Senior Director, Real Estate

Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) is a trusted financial institution dedicated to starting, sustaining and strengthening Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) ministries. Since 1978, LCEF has provided financial resources, strategic guidance and innovative solutions to help congregations, schools, organizations and church workers achieve their goals. When you join our team, you’re not just building a career—you’re using your talents and applying your professional expertise to serve a higher purpose in a values-driven organization.

Why This Role Matters

Real estate consulting and development play a vital role in enabling ministries to grow, serve, and thrive within their communities. This role helps bring ministry visions to life by transforming ideas into functional, sustainable spaces, whether through new developments, redevelopment, or strategic property use.

By combining commercial real estate market insight, project life cycle experience, financial expertise, and project leadership, this position ensures that projects are not only financially sound but also aligned with LCEF’s mission. The work directly supports churches, schools, and ministries by creating environments where their work can flourish for years to come.

What You’ll Do

The Senior Director of Real Estate is responsible for leading end-to-end development of projects, serving both ministry clients as a consultant and LCEF’s internal real estate portfolio. This role combines strategic planning with hands‑on execution to deliver high-quality, mission‑aligned projects.

In this role, you will:

• Lead development projects from acquisition and feasibility through construction and delivery
• Conduct market and site analysis to determine highest and best use of properties
• Analyze zoning regulations and density to assess development potential and guide project direction
• Lead due diligence, feasibility studies, and entitlement processes
• Develop and manage detailed project pro formas and financial models
• Structure deals and identify funding opportunities, including subsidies such as TIF, LIHTC, and CDBG
• Manage RFP processes and oversee selection of architects, engineers, and contractors
• Oversee all phases of project execution, ensuring timelines, budgets, and risks are effectively managed
• Build and maintain strong relationships with municipalities, partners, and key stakeholders
• Operate with a high degree of independence while maintaining alignment with leadership and organizational goals

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, urban planning, architecture, engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in real estate development, including market analysis, entitlements, financing, and project management
• Demonstrated experience managing complex development projects from concept through completion
• Strong financial acumen, including experience with pro forma modeling and deal structuring
• Experience working with regulated funding sources or development incentives preferred
• Experience supporting Christian or ministry-based organizations preferred; active LCMS membership a plus
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD is a plus but not required.

What We Offer

• Wellness resources for spiritual growth, physical health and social connection.
• Comprehensive compensation package, including the opportunity to participate in our Employee Incentive Program.
• Generous time off, including dedicated time off between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Health insurance with 100% of premiums covered by LCEF, retirement benefits (pension and 403(b) employer match), paid parental leave, and so much more.

#J-18808-Ljbffr