets within the West Region, which will include several of following metros: Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Inland Empire, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Reno, and Denver. This role is supported by a West Region investment team generally consisting of a Senior Director, Associate Directors, and Senior Associates who collaborate on the sourcing, analysis, underwriting, and negotiation of all transactions. The investment team is further supported by a pool of analysts. Founded on meritocracy, collaboration, and hard work, the firm strives for excellence and welcomes those willing to take on the challenge to be better at what they do. You will have ample opportunities to present ideas to senior leadership, and if liked, you are given the responsibility to implement and see those ideas through execution. If you thrive in an intellectually rigorous and challenging position where you can make an impact, we want you. You have the opportunity to drive the future of ARA's investment activity and take ARA's portfolios to the next level.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in business, finance, real estate, or related field required; advanced degree preferred (JD, Master’s in Real Estate, or MBA with relevant emphasis).
10+ years of direct institutional investment experience, including 3–5 years in a senior-level sourcing role (VP or above).
Demonstrated track record of originating, structuring, and closing equity and debt real estate transactions within major western MSAs in multiple product types (industrial, multifamily, retail, office, self storage).
Experience across core and value-add investment strategies with transaction sizes generally ranging from $20 million to $100 million+.
Strong network of industry relationships in multiple major western markets and in multiple product types, particularly brokers, sponsors, and developers.
Proficiency and history in originating and negotiating purchase agreements and structuring joint ventures on behalf of institutional investors. Experience with structured debt is a bonus.
Knowledgeable about the target markets within the western geography; demonstrated understanding of market drivers, supply/demand, employment, and other factors to support and inform ARA's investment strategy.
Experience as a direct or indirect supervisor of investment analysts/associates with a commitment to mentorship and developing junior talent.

Nice To Haves

Career exposure to asset management, portfolio management, development, construction, and/or appraisal is complementary and preferred.

Responsibilities

Originate and source equity and debt investment opportunities across industrial, residential, retail, office, and select specialty property sectors in alignment with ARA’s fund strategies, with current emphasis on industrial and multifamily assets.
Maintain and expand relationships with brokers, owners, developers, property managers, and operating partners to ensure a robust, qualified pipeline.
Underwrite transactions consistent with investment guidelines, market expectations, and client objectives, including financial modeling, market research, and risk analysis.
Negotiate joint venture agreements, purchase and sale agreements, and debt terms in coordination with internal and external counsel.
Lead due diligence activities for assigned transactions, including coordinating with asset management, portfolio management, legal, and third-party consultants to ensure investment quality and compliance.
Prepare and present investment recommendations to Investment Committee and clients.
Mentor and provide guidance to analysts/associates supporting their professional growth and ensuring high-quality work product with the appropriate amount of detail and accuracy.
Contribute market intelligence, trends, and insights to the Senior Director and Portfolio Managers to help shape regional investment priorities.
Participate in real estate dispositions, including broker selection and marketing strategy.
Prepare and give written and oral presentations to staff, management, existing clients, potential clients, and sellers of commercial properties and other members of the real estate community.
Contribute to various Investment Committee and asset management matters when requested.