Executive Director of Strategic Transactions

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

BASIC FUNCTION:

This executive leadership position is responsible for leading and directing complex real estate transactions from beginning to end for the capital asset portfolio. The incumbent will have oversight of a diverse portfolio and will work with the University and external partners to drive key objectives and optimize financial and mission-oriented performance of real estate transactions.

Must be able to organize and prioritize multiple tasks, effectively manage through stressful situations, and consistently make effective, high-quality decisions. Must create and support an environment that fosters teamwork, leadership development, integrity, service responsiveness and effectively manages business, regulatory agency, and internal and external relationships. This position will have overall responsibility for executing real estate transactions in conformity with the University’s strategic plan and with the approved Campus Master Plan.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:   

Has overall responsibility for providing direction and guidance in the area of strategic transaction management within the REDCAM portfolio, in collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners.

NATURE AND SCOPE:                                

Internal contacts include executives, administrators, faculty, students and staff of the University at large.

External contacts include consultants, contractors, federal, state, and local regulatory agencies, historical societies, local surrounding communities, representatives from other colleges and universities, visitors, and the general public.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:      

Formulates and executes strategies for long-range needs and uses of the University’s real property assets including acquisitions, development, leasing, and disposition of assets.  Source and identify real estate direct investment opportunities and joint venture/equity partners, and negotiate Letters of Intent and Term Sheets.

Coordinate pre-transaction analysis and due diligence, including financial modeling and pro forma analysis, cost-benefit or return on investment analysis, feasibility analysis, market research, and review of third-party reports such as market demand studies, environmental assessments, appraisals, facility assessment reports, among others.

Execute on the University’s strategic plan and initiatives approved by Senior Administration and Board of Trustees.

Prepare and present transaction analysis to Senior Administration and Board of Trustee regarding structure, economics, mission benefits, progress, etc.  Obtain all required Board of Trustee approvals and resolutions for real estate transaction.

Leads negotiations with investors and creditors, development partners, contractors, and vendors, ensuring that University policies are followed.

Review all real estate agreements, documents, and contracts with the Office of General Counsel to ensure compliance with University strategic plans and procedures, and compliance with pertinent District of Columbia and Maryland laws, as applicable.

Prepare, direct, and negotiate purchase agreements, partnership agreements, lease agreements, and other legal transaction documents needed to close transactions.

Maintain copies of all University deeds, leases, and other real estate documents in a central database to allow management to respond to inquiries associated with real estate.

Act as coordinator and liaison to the University legal, risk management, environmental, health and safety departments for all real estate related activities.

Cultivate relationships with Community Associations, District Government agencies, and neighborhood groups to foster positive working relationships.

Prepare RFQ/RFP responses for all bids, ensuring compliance to policy and procedure, including zoning laws and securing public approval.

Coordinates with the Chief Financial Officer or designated committee regarding the evaluation, acceptance, management, and disposition of real property assets that are donated or bequeathed to the University.

Provides support for a portfolio of real estate projects, entailing development, construction, property management, legal, and financial components.

Oversees development and review of periodic reports on finances and project performance to monitor the health of each project and the portfolio.  Consults with Leadership in REDCAM, CFO, and Resident Life to prioritize work requirements.

Makes recommendations on processes, procedures, policies, methodologies, and metrics for managing, reviewing, measuring, and evaluating project and portfolio performance.

Works collaboratively with the offices of the Chief Financial Officer and other members of the Administrative Services Leadership Team.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:        

Comprehensive knowledge of real estate markets and trends. 

Ability to conduct complex structuring including joint ventures, development, and debt instruments.

Knowledge of underwriting and closing debt and equity transactions regionally and nationally.

Must possess advanced analytical skills in evaluating real estate transactions.

Ability to manage a transaction pipeline.

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious work relationships with students, staff, faculty, University and local school officials, and the general public.

Ability to develop processes and procedures to successfully monitor and provide project status reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends.

Ability to establish and execute projects by establishing communication plans to identify initial needs or supplemental project resources.

Communicates with the University community, the public, and the media regarding planning, design, and construction issues is required; Management skills, particularly in decision-making, are required.

Gathers and thoroughly analyzes information in order to make well-founded recommendations to the University’s Senior Administration. 

Independent, entrepreneurial, ability to create processes to accomplish and manage acquisitions.

Ability to manage multiple suppliers and strategic partner relationships.

Broad knowledge of the principles and practices in financial management required.

The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.

Strong organizational, management, presentation and communication skills are required.

Superior people relationship skills are required.

Ability to plan and manage within budget and time constraints is required.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.                         

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A Master’s Degree with a minimum of 10 years of work related experience.

15 years of related work experience may be substituted in lieu of educational qualifications.

Demonstrated experience as a management executive in real estate transactions.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Salary Range: $185,000 - $190,0000