Vice President - Real Estate Development - J29:7 Planning & Development Corp
Ypsilanti, MI
About the Job
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Vice President of Real Estate reports directly to the CEO and is responsible for overseeing the Real Estate activities of J29:7. The VP of Real Estate will also have responsibility for working with the Director of the Urban Planning & Design Studio to support on real estate components within the comprehensive planning and urban design efforts for J29:7 Planning & Development Corporation. This position will be responsible for delivering on the parent company’s real estate pipeline within Southeast Michigan as well as other real estate projects in other markets across the country. We work all across the country with an emphasis on Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs), but not exclusively.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a drive for Urban Real Estate Development. This candidate thrives in a fluid environment and takes initiative. You understand real estate, the development process, and complex proformas. You have proven project management acumen with strong leadership to keep your work and everyone else on track, and the ability to say no and keep everyone on schedule. Most importantly, you know how to build trusting relationships that lead to collaborations with our partners, community members, local business/property owners, city staff, funders, and peer organizations. Above all, you love urban spaces and want to be immersed in the transformation of vibrant communities. The ideal candidate will be motivated to seek solutions, drive results, and deliver on-time projects in an ever-changing environment.
ABOUT J29:7
At J29:7, we are a diverse and passionate team of professionals dedicated to making a significant difference in underserved communities through our expertise in urban planning, architecture, construction, real estate development, and community engagement. We firmly believe in the power of inclusive neighborhood development and addressing systemic issues to create equitable and thriving communities.
Our firm takes a holistic approach to community master planning, recognizing that successful development extends beyond physical infrastructure. We understand that sustainable and transformative change requires a comprehensive understanding of social, economic, and environmental factors that shape communities. By integrating the expertise of architects, construction-oriented professionals, real estate developers, and community specialists, we bring a multidisciplinary perspective to our projects. We rise early and stay late because we are passionately driven by the work that we do. But make no mistake about it, we all left “jobs” when we stepped into our roles at J29:7 to pursue purpose in the communities that we’ve been called to serve and you couldn’t pay us enough to be doing what we have fun doing daily.
We currently have an active and growing pipeline of more than 600 multi-family units and $200M in investment activity. Our planning and design studio is currently engaged in developing 3 community plans that have the potential to produce an additional $300M+ of real estate development activities over the next 5 years.
JOB SUMMARY
The Vice President of Real Estate is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization’s real estate strategy, including acquisitions, development, leasing, asset management, and disposition. This role requires a seasoned real estate professional with expertise in commercial real estate transactions, portfolio management, and strategic planning. The VP of Real Estate will lead a team and work closely with senior leadership to ensure that real estate initiatives align with the organization's goals and growth strategy.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Planning & Leadership:
Develop and implement the organization’s real estate strategy, aligning with overall business objectives.
Lead and manage the real estate team, including acquisitions, development, property management, leasing, and finance functions.
Identify new opportunities for growth and expansion through market analysis, including new markets, site selection, and portfolio optimization.
Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure real estate investments are aligned with long-term business goals.
Acquisition & Development:
Oversee the acquisition of properties, including site identification, due diligence, financial analysis, and negotiation of terms.
Direct the development process, including working with architects, contractors, and other external partners to deliver projects on time and within budget.
Manage relationships with investors, lenders, and joint-venture partners, ensuring that financing is secured for new projects.
Asset & Portfolio Management:
Oversee the organization’s real estate portfolio, ensuring assets are performing in line with financial expectations.
Develop strategies for optimizing asset performance, including repositioning, renovation, and disposition of underperforming assets.
Lead lease negotiations and manage key tenant relationships to ensure high occupancy and tenant satisfaction.
Monitor market trends and regulatory changes to make informed decisions on the organization's portfolio.
Financial Oversight & Reporting:
Work closely with the finance team to develop and manage the real estate budget, including forecasting and capital planning.
Conduct financial analyses, including cash flow projections, return on investment (ROI) calculations, and sensitivity analyses for potential real estate transactions.
Report on the performance of the real estate portfolio to senior leadership and stakeholders.
Regulatory & Compliance Oversight:
Ensure all real estate activities are compliant with local, state, and federal regulations, including zoning laws and environmental regulations.
Lead the organization’s response to any legal matters related to real estate transactions or portfolio management.
Stay informed of industry best practices and implement processes to ensure the organization operates with integrity and transparency.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in a related field required, Master’s degree preferred
10+ years real estate development experience with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role
Proven experience in leading real estate acquisitions, development, and asset management, with a track record of successful project delivery.
Extensive knowledge of real estate financing, deal structuring, and market analysis.
Strong negotiation skills and experience managing relationships with investors, lenders, and tenants.
Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex financial and real estate strategies to senior executives and stakeholders.
Understanding of financial incentives, Brownfield, Tax Increment Financing, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Tax Abatements, Tax Credits and other gap financing programs is highly desired
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in large-scale commercial real estate or mixed-use developments.
Familiarity with public-private partnerships, tax credit financing, and other incentive-based real estate transactions.
Strong network of industry contacts, including developers, investors, and local government officials.
Advanced understanding of legal, regulatory, and compliance issues related to real estate transactions and portfolio management.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Office-based role with frequent travel required for site visits, investor meetings, and real estate conferences.
Flexible work hours as needed to meet project deadlines and executive responsibilities.
SKILLS AND TOOLS
Understands complex real estate proforma and financial models
Proficient with spreadsheets (i.e. Excel, Google Sheets, Microsoft Access)
Proficient in modeling programs such as Argus Enterprise
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Commensurate with experience
Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance offered
401(k) Offered
Generous PTO & Paid Holiday Policy
