Director Real Estate & Leasing

UTHealth Houston•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Director of Real Estate and Leasing, within the Department of Facilities, Operations, and Auxiliary Enterprises, provides strategic leadership and oversight of the real estate portfolio supporting UTHealth Houston and UT Physicians. This newly established role advances real estate strategies that support organizational growth, operational priorities, and financial objectives as the clinical enterprise expands throughout the Houston area and beyond. The Director leads real estate planning and transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, lease negotiations, renewals, expansions, development opportunities, portfolio planning, and asset performance. The role supports clinical expansion by identifying and evaluating real estate opportunities aligned with organizational and operational needs. As a strategic partner to executive leadership and key stakeholders, the Director collaborates with legal, finance, clinical and operational teams, property management, and external real estate partners. The Director also leads and mentors a team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence. This is a security-sensitive position. Employees must permanently reside and work in Texas. The role may involve handling biohazardous, chemical, and radiological materials and operating associated equipment; required safety training and controls, including personal protective equipment, must be followed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business administration, real estate, finance, urban planning, or a related field.
At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in commercial real estate, leasing, portfolio management, site selection, acquisitions, and related real estate operations.
Interpersonal, technical, and writing skills.
Extensive knowledge of parking management and revenue control systems.
Ability to structure, negotiate, and execute complex commercial lease agreements and related real estate transactions.
Ability to analyze market data, evaluate property valuations, review financial models, and assess the business impact of real estate decisions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Texas driver's license and ability to meet applicable driver clearance requirements for operating a state vehicle.
Must permanently reside and work in Texas.
Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.
Must be able to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure where the position requires relevant access.
Follow required safety training and appropriate controls, including personal protective equipment, when handling biohazardous, chemical, or radiological materials or operating associated equipment.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in business administration, real estate, finance, urban planning, or a related field.
Experience supporting healthcare, higher education, an academic medical center, or another complex multi-site organizational environment.
Real Estate Sales Agent credential from the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).
Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM).
Certified Retail Real Estate Professional (CRRP).
Comparable real estate credential.

Responsibilities

Direct negotiations for external leases, renewals, amendments, expansions, terminations, and related transactions with property owners, landlords, developers, and brokerage firms, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, expansion plans, and approved financial parameters.
Identify and evaluate real estate opportunities, lead due diligence, and negotiate purchase, sale, and lease agreements that support institutional priorities, expansion plans, and long-term growth objectives.
Partner with executive leadership and key stakeholders to align real estate strategy, leasing activity, and portfolio planning with the University's operational, financial, and long-term business goals.
Manage real estate assets by monitoring critical lease dates, compliance requirements, financial performance, and space utilization to optimize portfolio value and operational effectiveness.
Collaborate with legal, finance, clinical departments, operations, property management teams, and brokerage partners to support sound real estate decisions, timely transaction execution, and alignment with institutional objectives.
Manage human resources activities for direct reports, including recruiting and selection, hiring and termination, training, development, mentoring, counseling, performance evaluations, and salary planning.
Design, execute, and ensure the effectiveness of an internal-control system that provides reasonable assurance of effective and efficient operations, asset safeguarding, and reliable financial information compliant with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Follow required safety training and engineering and administrative controls, including use of personal protective equipment, when work involves hazardous materials or associated equipment.
Operate a state vehicle in accordance with institutional policies and applicable driver clearance requirements.