Executive Director, University Real Estate

Posted: 8/27/25
Deadline: 9/22/25
Reference Number: req8110

About This Organization

Virginia Commonwealth University

Job Duties

Executive Director, University Real Estate

Position Description

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA

At VCU, we are UNCOMMON and UNLIKE any other university. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers in Virginia. VCU is a great place to work. It’s a place of opportunity where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.

The university and the region

VCU is a public research university unlike any other. We’re dedicated to serving the needs of students and patients and our passionate community isn’t afraid to tackle difficult challenges others can’t, or won’t. We’re home to creativity, teaching, discovery and healing. Our location in the heart of downtown Richmond, Virginia, means the nonstop energy of our city ignites our innovation and provides unlimited opportunities.

About Virginia Commonwealth University

We are the university for Virginia. We know that the unique backgrounds and experiences of the VCU community are what drive the university forward. Together, we’re forging a future that is built by us. Here, artists and engineers, doctors and designers come together to reimagine the human experience and tackle the problems of tomorrow.

VCU dates to 1838 with the formation of the Medical Department of Hampden-Sydney College, whose mission was to educate physicians in central Virginia and which was later renamed Medical College of Virginia. In 1968, Richmond Professional Institute merged with the Medical College of Virginia to become what is now known as Virginia Commonwealth University.

The Opportunity

The Executive Director, University Real Estate provides strategic leadership, oversight, and management of the university’s real estate portfolio, including acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, property management and new development. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Campus Enterprises & Chief Real Estate Officer, the Executive Director is responsible for advancing real estate initiatives that align with the institution’s strategic priorities, mission, and long-term physical development goals.

This position plays a critical leadership role in managing and strategically guiding the university’s real estate assets, oversees complex real estate transactions, and directs cross-functional projects involving internal and external stakeholders. The Executive Director, University Real Estate provides tactical leadership and oversight of the Director of Real Estate Operations and support staff, ensuring efficient and accurate execution of daily operations in adherence to institutional policies, while driving policy innovation and fostering meaningful external partnerships.

About Capital Assets and Real Estate

CARE provides strategic and comprehensive real estate services and management that align with and support the university’s strategic plan and institutional goals, while at the same time giving consideration to the economic development and engagement activities coordinated with the university’s leadership. Important to the success of the university’s real estate development is the unit’s role in liaising and collaborating with facilities planning and academic and administrative units to ensure critical communication and coordination.

Key Responsibilities:

● Provides strategic and visionary leadership for all university real estate initiatives, fostering strong, collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners to advance institutional goals and ensure alignment with the university’s long-term vision.

● Champion a forward-thinking approach to driving real estate operations, with an emphasis on acquisition planning and strategy, asset portfolio management, and ensuring strategic alignment with institutional priorities.

● Negotiates a variety of real estate opportunities to maximize long-term value for VCU and advance the university’s strategic priorities.

● Develop and implement long-term real estate strategies in alignment with university objectives and the One VCU Master Plan.

● Analyze and evaluate potential real estate development opportunities – both independently and in collaboration with third-party partners- to determine economic feasibility, institutional impact, and alignment with the university’s long-term goals.

● Ensure accurate and timely real estate data is available to executive leadership for decision making and for presentation to the governing board and/or other regulatory entities.

● Lead initiatives related to property acquisitions, dispositions, land development, leasing, and adaptive reuse.

● Represent the university in real estate matters involving developers, property owners, brokers, legal counsel, government agencies, and community partners.

● Build and maintain strong relationships with regulatory entities, the City of Richmond, economic development officials, legal counsel, partners within the VCU Health System, and external consultants and stakeholders.

● Oversee and ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and university policy requirements related to real estate transactions.

● Develop presentations and reports for university leadership,regulatory boards, and external entities as needed.

Required Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

● Bachelor’s degree in real estate, business administration, urban planning, finance, public administration, or a related field.

● 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in real estate management, development, or transactions, including experience supervising professional staff.

● Demonstrates exceptional political acumen and strategic insight, with a proven ability to navigate complex, high-stakes, and high-visibility issues with diplomacy, discretion, and sound judgement.

● Efficiently operates at the senior leadership level, effectively managing sensitive stakeholder relationships, anticipating challenges, and delivering thoughtful guidance in politically nuanced environments.

● Proven ability to work effectively across a wide range of stakeholders, including senior leadership, community leaders, developers, legal and regulatory entities, and government officials.

● Excellent negotiation, analytical, and project management skills.

● Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to a broad array of audiences.

● Adept in laws, regulations and compliance requirements.

● Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

● Master’s degree from an accredited university in real estate, business administration, urban planning, finance, public administration, or a related field.

● Possess professional credentials related to this role (e.g. CCIM, SIOR, CRE).

● Maintains active participation in relevant professional organizations such as the Association of University Real Estate Officers (AUREO), University Land Institute (ULI), Society of College and University Planning (SCUP), etc.

● Experience working in a university or higher education setting, with a focus on data-driven decision making for the long-term advancement of the institution.

Required Application Materials

Application Procedures

The salary range is between $185,000-$200,000.

How to Apply

Candidates should complete the application on the VCU job website at https://vcu.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/8110?c=vcuwith a preferred application deadline of September 22, 2025. Additionally, candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information of three references. References will only be contacted with the candidates’ prior knowledge and approval. All nominations and applications will remain confidential until finalists are selected. Please submit your application materials through the VCU Jobs portal at the link below:

VCU Jobs portal:

VCU is transitioning to a new applicant tracking system beginning October 1, 2025. If you apply before that date, you may be asked to resubmit your application in the new system after the system is live. Clear instructions will be provided at that time. We appreciate your understanding during this transition and look forward to reviewing your application.

Requests for information and all written nominations and applications should be directed to:

Tanya-Lee Giscombe (tlsgiscombe@vcu.edu)

For more information on Virginia Commonwealth University, please visit vcu.edu and https://www.vcu.edu/about-vcu/facts-and-rankings/.

VCU is an equal opportunity employer.

https://vcu.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/8110?c=vcu&sq=req8110