Real Estate and Asset Strategy Officer

City of Austin•Fox Lake, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general direction of the Financial Services Director, this position is responsible for strategic real estate development and asset maximization, including oversight of the planning, financing, and execution of the organization’s real estate development projects. The City's real estate portfolio is significant and presents equally significant opportunities for its use. The ideal candidate is an experienced servant leader with demonstrated experience in real estate portfolio optimization, redevelopment project management, and strategic asset planning within a complex municipal environment.

Requirements

Knowledge of financial principles and practices.
Knowledge of real estate development.
Knowledge of affordable housing, mixed-use, or urban infill development
Knowledge of market analysis, land use planning, entitlements, and construction processes.
Knowledge of fiscal and real estate asset planning and budget preparation.
Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws, and ordinances governing real estate management, zoning laws, entitlement processes, building codes, disposition, and acquisition.
Skill in executing complex, large-scale real estate development projects.
Skill in financial modeling and deal structuring.
Skill in financial acumen, structuring deals, and securing financing.
Skill in oral and written communications.
Skill in negotiation.
Skill in using computers and related software applications.
Skill in data analysis, problem solving, and decision-making.
Skill in evaluating bids and making recommendations.
Ability to navigate complex deals, entitlements, partnerships, and market dynamics.
Ability to maintain effective communication and working relationships with City Officials, business leaders, financial institutions, developers, citizen groups, and City departments and employees.
Ability to demonstrate visionary leadership with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business, Finance, Urban Planning, or related field.
Twelve (12) or more years of experience in real estate development, investment, or strategy, with at least five (5) years in a senior leadership role.
Graduation with a Master's degree from an accredited college of university may substitute for two (2) years of non-management experience.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience in real estate portfolio optimization, redevelopment project management, and strategic asset planning within a complex municipal environment.
Proven experience conducting in-depth analysis of our real estate assets to determine areas for value enhancement, through redevelopment, repositioning, or other strategic initiatives.
Ability to identify opportunities for new and sustainable revenue streams, such as leasing innovations, property management enhancements, and strategic partnerships.
Continuously analyse real estate market trends to ensure the organization is capitalizing on emerging opportunities and staying ahead of potential disruptions.
Experience in developing and executing long-term strategies for the organization is capitalizing on emerging opportunities and staying ahead of potential disruptions.
Experience in collaborating and presenting to internal and external stakeholders on projects and programs that might include public outreach, City Council updates, and program implementation.
Supports leadership team growth and continuous improvement by building clear structures, communication pathways, and accountability systems across the department.
Ability to exhibit confidence and professional diplomacy and be comfortable in high-visibility public settings (e.g., council, commissions, community meetings).

Responsibilities

Develops and leads the organization’s real estate development and asset maximization strategy in alignment with City vision and growth goals.
Identifies emerging market trends, acquisition opportunities, and competitive landscapes to guide investment, disposition, and development decisions.
Works with land-use planners, architects, engineers, consultants, and others to design and entitle a project to maximize the asset’s best use.
Acts as official representative to other City departments, City Manager’s Office, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains, justifies, and defends department programs, policies, and activities; and negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant, and controversial issues.
Collaborates with City and executive leadership to shape long-term planning and capital deployment strategies, briefing and advising City management, and the Mayor and Council regarding the City’s portfolio.
Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the department budget within its span of control; estimates funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring and approval of expenditures; and directs the preparation and implementation of budgetary adjustments as necessary.
Sources, evaluates, and structures new development, acquisition and disposition opportunities.
Negotiates land purchases, joint ventures, and partnerships with investors, developers, and stakeholders.
Provides oversight for all phases of the development lifecycle, from land acquisition through entitlements, design, construction, and stabilization.
Prepares project schedules, annual budget, and strategic plan for assets and initiatives.
Ensures projects meet financial (both monetary and non-monetary, including community benefits) return thresholds and align with capital structure strategies.
Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.