George Washington University

Director, Real Estate

George Washington University$142K — $239K *
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in real estate, accounting, finance or related field, or Master's degree preferred.
  • 7 years of relevant professional experience, or 5 years with a Master's degree.
  • Proven leadership skills with integrity and sound judgement.
  • Experience in commercial real estate management and real estate portfolio management.
  • Advanced analytical skills in real estate financial modeling.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee asset management of the real estate investment portfolio and institutional assets.
  • Evaluate and negotiate complex real estate transactions, collaborating with stakeholders.
  • Execute acquisitions, dispositions, and commercial leasing of property assets.
  • Conduct pre-transaction analyses, including feasibility and financial modeling.
  • Manage the due diligence process and engage professional contractors as needed.
  • Ensure accurate financial modeling and compliance with financial policies.
  • Prepare reports and presentations for university leadership and committees.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Life and disability insurance.
  • Generous time off and leave policies.
  • Retirement savings plan with employer contribution.
  • Tuition benefits for employees and dependents.
Full Job Description
Posting Details

I. JOB OVERVIEW

Job Description Summary:

The Office of Real Estate is responsible for the oversight of all real estate for the University, including a $1.2B investment portfolio representing five ground leases, a luxury multi-family residential property with 50,000 SF of retail, and over 1 million SF of office and medical office space, as well as leased office space in third-party buildings. The Office of Real Estate is responsible for executing real estate strategy in support of the university's broader academic mission and goals including acquisitions, dispositions and strategic real estate partnerships.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Real Estate, the Director, Real Estate oversees the asset management for both Investment and Institutional real estate for the University. Additionally, this position plays a vital role in supporting GW's commitment to excellence by promoting and shaping a culture of integrity with the highest standards. The Director's areas of responsibility will include:
  • Asset Management of the properties within the real estate investment portfolio and other owned institutional assets.
  • Provides technical and financial expertise to evaluate and negotiate complex transactions and works with staff within Office of General Counsel, Risk Management, Facilities, Treasury and other stakeholders as needed on University acquisitions, leases, licenses, and sales of property.
  • Responsible for execution of the University's acquisitions, dispositions, and commercial leasing for real estate property assets.
  • Provides pre-transaction analysis (e.g. pro-forma modeling, zoning & campus plan analysis, feasibility and sensitivity etc.).
  • Solicits and engages professional contractors, as needed, to assist the University in its efforts to acquire/dispose of real estate (e.g., appraisers, attorneys, title companies, real estate brokers/agendas).
  • Manages due diligence process.
  • Asset Management of owned assets with overarching goal of improving financial returns, mitigating risk, and ensuring first class operating standards as well as developing and managing short and long-term capital requirements.
  • Oversight of third-party property managers.
  • Ensures accurate financial modeling, budgeting and forecasting, financial and property management reporting and performance analysis.
  • Ensures compliance with existing federal, district and university financial policies and procedures.
  • Administers ground leases and ensuring compliance with lease terms and conditions.
  • Oversees annual property valuation efforts.
  • Creates and reviews complex financial models to forecast leveraged cash flows, development economics and investment performance.
  • Develops reports and presentations for University leadership, committees, and task forces on strategic real estate transactions.
  • Prepares materials and provides support for Board of Trustees presentations.
  • Identifies, evaluates, and mitigates risk factors, and develops negotiation strategies for potential and existing real estate investments.
  • Makes recommendations to improve real estate investment performance.

Performs other work related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 7 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master's degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 5 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience: Commercial real estate experience, including management experience. Candidates with experience in higher education real estate and familiarity with large residential urban campuses are preferred, as is a collaborative and consultative style appropriate for working effectively through a complex organization.

Education: Undergraduate degree in real estate, accounting, finance or related field. Master's degree is preferred.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate is a proven leader with a demonstrated track record of integrity and success in prior roles with the ability to apply sound judgement.

Other desired qualifications include:
  • Experience in real estate portfolio and asset management.
  • Advanced analytical skills and experience in real estate financial modeling.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collegially with all levels of the organization toward common objectives.


PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICSThis position seeks an individual with the following characteristics:
  • Commitment to GW's values.
  • Intellectual, professional and a person of integrity.
  • Honest, with the highest ethical standards.
  • Passionate, collaborative, strategic, and smart with a hands-on, roll-up-the-sleeves orientation
  • Ability to work independently. Self-starter; hard worker. Takes initiative; very high energy.
  • Personally accountable. Assumes ownership, control and accountability for all areas of responsibility and commitments made to others.
  • Sincere, open, and direct communicator. Puts organizational interests above self- interests and is comfortable expressing candid opinions.
  • Highest levels of responsiveness.
  • Combination of strong intellect that is combined with a practical and realistic common sense understanding of how to get things done.
  • Ability to demonstrate initiative, a strong desire to succeed and exert the extraordinary effort often required.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high growth, entrepreneurial environment.
  • Ability to work with faculty and staff in a respectful way.
  • Establish trust and credibility with institutional leadership and across the University.
  • Seeks "win-win" solutions to help foster continued integration and collaboration.
  • Flexible and receptive to change.
  • A positive "can-do" attitude.


ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ATTITUDE
  • Sensitivity for and understanding of academic disciplines and issues
  • Ability to work with faculty, staff, and professionals in multiple settings and locations and to promote diversity in the workplace
  • Appreciation for the data that will be required to make meaningful management decisions
  • Comfort with loose, matrix organizational structures
  • Recognition that being effective and results oriented is paramount


Hiring Range
$142,545.11 - $239,389.10

GW Staff Approach to Pay

How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Healthcare Benefits
GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

II. JOB DETAILS

Campus Location:
Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department:
Division of Safety and Operation

Family
Safety and Facilities

Sub-Family
Property/Real Estate Management

Stream
Individual Contributor

Level
Level 4

Full-Time/Part-Time:
Full-Time

Hours Per Week:
40

Work Schedule:
M-F, 8:30am - 5:30pm

Will this job require the employee to work on site?
Yes

Employee Onsite Status
Hybrid

Telework:
Yes

Required Background Check:
Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status

Internal Applicants Only?
No

Posting Number:
S014466

Job Open Date:
09/15/2026

Job Close Date:

If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:

Background Screening
Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

About George Washington University

George Washington University is a private research university that offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in a variety of fields, including business, law, medicine, and public policy. The university is located in Washington, D.C., and has a total enrollment of approximately 28,000 students. George Washington University was founded in 1821 and has a long history of academic excellence and research innovation. The university is known for its strong programs in international affairs, political science, and public health.
Learn more about George Washington University
Size
12,000 employees
Industry

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