Vice President - Real Estate Development

J29:7 Planning & Development Corp - Ypsilanti, MI

Full-time - Senior

Ypsilanti, MI

About the position

The Vice President of Real Estate at J29:7 Planning & Development Corp is responsible for overseeing all real estate activities, including acquisitions, development, leasing, asset management, and disposition. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role involves strategic planning and leadership to align real estate initiatives with the organization's goals, particularly focusing on urban real estate development and community transformation. The VP will lead a team and collaborate with senior leadership to ensure successful project delivery and maintain relationships with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the organization's real estate strategy, aligning with overall business objectives.
• Lead and manage the real estate team, including acquisitions, development, property management, leasing, and finance functions.
• Identify new opportunities for growth and expansion through market analysis, including new markets, site selection, and portfolio optimization.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure real estate investments are aligned with long-term business goals.
• Oversee the acquisition of properties, including site identification, due diligence, financial analysis, and negotiation of terms.
• Direct the development process, including working with architects, contractors, and other external partners to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Manage relationships with investors, lenders, and joint-venture partners, ensuring that financing is secured for new projects.
• Oversee the organization's real estate portfolio, ensuring assets are performing in line with financial expectations.
• Develop strategies for optimizing asset performance, including repositioning, renovation, and disposition of underperforming assets.
• Lead lease negotiations and manage key tenant relationships to ensure high occupancy and tenant satisfaction.
• Monitor market trends and regulatory changes to make informed decisions on the organization's portfolio.
• Work closely with the finance team to develop and manage the real estate budget, including forecasting and capital planning.
• Conduct financial analyses, including cash flow projections, return on investment (ROI) calculations, and sensitivity analyses for potential real estate transactions.
• Report on the performance of the real estate portfolio to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Ensure all real estate activities are compliant with local, state, and federal regulations, including zoning laws and environmental regulations.
• Lead the organization's response to any legal matters related to real estate transactions or portfolio management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required, Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years real estate development experience with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience in leading real estate acquisitions, development, and asset management, with a track record of successful project delivery.
• Extensive knowledge of real estate financing, deal structuring, and market analysis.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience managing relationships with investors, lenders, and tenants.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex financial and real estate strategies to senior executives and stakeholders.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in large-scale commercial real estate or mixed-use developments.
• Familiarity with public-private partnerships, tax credit financing, and other incentive-based real estate transactions.
• Strong network of industry contacts, including developers, investors, and local government officials.
• Advanced understanding of legal, regulatory, and compliance issues related to real estate transactions and portfolio management.

Benefits

• Paid holidays
• Health insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance