Director, Real Property

Harris County•Houston, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Real Property Director provides strategic leadership and oversight of Harris County’s real estate acquisition, disposition, and management programs within the Office of the County Engineer. The role develops, analyzes, and negotiates complex real estate transactions, including acquisitions, sales, leases, easements, rights-of-way, and other property interests. It drafts, reviews, and issues transaction documents such as letters of intent, memoranda of understanding, offer packages, counteroffers, listing agreements, purchase and sale agreements, leases, licenses, operation and maintenance agreements, easements, and right-of-way agreements. The Director ensures compliance with legal, regulatory, and policy requirements; oversees due diligence, appraisals, title reviews, valuations, and financial projections; and advises County leadership on real property policy, strategic land use, asset management, and development opportunities. The role coordinates with County departments and external stakeholders to advance infrastructure and capital improvement projects, and directs the preparation and procurement of appraisals, environmental studies, and related professional services. The Director develops and mentors the real estate team and oversees OCE parking operations, including policies, budgets, contracts, facilities, and technology. This full-time, regular position is 40 hours per week. The role is primarily office-based, with field visits, and may involve early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays depending on project or workload. It is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols, including possible temporary assignment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Real Estate, or another relevant field; directly related experience may substitute for required education on a year-for-year basis.
Ten years of progressively responsible experience in general real estate transactions or related project, program, or contract management, including responsibility for contract or document preparation.
Five years of supervisory or leadership experience in the public or private real estate industry.
Knowledge of real estate appraisal, acquisition, leasing, condemnation, licensing, contracts, title work, and closing processes.
Knowledge of operations and services related to land acquisition, tax foreclosure proceedings, leasing, and abandonments.
Knowledge of laws, codes, and regulations governing sale and disposition of surplus and tax-foreclosed properties.
Skill in real property acquisition principles and practices, including eminent domain processes, property appraisals, and leasing strategies.
In-depth understanding of current real estate market trends.
Ability to oversee land acquisition processes and manage property transactions through completion.
Experience with budget preparation and financial management.
Familiarity with operational best practices in large, fast-moving, complex organizations.
Ability to lead by example and promote accountability, teamwork, and high performance.
Leadership ability in supervision, training, and performance management.
Strong communication, negotiation, relationship-building, and collaboration skills across organizational levels and with external stakeholders.
Must document qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills on the job application; a resume may be attached as supporting documentation, but only information stated on the application will be used for consideration.
Must participate in emergency response and deployment protocols, including possible temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment and possible alternative duties.
Must be able to lift 20 pounds and operate a vehicle for field visits.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic leadership and oversight of County real estate acquisition, disposition, and management programs, including easements, rights-of-way, and residential, commercial, industrial, and other property interests.
Ensures compliance with legal, regulatory, and policy requirements governing County real estate transactions.
Oversees complex negotiations, purchases, sales, and leases; establishes acquisition and disposition strategies; and approves key terms and conditions.
Serves as the County’s principal liaison on real estate matters with elected officials, department leadership, property owners, developers, legal counsel, consultants, and external agencies.
Guides due diligence, appraisals, title reviews, and valuation processes to determine fair market value and support financial decisions.
Establishes and enforces internal policies, performance standards, and procedures for real property operations and documentation management.
Reviews and approves offer packages, purchase agreements, counteroffers, and financial projections.
Coordinates with engineers, attorneys, economic development teams, utilities, and external partners on infrastructure and capital improvement projects.
Evaluates property rights needed for County projects and recommends acquisition methods and mitigation strategies.
Directs the preparation and procurement of independent appraisals, environmental studies, and related professional services.
Develops and mentors the real estate team through coaching, performance management, and professional development; recommends recognition or corrective action as appropriate.
Oversees OCE parking operations, including policies, budgets, contracts, facilities, and technology.
Leads the Parking Team and strengthens processes for access control, revenue management, maintenance, and emergency readiness.
Advises executive leadership on real property policy, strategic land use, asset management, and development opportunities.
Leads special initiatives, continuous improvement efforts, and cross-departmental collaborations.
Performs other executive duties as assigned to support departmental and Countywide goals.
Participates in classification of departmental staff based on Mission Essential Function responsibilities as required by emergency continuity protocols.
Confirms work assignments with a supervisor before reporting to a worksite during emergencies and remains flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed.
Conducts field visits, operates a vehicle for field visits, and is able to lift 20 pounds.