Job Description

Job Description

Once in a lifetime opportunity to lead and shape the development efforts for the Nation’s Most Innovative University! If you are a proven real estate leader ready to oversee a diverse portfolio, including public-private partnerships, land use strategy and neighborhood revitalization, this could be your next great career move!

Govig – Your #1 full-service recruiting firm, your access to the best opportunities available, is seeking a VICE PRESIDENT OF REAL ESTATE for a nationally recognized University based in Tempe, AZ.

About the position. The Vice President, Real Estate will lead the administration and management of the University’s real estate portfolio and development initiatives, including major on-campus and off-campus projects, mixed-use urban developments and strategic partnerships. This individual will provide strategic vision and execution for acquisitions, land use planning, yield studies, economic forecasting, public/private development, and leasing strategies.

• Strategic Leadership : Develop and execute the University’s real estate strategy to support institutional growth, community health, sustainability, and inclusion goals as well as financial performance. Support development of major construction projects, capital asset planning, and mixed-use development initiatives..
• Development Oversight : Manage the implementation of public-private partnerships; negotiate and execute development agreements, contracts, and leases; and guide entitlement, zoning, and jurisdictional processes.
• Financial and Market Analysis : Lead site yield studies, economic forecast modeling, budget projections, and feasibility analyses. Establish and manage budgets for real estate projects.
• Acquisition and Disposition : Direct the purchase, sale, and leasing of real estate, including negotiation of terms, appraisal functions, and eminent domain processes where required.
• Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement : Build and sustain relationships with federal, state, and local entities, developers, consultants, and community groups. Collaborate with University leadership, faculty, and external partners to advance strategic goals.
• Supervision and Team Leadership : Oversee project managers, real estate staff, and consultants, fostering a high-performance culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.

What you need. To be a hero in this role, the Vice President of Real Estate:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Urban Planning, or related field.
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in real estate planning, development, and management, including at least five years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong expertise in commercial real estate development, land use planning, construction management, leasing, and real estate law.
• Master’s degree in business, real estate, planning, or related field preferred.
• Proven track record with complex public/private partnerships.
• Experience in higher education, institutional real estate, or large-scale mixed-use development.
• Advanced financial modeling, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to balance institutional mission with financial and operational sustainability.
• Strong communication and public speaking ability, including with government officials, corporate leaders, and community groups.
• Collaborative mindset with a demonstrated record of building partnerships.
• Experience managing commercial real estate development in the Phoenix metropolitan area, or similarly complex market. Evidence of relationships in the Phoenix market real estate and development ecosystem.

Have we sparked your interest? Ignite your career and apply today for a confidential conversation!

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