POSTING INFORMATION

Internal Title

Director of Real Estate Operations and Planning

Position Type

Unclassified

Faculty / Non-Faculty / Administration

Administration

Pay Band

Level

Department

Business Affairs

Job Purpose

The Director of Real Estate Operations and Planning is a pivotal role responsible for managing all aspects of the College’s real estate portfolio. Reporting to the Executive Vice President for Business Affairs/CFO, the Director will lead strategic planning, acquisition, disposition, leasing, and development initiatives that align with the College’s academic and operational goals. This role involves close collaboration with college leadership, external stakeholders, and various departments to optimize the use and value of the institution’s real estate assets.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field is required. 7+ years of relevant experience in capital assets/real estate management, with a strong foundation in general construction, mechanical systems, electrical systems, roof and building envelope systems, and campus infrastructure. Candidates with an equivalent combination of experience and/or education are encouraged to apply.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required:
Knowledge of applicable building codes, real estate law, market analysis, financial modeling, and risk management. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and other relevant software for problem-solving, design, budgeting, and record-keeping. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare and present comprehensive reports.

Preferred:
Experience working with the South Carolina Office of the State Engineer, SC Department of Administration Real Property Services, SC state procurement code, and the City of Charleston Board of Architectural Review. Professional experience in facilities planning, historic building renovation/restoration, and LEED, CEFP, or PMI accreditation. Knowledge of IBC and ADA law, as well as state preservation guidelines and architectural, planning, and engineering disciplines. Experience in project budget responsibility and demonstrated ability to manage project budgets effectively.

Additional Comments Regarding Position

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please complete the application to include all current and previous work history and education.  A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

*Salary is commensurate with education/experience which exceeds the minimum requirements.

Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful background check.

All applications must be submitted online https://jobs.cofc.edu. 

Salary

*Salary commensurate with level of experience and education.

Posting Date

02/02/2026

Closing Date

03/02/2026

Benefits

• Insurance:  Health/Dental/Vision
• Life Insurance
• Paid Leave:  Sick/Annual/Parental
• Retirement
• Long Term Disability
• Paid Holidays
• Free CARTA Bus Service
• Employee Tuition Assistance Program (ETAP)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Full Benefits Package – Click Here

Open Until Filled

No

Posting Number

2026021

EEO Statement

The College of Charleston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of sex, gender (including gender identity and/or expression), pregnancy, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, and other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information, please visit eop.cofc.edu.

Quicklink for Posting

https://jobs.cofc.edu/postings/17612

Job Duties

Activity

Strategic Leadership:

• Drive efforts to identify and secure off-campus real estate solutions to meet the College’s needs, including Student, Academic, Research, and Administrative spaces.
• Serve as the College’s liaison to the City of Charleston, the South Carolina Department of Administration’s Real Property Services Division, corporate real estate development, advisors & law firms, neighborhood partner organizations, and residents.
• Negotiate leases, resolve landlord disputes, and ensure that off-campus spaces are optimized for College use.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive real estate strategy that supports the college’s long-term goals, mission, and objectives.

Essential or Marginal

Essential

Percent of Time

20

Activity

Innovative Development:

• Identify and develop opportunities to transform underused real estate assets into valuable resources, such as student housing, parking, academic and administrative spaces.
• Lead these initiatives from concept to completion, ensuring they align with College goals and objectives.
• Conduct long-term real estate planning to identify opportunities for growth, consolidation, and optimization of current assets.

Essential or Marginal

Essential

Percent of Time

15

Activity

Property Acquisition and Management:

• Oversee the acquisition and disposition of real estate properties, managing external real estate advisors, conducting negotiations, and overseeing property closings.
• Ensure properties are prepared for their intended use and manage compliance with program requirements.
• Serve as the College’s advisor for gifts of real property, evaluating potential gifts, recommending acceptance, and overseeing management and disposition of accepted properties.
• Maintain an inventory of all real estate holdings and leases, tracking key metrics and performance indicators.

Essential or Marginal

Essential

Percent of Time

15

Activity

Off-Campus Property Oversight:

• Manage all College-owned off-campus real estate, ensuring properties are maintained to promote occupancy and optimize financial performance.
• Coordinate activities with College departments of Lease Management and Facilities Planning to ensure seamless operations.
• Coordinate with CofC Foundation Property Management to ensure consistency with College property management goals and initiatives.

Essential or Marginal

Essential

Percent of Time

10

Activity

Compliance and Legal Expertise:

• Maintain expertise in legal, financial, and economic concepts related to real estate transactions, including property rights, ownership, financing, leasing, and evaluation.
• Keep abreast of state policies and procedures, including those of the South Carolina Office of the State Engineer, Office of Real Property Services, and the City of Charleston, and the City of Charleston Board of Architectural Review.
• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, including IBC and ADA laws, as well as OSE design and construction policies.

Essential or Marginal

Essential

Percent of Time

10

Activity

Project Management:

• Collaborate on planning and coordination with Facilities Management on all aspects of construction and renovation projects in College facilities.
• Manage multiple, moderately complex ongoing real estate projects while planning for future initiatives, ensuring projects align with long-term planning and capital renewal goals.
• Oversee all phases of real estate project management, including generating statements of work, cost estimating, budgeting, and documentation.
• Work closely with Business Affairs, Facilities Planning, Auxiliary Services, and other college staff to ensure that facilities are functionally complete and ready for use.

Essential or Marginal

Essential

Percent of Time

10

Activity

Financial Management and Analysis:

• Develop and maintain financial key performance indicators and dashboards, providing reports and presentations to senior leadership.
• Conduct complex research and data analysis of revenues and expenditures, identify trends, and perform cost-benefit analyses to determine program efficiencies.
• Manage the real estate operations budget, perform financial analysis, and seek opportunities to optimize financial performance through strategic real estate initiatives.
• Analyze and position the College for potential Public Private Partnerships in real estate development.

Essential or Marginal

Essential

Percent of Time

10

Activity

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including high-ranking college officials, department heads, contractors, architects, and engineers.
• Communicate technical requirements effectively to meet user needs and ensure project goals are achieved.

Essential or Marginal

Essential

Percent of Time

10