"Senior Commercial Real Estate Associate"

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Harvard University Housing & Real Estate (HUHRE)

Harvard University Housing & Real Estate (HUHRE) is a department within Harvard Campus Services, a multi-department organization within Harvard’s Central Administration. HUHRE supports the University’s educational and research efforts by offering Harvard affiliates a wide array of housing and real estate services in University-owned properties which are conveniently located, competitively priced, and professionally managed to residents and tenants alike. HUHRE serves as the asset manager for Harvard’s portfolio of commercial spaces and centrally stewarded institutional assets, overseeing the leasing and operations of University-owned institutional space for Harvard affiliates and commercial spaces for rent by private retail tenants within the Cambridge, and Greater Boston area.

HUHRE manages a broad range of initiatives and assets to help support the Harvard community. These include, but are not limited to:

• Leasing, managing, and renewing Harvard-owned housing as well as Harvard office/institutional spaces, and commercial real estate portfolios
• Leading community engagement and programming opportunities
• Managing relationships with external partners and vendors
• Working within the larger University community to develop and coordinate University-wide policies and strategies
• Supporting new University housing and real estate development projects across the Cambridge and Greater Boston area

Harvard University Housing & Real Estate and Harvard Campus Services are committed to cultivating an organization that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

Job Description

The Senior Commercial Real Estate Associate is a proactive, self-directed professional who supports the leasing and management of Harvard University’s commercial real estate portfolio, including retail and office properties. This position requires initiative, independent problem-solving, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while delivering high-quality service to tenants and internal stakeholders. The Associate contributes to lease negotiations, tenant relationship management, financial and administrative tracking, forecasting, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure the success and strategic growth of Harvard’s commercial real estate assets.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Leasing & Transaction Support

• Independently support leasing activities, including preparing marketing materials, attending property tours, scheduling meetings with brokers, and coordinating follow-ups.
• Assist in lease negotiations by facilitating the process, including preparing letters of intent and draft leases, following up on LOIs through to execution, coordinating with legal and finance teams, and supporting deal analyses.
• Ensure accuracy in lease data, abstracts, and reporting, maintaining up-to-date records in Yardi or similar systems.
• Support forecasting and strategic planning for the commercial leasing portfolio, tracking vacancies, upcoming lease expirations, and revenue projections.
• Monitor market trends and proactively provide insights to support strategic leasing decisions.
• Advise schools and departments on space needs and translate program requirements into clear, actionable lease criteria.

Tenant Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong tenant relationships by anticipating concerns, delivering exceptional service, and proactively de-escalating issues.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for tenants, handling inquiries, move-ins, renewals, and lease transitions with minimal oversight.
• Collaborate with Operations and Finance to ensure billing, compliance, and service expectations are met.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work effectively with internal teams, including Operations, Finance, Legal, and Planning, while managing your own workload independently.
• Participate in special projects and initiatives, taking ownership of tasks from start to finish.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems, and tenant experience, and implement solutions proactively.

Market & Portfolio Analysis

• Conduct independent research on market rents, vacancy rates, and competitor properties.
• Support financial forecasting, revenue tracking, and portfolio performance reporting, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
• Provide actionable insights to senior leadership to inform tenant selection, revenue optimization, and asset positioning.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and complete records for commercial leasing and tenant interactions.
• Take initiative to anticipate needs and resolve challenges without waiting for direction.
• Demonstrate accountability and reliability in all aspects of work.
• Conduct regular site visits and inspections to monitor property conditions and compliance with lease terms.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or 7 plus years of relevant experience in commercial real estate leasing, asset management, or property management, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and analytical skills.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience with Yardi or similar lease/portfolio management systems preferred.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to take ownership of tasks and projects.
• Strong customer service orientation, with the ability to build trust and maintain positive tenant relationships.
• Team-oriented, yet able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to exercise sound judgment in dynamic situations.
• Comfortable attending property tours, engaging with tenants and brokers, and supporting leasing activity hands-on.

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, References

Other Information:

• Emergency Status Designation: Essential Personnel
• Job Function: General Administration
• Location: USA - MA - Cambridge - Hybrid
• Time Status: Full-Time | 40 hours
• Salary Grade: 058

#LI-SP1

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.