Director Real Estate & Leasing

Department of Facilities, Operations, and Auxiliary Enterprise

Position Summary:

The Director of Real Estate and Leasing, within the Department of Facilities, Operations, and Auxiliary Enterprises, provides strategic leadership and oversight of the real estate portfolio supporting UTHealth Houston and UT Physicians. As UTHealth Houston continues to expand its clinical enterprise and presence throughout the Houston area and beyond, this newly established role will play a key part in advancing real estate strategies that support organizational growth, operational priorities, and financial objectives.

The Director leads real estate planning and transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, lease negotiations, renewals, expansions, development opportunities, portfolio planning, and asset performance. The role also supports clinical expansion by identifying and evaluating real estate opportunities aligned with evolving organizational and operational needs.

Serving as a strategic partner to executive leadership and key stakeholders, the Director collaborates across legal, finance, clinical and operational teams, property management, and external real estate partners to drive informed decision-making and successful execution of real estate initiatives.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and experienced real estate leader with expertise in lease management, negotiations, portfolio strategy, and stakeholder engagement. The Director will also lead and mentor a team, sharing expertise and fostering accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence .

Position Key Accountabilities:

• Directs negotiations for external leases, renewals, amendments, expansions, terminations, and related transactions with property owners, landlords, developers, and brokerage firms. Ensures transactions align with institutional priorities, expansion plans, and approved financial parameters.
• Identifies and evaluates real estate opportunities; leads due diligence; and negotiates purchase, sale, and lease agreements that support institutional priorities, expansion plans, and long-term growth objectives.
• Partners with executive leadership and key stakeholders to align real estate strategy, leasing activity, and portfolio planning with the University's operational, financial, and long-term business goals.
• Manages the organization's real estate assets by monitoring critical lease dates, compliance requirements, financial performance, and space utilization to optimize portfolio value and operational effectiveness.
• Collaborates with legal, finance, clinical departments, operations, property management teams, and brokerage partners to support sound real estate decisions, timely transaction execution, and alignment with institutional objectives.
• Manages Human Resources activities for direct reports in regards to: recruiting and selection; hiring and termination, training, development, mentoring, counseling, performance evaluations, and salary planning.
• Responsible for the design, execution and effectiveness of a system of internal controls which provides reasonable assurance that operations are effective and efficient, assets are safeguarded; financial information is reliable and compliant with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

• Interpersonal, technical, and writing skills.
• Extensive knowledge of parking management and revenue control systems.
• Ability to structure, negotiate, and execute complex commercial lease agreements and related real estate transactions.
• Ability to analyze market data, evaluate property valuations, review financial models, and assess the business impact of real estate decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to operate a state vehicle in accordance with institutional policies and applicable driver clearance requirements.
• Work may involve handling biohazardous, chemical, and radiological materials, as well as operating associated equipment. Required safety training and appropriate engineering and administrative controls including the use of personal protective equipment must be followed.
• Driver License (DL) by State of Texas required
• Real Estate Sales Agent by Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) preferred
• Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) preferred
• Certified Retail Real Estate Professional (CRRP) preferred
• Comparable Real Estate Credential preferred

Bachelor's Degree of Business Administration, real estate, finance, urban planning, or a related field required Master's Degree of Business Administration, real estate, finance, urban planning, or a related field preferred

Minimum Experience:

7 years of progressively responsible experience in commercial real estate, leasing, portfolio management, site selection, acquisitions, and related real estate operations required Experience supporting healthcare, higher education, academic medical center, or other complex multi-site organizational environments preferred

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive:

This position is a security-sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094. To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code §117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position. Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether things such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. §791.4.

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.