Director of Real Estate Operations

Virginia Tech Foundation•Blacksburg, VA

23d•Onsite

About The Position

Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. (VTF) is a nonstock corporation established in 1948 for the sole purpose of managing the endowment and real estate portfolio of Virginia Tech, now valued at $3.0 billion. VTF exists and operates as a separate, independent entity with its own officers and governing board – managing, investing, and distributing private resources to advance Virginia Tech’s mission and its strategic priorities. Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, Inc. (VTCRC), in all its locations, is where education meets business. VTCRC is a place and a paradigm at work within an ever-changing landscape, wherever Virginia Tech is present. VTCRC is the wholly owned for-profit subsidiary of VTF. Position Summary: Reporting to the Chief Real Estate and Commercial Development Officer, the Director of Real Estate Operations will serve as the senior operational leader responsible for the day‑to‑day performance of the Foundation’s real estate portfolio. This role oversees property and facilities operations, tenant relations, capital projects, and the execution of acquisitions and dispositions of donated properties, ensuring that assets are operated efficiently, safely, and in alignment with the Foundation’s financial and programmatic objectives. This position is based in Blacksburg, Virginia, the flagship location of the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, and requires regular on‑site presence. While the role supports a statewide portfolio, the Director is expected to provide visible, hands‑on leadership for the Foundation’s most operationally intensive assets, including VTCRC properties.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field
Five or more years of progressive experience in commercial real estate operations, property management, facilities management, or related disciplines
Demonstrated leadership ability, sound judgment, and a commitment to operational excellence and integrity

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field
Experience with academic, research, innovation, or mixed‑use environments
Professional certifications or licensure (e.g., IREM, BOMA, broker’s license)

Responsibilities

Provide senior leadership for the day‑to‑day operation of the Virginia Tech Foundation’s real estate portfolio, including assets located within and outside the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center. Establish and maintain consistent operational standards that protect asset value, support tenant success, and advance institutional priorities.
Oversee property operations through a combination of direct Foundation staff and external partners, ensuring accountability, performance, and alignment with Foundation objectives regardless of delivery model.
Oversee relationships across a diverse tenant base, including University occupants, early‑stage and growth companies, and established corporate tenants. Foster a high‑quality tenant experience that supports retention, collaboration, and long‑term occupancy.
Serve as a senior point of escalation for tenant matters and partner closely with VTCRC leadership on park‑wide tenant engagement, communications, and community initiatives.
Develop and manage operating budgets for assigned properties, monitor financial performance, and control operating costs to meet or exceed established net income and service objectives. Analyze financial results, identify trends, and recommend operational or strategic actions to improve long‑term performance.
Ensure all properties are maintained to high standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. Oversee maintenance programs, vendor contracts, and service agreements, and ensure effective risk management, safety protocols, and compliance practices across the portfolio.
Lead the planning, budgeting, and execution of capital projects, renovations, and new construction. Manage architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants to deliver projects on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with Foundation and University objectives.
Partner with the Chief Transformation Officer and internal stakeholders to develop reporting tools, datasets, and analytics that support informed decision‑making, operational transparency, and continuous improvement across the real estate portfolio.
Develop multi‑year maintenance, capital, and occupancy plans that support University growth, evolving research and innovation needs, and long‑term asset sustainability. Collaborate with senior leadership to align operational planning with the Foundation’s strategic vision.
Work closely with University partners, tenants, vendors, local stakeholders, and internal teams to deliver operational excellence. Represent the Foundation in meetings, negotiations, and forums related to real estate operations and facilities management.