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 colleges real estate portfolio and physical spaces. This role ensures alignment with institutional priorities supports operational excellence and fosters collaboration among stakeholders to enhance the colleges 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 Emersons 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 Emersons 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 bachelors 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 employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Ability to operate a computer and other standard office equipment.
• Must be able to move about the campus to attend meetings and conduct site visits.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in person by phone and in writing.
• Occasional travel between properties or off-campus meetings may be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• Based on campus with frequent interaction with urban community stakeholders.
• May require occasional evening or weekend work to accommodate project timelines or events.

Disclaimer: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job duties described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

Compensation: $113800.00 - $142350.00 annually commensurate with experience.

Grade of Position: 23-13E

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25

Division: Division of Facilities

In addition to a competitive salary Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20 hours per week.

Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses dental plans generous time-off programs and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.