Director of Finance - Student Housing

Director Of Real Estate Finance

The Director of Real Estate Finance plays a pivotal leadership role in the financial planning, investment strategy, and execution of complex real estate transactions within the Real Estate Development and Capital Asset Management (REDCAM) portfolio. Reporting to the Vice President and Chief Real Estate Officer, this role is responsible for guiding financial strategy for student housing, commercial development, acquisitions, ground leases, and joint ventures in support of the University's strategic mission.

This position requires advanced financial acumen, a deep understanding of institutional real estate, and the ability to lead through highly complex development initiatives in alignment with the University's strategic plan and the approved Campus Master Plan. The Director oversees financial analysis, long-range capital planning, transaction structuring, and performance monitoring to ensure the portfolio supports institutional goals, adheres to risk parameters, and maintains financial sustainability. Additionally, the Director must create and support an environment that fosters teamwork, leadership development, integrity, and service responsiveness, while effectively managing relationships with business partners, regulatory agencies, and internal and external stakeholders.

The incumbent is responsible for overseeing the successful completion of projects, and is therefore expected to ensure all contributing parties remain on task, on time, and on budget. While this position does not have formal direct reports, the Director leads cross-functional deal teams composed of analysts, external advisors, consultants, and university stakeholders.

Internal contacts include executives, administrators, faculty, students, and staff of the university at large.

External contacts include housing partners, investors and lenders, consultants, contractors, local regulatory agencies, historical societies, local surrounding communities, representatives from other colleges and universities, visitors, and the general public.

Principal accountabilities include :

• Financial Analysis and Reporting : Conduct comprehensive financial analyses and prepare reports to assess key performance indicators and operational efficiencies.
• Strategic Financial Planning : Long-term financial planning for the University's real estate portfolio that anticipates and responds to legislative changes affecting higher education specifically. Develop scenario-based financial models and sensitivity analysis in coordination with the Office of Data Analytics and External Affairs that incorporate potential regulatory changes, mitigate risk, and capitalize on new opportunities.
• Budgeting and Forecasting : Support the budgeting process, implementing financial models for accurate forecasting.
• Investment and Strategic Planning and Analysis :
• Support pre-transaction analysis and due diligence, including financial modeling and pro forma analysis, cost-benefit or return on investment analysis, feasibility analysis, market research, and review of third-party reports such as market demand studies, environmental assessments, appraisals, facility assessment reports, among others.
• Evaluate new investment opportunities and support the development of strategies for long-term needs and uses of the University's real property assets including acquisitions, development, leasing, and disposition of assets.
• Review all real estate agreements, documents, and contracts working with the Office of General Counsel to ensure compliance with the university strategic plans and procedures, and compliance with pertinent District of Columbia and Maryland laws, as applicable.
• Project Support : Provide financial guidance to enhance property management financial efficiency and cost control. Provides support for a portfolio of real estate projects, entailing development, construction, property management, legal, and financial components.
• Stakeholder Communication : Prepare and clearly communicate transaction analysis, financial data and strategies to university stakeholders, regarding structure, economics, mission benefits, progress, etc.
• Academic Collaboration : Works collaboratively with the offices of the Chief Financial Officer and other members of the Administrative Services Leadership Team.
• Presentation Support : Support the preparation of RFQ / RFP responses for all bids, ensuring compliance to policy and procedure, including zoning laws and securing public approval.
• Preparation of materials and presentations for the Facilities and Real Estate Committee and the Board of Trustees.
• Administrative Support : Provide administrative support as needed, including contract review and revision in coordination with outside counsel, and tracking and managing project budgets. Oversee these functions through to completion, ensuring compliance with all University processes and procedures.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Core competencies include :

Minimum requirements include :

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure : $130,000 - $135,000