Position Summary
The Vice President of Real Estate and Development will be a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for overseeing all aspects of real estate strategy, construction, facilities management, and company vehicle operations across our portfolio of early education and childcare centers. This individual will also lead the identification, evaluation, and execution of new site acquisitions and development opportunities to support the company's growth objectives. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in real estate development, project management, expertise in finance and facilities operations, coupled with a strategic mindset and deep understanding of the early education landscape.
Facilities and Maintenance Operations
• Lead the management of ongoing facility maintenance and repairs across all locations.
• Develop and enforce preventative maintenance programs and vendor service level agreements.
• Ensure all facilities meet high standards for safety, cleanliness, and functionality appropriate for early childhood environments.
Fleet Management
• Oversee the acquisition, maintenance, and compliance of the company's vehicle fleet used for student transportation and operations.
• Establish policies and procedures for vehicle use, safety, and maintenance.
Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Build and lead a high-performing team of real estate, construction, and facilities professionals.
• Collaborate with Finance, Legal, Operations, and other internal teams to ensure smooth project execution.
• Provide strategic input on long-term infrastructure and growth planning.
Real Estate Strategy and Acquisitions
• Develop and implement a comprehensive real estate strategy aligned with company growth plans.
• Source, evaluate, and close new acquisition opportunities, including site selection, due diligence, and negotiations.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with brokers, developers, landlords, and municipal agencies.
• Perform market and feasibility analysis for new locations to ensure alignment with brand and demographic criteria.
Development and Construction
• Oversee all phases of both new site development and alterations at existing facilities, including design, permitting, budgeting, and construction.
• Manage internal and external project teams, including architects, contractors, engineers, and consultants.
• Ensure all projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
• Create scalable development processes to support multi-site expansion.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Construction Management, Business Administration, or related field (MBA preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in real estate development, acquisitions, or construction, preferably within multi-site operations or education-related industries.
• Proven experience managing full lifecycle development projects and facility operations.
• Strong negotiation, project management, and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of licensing, zoning, and regulatory requirements for childcare or educational facilities a strong plus.
• Ability to travel as needed for site visits and project oversight.
