Director of Real Estate (R-7082)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Site Selection & Pipeline Development

• Oversee identification, evaluation, and prioritization of all potential sites.
• Maintain a 2x+ pipeline coverage ratio for all target openings.
• Drive speed and quality of decision-making across markets.

Deal Structuring & Lease Negotiation

• Lead negotiation of LOIs and leases for new locations and renewals.
• Set and enforce deal standards and financial guardrails.
• Optimize:
• Tenant Improvement (TI) allowances
• Free rent/rent commencement
• Renewal and expansion options
• Exit protections and flexibility clauses

Zoning, Entitlements & Approvals

• Own strategy and execution of zoning and entitlement processes.
• Develop playbooks for repeat approvals across key jurisdictions.
• Manage consultants, attorneys, and municipal relationships.
• Proactively mitigate entitlement risk and timeline variability.
• Ensure alignment with school opening timelines.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner closely with:
• Construction (TI feasibility, cost alignment)
• Finance (underwriting, capital allocation)
• Operations (enrollment and site performance assumptions)
• Ensure seamless transition from deal execution to design to construction

Capability Building

• Establish clear processes, tools, and reporting cadence.
• Implement standardized dashboards and pipeline tracking.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five plus (5+) years of experience in multi-site national real estate development (retail, healthcare, education,or similar).
• Proven track record leading high-volume rollout programs (12+ deals/year).
• Deep expertise in lease negotiation, site selection.
• Deep experience in Zoning Entitlements and Occupancy.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to align deals with ROI targets.
• Experience building and leading teams in a scaling environment.
• Executive presence with ability to influence senior leadership and external partners.