Director of Leasing and Property Management

About the Job

Director of Leasing and Property Management directly oversees all leases and use agreements for the University’s internal and external real estate portfolio and the management of university facilities overseen by the real estate office. The Director is the key contributor for the systemwide strategic initiatives involving the leasing of real estate and adds strategic value by understanding academic program needs and the commercial real estate market to ensure that University needs are met with the identification and negotiation of leased space. This position serves as the University’s expert regarding lease agreements and the main point of contact for all major leases impacting the University.

This is a 12‑month, 100% time position, which reports to the Assistant Vice President of Planning, Space, and Real Estate.

Essential Functions of Position

• 60% – Lease Transactions and Negotiations: Direct all leasing activities for the entire University system to ensure exceptional real estate services in support of the University’s mission. Responsible for negotiation, management, and processing of long‑ and short‑term agreements for various University (systemwide) clients as both landlord and tenant, including new leases, lease renewals, amendments, options, terminations, utility license agreements, and short‑term access agreements. Provides strategic real estate leadership, works with clients and senior leadership to understand objectives, advises on business terms and market conditions, researches fair market rents, completes due diligence and financial analysis, negotiates terms, drafts documents, coordinates approvals, and ensures legal document approval and insurance requirements.
• 15% – Leadership, Supervision, and Policy Direction: Provide departmental leadership, supervision, and guidance to the Leasing and Property Management Team. Deputy supervision of two Senior Real Estate Specialists, one Lease Administrator, and one Real Estate Property Manager. Expert on policies and procedures for use and lease of real estate and responsible for systemwide implementation.
• 15% – Property Management: Oversee operations and management of the Real Estate Office’s managed properties, including management contracts for University’s wholly‑owned LLCs. Direct work of Property Manager to ensure facilities are operated, maintained, and improved effectively. Review and approve operational services, facility use, repairs, maintenance, purchases, facility upgrades, building demolition, and capital improvements.
• 10% – Lease Administration Oversight: Direct management of internal lease portfolio (University as landlord) for 450+ long‑term leases and all short‑term agreements. Direct management of external lease portfolio (University as tenant) of 400+ leases totaling approximately 1 million square feet of leased space and 2,600 acres of leased land. Enforce lease terms, ensure timely rent payment, process monthly payments, resolve delinquent accounts, implement rent adjustments and CAM credits/debits, and maintain Lease Inventory Database System.

Work Environment: Hybrid – part‑time remote and part‑time on‑campus office. Hours are 8:00 – 4:30 or 8:30 – 5:00.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 12 years of relevant real estate experience, with a minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience.

Qualifications Essential to the Position

• Exceptional record of commercial real estate leasing transactions, including successful negotiation, drafting, and finalization of leases.
• Experience conducting financial analysis of proposed lease transactions.
• Knowledge of and experience with higher education real‑estate practices, policies, systems, and procedures (preferred).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expert knowledge of the commercial real estate market, leasing concepts, and contract writing and interpretation in institutional, commercial, and governmental settings.
• Ability to work across diverse groups, internally and externally, to establish and maintain effective relationships with team members, academic units, property owners, consultants, attorneys, etc.
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including ability to develop and compare lease budgets to provide high‑level, accurate transaction cost data.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent judgment and ability to work independently.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and meet challenging deadlines.
• Demonstrated integrity and adaptability.
• Ability to manage ambiguous assignments.
• Awareness of, appreciation for, and responsiveness to the needs of a diverse workplace.
• Proficiency in MS Word and Excel.
• Effective supervisory experience and ability to lead a high‑performing team.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $144,000 – $165,000, depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment.

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff.

Benefits:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent‑care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight counseling sessions at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

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