Head, Real Estate

Competition 1852

This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Temporary Librarian, Administrative and Professional Staff (TLAPO) Agreement, this position offers a comprehensive benefits package found on our Benefits Overview page and an annual salary range of $76,792 to $128,171. This position has an initial appointment of 14 months.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Department of Integrated Planning, Development and Partnerships

Strategic Infrastructure Planning and Partnerships, under the Department of Integrated Planning, Development and Partnerships stewards and oversees the strategic planning, use and development of the University of Alberta’s land and building assets. The Department is lead by the Associate Vice President, and is part of the portfolio of University Services, Operation and Finance.

Position 

Reporting to the Director, Strategic Infrastructure, Planning and Partnerships, the Head, Real Estate is the University's most senior real estate professional accountable for providing asset management expertise and displaying leadership with respect to all aspects of real estate as it pertains to the teaching, research and commercial activities of the University of Alberta. These activities include negotiation of leases and other forms of space-use or space-sharing agreements both on and off campus. The Head, Real Estate provides advice to the Director and Associate Vice President with respect to "best-use" of its real estate assets; provides continuous analysis of trends in the market; liaises with other real estate and development professionals; provides advice on the sub-division of property and plans for real estate asset acquisition and disposition.

The Head, Real Estate is part of a team of professionals responsible for planning in support of the University of Alberta's Long Range Development Plan and remains informed about development issues and legislation as they concern the university's neighbours and all levels of government.

The Head, Real Estate consults with stakeholder units with respect to Business Case development for strategic planning and capital initiatives including working with Financial Services on various financing arrangements as required. This position will provide ongoing advice to the Department and Portfolio leaders as it relates to its dealings with the University of Alberta Properties Trust Inc.

Duties 

1. Strategic Real Estate Planning and Development

• Development and implementation of long-term real estate strategies aligned with the
• University’s strategic plans and the University mission. Including the feasibility and
• cost/benefit analyses and long-term implications of proposed initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for land acquisition and dispositions to support academic,
• research, and long term University priorities.
• Conduct feasibility studies, market research, and financial analyses to guide decision-making and optimize real estate investments.
• Ensure real estate projects align with sustainability objectives and comply with zoning,
• environmental regulations, and university standards.
• Oversee the legal documentation process, ensuring that contracts, leases, and
• agreements are thoroughly reviewed and compliant with regulatory standards to
• protect the university’s interests and mitigate potential liabilities.

2. Team Leadership and Management

• Lead a dynamic team of real estate professionals fostering a culture of innovation,
• collaboration, and continuous improvement. Promote professional growth within the
• team, encouraging creative solutions, cross-disciplinary learning, and the adoption of
• cutting-edge practices to enhance performance and drive the university’s real estate
• strategy forward.
• Together with the Director, assist with integrating the Real Estate team with the
• Strategic Infrastructure Planning team to ensure cohesive strategic alignment.

3. Property Management and Optimization

• Oversee the management of the university's real estate portfolio, including academic
• properties off campus, external entities and government partnerships.
• Ensure optimal space utilization, cost-effectiveness, and asset performance across all
• properties.
• Manage relationships with tenants, contractors, and vendors, ensuring service
• excellence and lease compliance.
• Implement regular reviews of portfolio performance to improve efficiency and
• financial returns, in line with University direction and priorities.
• Lead real estate negotiations for major transactions including dispositions,
• acquisitions, long-term leases, partnership agreements etc.

4. Stakeholder Collaboration and Engagement

• Together with the Director, serve as the primary liaison between the real estate department and key university stakeholders, including senior leadership, faculty, and external partners including AHS, Government of Alberta, City of Edmonton, federal government.
• Present real estate proposals, plans, and progress reports to executive leadership and university boards.

5. Financial Management and Reporting

• Together with the Director, develop and manage the real estate department's budget, ensuring alignment with the university’s financial objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced Post-Secondary degree(s) in Commerce or related fields of study.
• Progressive experience in the assigned area of commercial real estate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Commercial Real Estate experience and training.
• Post-Secondary experience.