Director, Real Estate & Space Planning

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The Director, Real Estate & Space Planning reports to the Associate Vice President for Facilities and Campus Services and will oversee the strategic planning, management, and optimization of the college's real estate portfolio and physical spaces. This role ensures alignment with institutional priorities, supports operational excellence, and fosters collaboration among stakeholders to enhance the college's mission in a dynamic urban environment. The Director provides strategic leadership for both real estate and space planning functions, unifying these areas to strengthen coordination across departments and support Emerson’s long-term goals. This position plays a critical role in master planning, ensuring that decisions related to space and property are proactive, integrated, and sustainable.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Develop and execute real estate strategies, including acquisitions, leases, dispositions, and property management, to support institutional goals.
• Oversee the management of real estate contracts and negotiations, ensuring compliance with legal and financial standards.
• Establish Space Planning Guidelines and develop workplace size standardization across campus, and ensure that design standards align with Emerson’s planning objectives
• Evaluate market trends to inform strategic decisions and optimize the use of urban properties.
• Coordinate with the Office of Community Relations and remain informed of any city or neighborhood covenants or requirements the institution must follow.
• Lead campus-wide space planning efforts, including the Institutional Master Plan, to ensure efficient facility use and alignment with academic, administrative, and operational needs.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative departments to develop space allocation strategies that support institutional growth and flexibility.
• Oversee the development of space utilization studies and recommend improvements based on data-driven analysis.
• Facilitate space retrofits and renovations to meet evolving needs and enhance the user experience.
• Serve as a key advisor on real estate and space planning matters to senior leaders.
• Foster strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including city officials, contractors, and community organizations.
• Integrate sustainability principles into real estate and space planning projects.
• Supervise and mentor a team of professionals, including property managers, sustainability professionals, outside consultants, and space planners, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Develop and manage budgets for real estate and space planning functions, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
• Establish and maintain policies, procedures, and standards for real estate and space management.
• Prepare reports and presentations for leadership, highlighting progress, challenges, and opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS – Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to perform the job effectively.

• A bachelor’s degree in real estate, urban planning, facilities management, business administration, architecture, project management, or a related field is required.
• A minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in real estate management and space planning, preferably in a higher education or urban setting, is required.
• Demonstrated expertise in lease negotiation, property management, and space allocation strategies is required.
• Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities is required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – This may be representative but not all-inclusive of the knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with the job. 

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and develop actionable plans.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in space planning tools, project management software, and financial modeling.
• Knowledge of sustainability practices and urban planning principles.
• Ability to navigate and influence within a highly collaborative and mission-driven environment.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES – Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that an