Director of Strategic Operations, Metropolitan Tract

University of Washington•Campus, IL

78d•$225,000 - $265,008•Hybrid

About The Position

This role leads day-to-day operations and strategic implementation for the Metropolitan Tract, the University's landmark 11-acre commercial real estate portfolio in downtown Seattle. In the post-COVID era of elevated vacancy rates, this role combines tactical operational excellence with strategic thinking to execute recovery strategies, implement placemaking initiatives, and ensure optimal portfolio performance. This portfolio is in a prime location in downtown Seattle and will require collaboration with city and regional organizations such as the City of Seattle officials, Downtown Affiliated Associations and other relevant organizations. This position provides subject matter expertise and materials to support executive level decision making, including President, Vice President, and Regents, and the Advisory Committee on Real Estate (ACRE), relative to capital improvements/expenditures for UW owned land and resources. Reports to the AVP Real Estate Development, Chief Real Estate Officer (CREO). Performance of asset management duties on the Metropolitan Tract is a highly visible and critical role for the University. The position will require interaction with executive levels of private and public sector stakeholders. Frequent collaboration is also required with members of the University's executive level of business officers and the University's Advisory Committee on Real Estate (ACRE); an advisory Board consisting of national real estate experts. The support of the CREO and UW Real Estate Director positions and membership in the CPD/Facilities leadership team is also critical and when necessary, includes significant exposure to high level UW administration and governance bodies. The University owns and controls over $5B in capital assets and although a portion is independently managed by UW Medicine, the role will significantly impact the University's stewardship of these assets.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in real estate, finance or similar field, or CPA preferred
Minimum 10 years' commercial real estate experience with 5+ years in senior management roles
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration
Lease analysis, property budgeting, cash modeling, forecasting, and financial audit management
Mixed-use, urban commercial real estate and/or institutional property management experience
Understanding of leasing structures and contract negotiations
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills balancing strategic and operational priorities
Strong project management skills managing multiple complex initiatives simultaneously
Demonstrate personal integrity and trustworthiness
Anticipate, recognize and resolve problems
Maintain responsiveness and accountability
Use interpersonal skills to navigate projects through complex collaborative institutions
Maintain positive, success-oriented attitude
Exercise professionalism with tact and courtesy
Exhibit responsible work ethic
Manage stressful situations and changing priorities effectively
Continuously promote safe work environment

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in real estate, finance or similar field, or CPA preferred
Construction management, development processes, and capital project oversight experience
Extensive knowledge of Seattle/Pacific Northwest commercial real estate markets
Understanding of post-COVID commercial real estate challenges and recovery strategies
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects
Excellent communication and presentation skills for senior leadership and external stakeholder engagement
Ability to translate strategic vision into actionable operational plans