Special Advisor to the COO

NJEDA•, NJ

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Join the NJEDA and help lead New Jersey to sustainable economic growth, fostering equitable opportunities and vibrant communities. We offer hybrid work, a supportive culture, and robust benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and extensive wellness programs. Make a tangible impact and shape New Jersey's future with innovative economic development at NJEDA. Serves as a strategic partner and subject matter expert for our real estate business. Provide expert guidance on commercial, industrial, and mixed-use real estate transactions that advance the Authority's economic development mission. This senior role will serve as a key resource for evaluating real estate components of NJEDA incentive applications, sourcing strategic development opportunities, and advising on property-related aspects of major state initiatives, included but not limited to Transit Oriented Development. The ideal candidate brings deep market knowledge of New Jersey's commercial real estate landscape, strong relationships across the institutional and private owner community, and a genuine commitment to public-purpose outcomes.

Requirements

15+ years of experience in commercial real estate, with demonstrated expertise in industrial, office, or mixed-use markets in New Jersey
Track record of managing complex transactions on behalf of institutional or corporate clients
Familiarity with public sector economic development tools, incentive programs, or government finance strongly preferred
Prior government, policy, or public affairs experience a plus
Strong existing relationships within the New Jersey real estate and business community
Bachelor’s degree required.
Dynamics CRM preferred
proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite is preferred.
Must comply with the “New Jersey First Act” which requires employees hired after September 1, 2011, to reside in New Jersey. Non-New Jersey resident employees must relocate to New Jersey within one year of their date of hire and provide proof of residency to Human Resources.
Must complete an Outside Activity Questionnaire (disclosure of outside office or employment) on an annual basis.
Must review the required NJ State Ethics Guidelines found on the state website.
Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations. Note: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorship for citizenship to the United States.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
Advanced degree or industry specific certification may be substituted for 1 year of experience

Responsibilities

Advise NJEDA leadership and program staff on commercial and industrial real estate market conditions, transaction structures, and property valuation
Evaluate real estate components of applications under NJEDA incentive programs, including tax credit initiatives and other NJEDA strategic objectives.
Guide the development of new programs utilizing real estate expertise, ensuring alignment with operational, financial, and market considerations.
Review prospective programs and projects for minimum ROI targets to support the Authority’s long-term sustainability model and best use of funds concept for maximum impact.
Identify and cultivate opportunities to deploy NJEDA financing tools in support of commercial, industrial, and mixed-use development projects
Serve as a strategic resource for major state real estate initiatives, including brownfield redevelopment, urban revitalization, Transit Oriented Development projects and site readiness efforts
Build and maintain relationships with institutional owners, developers, brokers, and municipal partners across New Jersey markets
Represent the NJEDA at industry conferences, stakeholder convening, and interagency meetings
Provide strategic guidance to internal stakeholders on real estate related activities, such as development deals and real estate programs.
This role will report directly to the Chief Operations Officer
This role is highly autonomous and will provide expert level guidance to other leaders.
Must complete annual self-assessment as required.
Performs other duties and special projects, as assigned.