"Associate Vice President, Real Estate Services"

Associate Vice President, Real Estate Services

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title
Associate Vice President, Real Estate Services

Job Profile Title
Director F, Facilities

Job Description Summary
The University of Pennsylvania's Division of Facilities and Real Estate Services (FRES) works with Penn's Schools and Centers to support the University's physical infrastructure across approximately 299 acres, 189 buildings, and 15 million square feet in University City. With approximately 1,000 employees, a $195-million operating budget, and an annual capital budget between $350 and $400 million, FRES works hard to provide valuable services to the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and vendors of Penn. Under the direction of the Senior Vice President, the Division provides the expertise, business processes, policies and standards required to plan, design, construct, operate, maintain and renew the physical assets of the University. FRES is comprised of the following departments: Finance and Administration, Office of the University Architect, Design and Construction, Real Estate Services, Operations and Maintenance.

Job Description

The Real Estate Services Department

Working in conjunction with other FRES departments, the Real Estate Services department implements urban land development and planning that improves the quality of life for Penn and its surrounding community. To support the research and academic mission and to enhance campus life, the Real Estate Services department is responsible for the strategic planning, management, and operation of the non-academic property for the University, including Pennovation Works. The primary units within the Department are Development, Portfolio Management (Penn Office and Third-Party Leasing), Operations, Project Management, Finance, and Pennovation Works. Additional responsibilities include acquisition and disposition of assets, retail, development partnerships in residential, mixed-use, and office, and facilities management of Fraternities and Sororities. The Real Estate Services department's activities also support the objectives outlined in Penn's Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 4.0.

The Role:
Reporting to the Senior VP, the AVP of Real Estate Services is a strategic and operational leader responsible for Penn's off-campus and third-party real estate portfolio. The AVP a team of ~19, including directors across portfolio management, development, operations, finance, project management and Pennovation Works.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Develops strategies for the off-campus residential, commercial, Fraternity and Sorority housing, development and retail portfolios, and manages their performance
• Oversees and manages retail master plan
• Attracts development capital for mixed-use, housing, and life science research facility development
• Oversee the operations of off-campus residential, commercial, and Fraternity and Sorority Housing portfolios, as well as annual operating and capital budget preparation
• Provides strategic oversight and management of Pennovation Works, an innovation district with over 200,000 square feet under management
• Supports the planning, design and construction of projects ranging from small tenant improvement projects to large-scale development
• Administers the third-party leasing portfolios of Schools, Centers and property managers; researches, negotiates, and executes leases on behalf of Penn Schools and Centers
• Manages acquisition and disposition of property on behalf of the University
• Works with the University and surrounding community to enhance the environment and to increase economic development
• Strategize and oversee performance of residential, commercial, retail, and Greek housing assets
• Lead operations, leasing, and capital budgets; negotiate leases and manage ground leases
• Direct Pennovation Works' 23-acre innovation campus with growth plans to 2M sq ft
• Drive development partnerships and sustainability initiatives
• Represent FRES to senior leadership, community, and external partners
• Mentors and develops staff.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• 12+ years of real estate leadership in higher ed, healthcare, or complex urban settings
• Proven expertise in acquisitions, development, asset management, and financial analysis
• Strategic, operational, and emotionally intelligent leader with strong negotiation skills
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and team-building abilities
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in real estate or business preferred
• Knowledge of Philadelphia's real estate market is a plus

Compensation:
Includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits, retirement plans, and wellness resources.

For full job description and to Apply:
Contact Andrew C. Wheeler, Lincoln Leadership (awheeler@lincolnleadership.co/ 267-257-1910). Best consideration by June 15, 2025.