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University Real Estate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Michigan

Senior Paralegal

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

This role is essential to advancing the University's dynamic and expanding real estate portfolio across education, healthcare, and research missions. Founded in 1817, the University of Michigan is ...

City of Los Angeles

Real Estate Associate

New York, NY · On-site

... university; or b. 60 hours of course work from an accredited, professional, real estate school or ... right-of-way association; or c. Possession of a California Real Estate Salesperson/Broker License ...

New

Carlile Realty Group

Real Estate Agent

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

**Realtor (Real Estate Agent) Opportunity** **ERA Carlile Realty Group** Sacramento, CA | Full-Time | ... ERA University see significantly higher listings, units, and sales volume) - Collaborative ...

UIP Companies

Real Estate Analyst

Washington, DC · On-site

$25/hr

University degree preferred; will consider a minimum of 2 years of college studies plus related business experience; minimum 3.25 GPA * Strong desire to work in multi-family real estate, whether ...

Carlile Realty Group

Real Estate Agent

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

**Realtor (Real Estate Agent) Opportunity** **ERA Carlile Realty Group** Sacramento, CA | Full-Time | ... ERA University see significantly higher listings, units, and sales volume) - Collaborative ...

W3Global Inc.

Real Estate Associate

Seattle, WA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

About the Practice The real estate team is well regarded for representing a diverse range of clients, including colleges and universities, public housing authorities, public and private developers ...

UIP Companies

Real Estate Analyst

Washington, DC

$25/hr

University degree preferred; will consider a minimum of 2 years of college studies plus related business experience; minimum 3.25 GPA * Strong desire to work in multi-family real estate, whether ...

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University Real Estate information

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$24K

$48.6K

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How much do university real estate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for university real estate in the United States is $48,610.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $54,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is university real estate?

University real estate refers to the management, acquisition, development, and leasing of properties owned or used by a university. This can include academic buildings, student housing, research facilities, land for future expansion, and commercial spaces. The goal is to support the university's mission by providing safe, functional, and sustainable environments for learning, research, and community engagement. University real estate professionals often work on campus planning, property transactions, facility management, and ensuring compliance with regulations. They play a crucial role in optimizing resources and supporting institutional growth.

What is the difference between University Real Estate vs University Property Manager?

AspectUniversity Real EstateUniversity Property Manager
Primary FocusReal estate acquisition, development, and investment management for university propertiesOverseeing daily operations, maintenance, and tenant relations of university-owned properties
Required CredentialsReal estate license, real estate or finance degree often preferredProperty management certification, relevant experience in property operations
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, site visits, strategic planningOn-site management, tenant interaction, maintenance oversight
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, real estate firms, investment groupsUniversities, property management companies

University Real Estate professionals focus on the strategic acquisition and investment of university properties, while University Property Managers handle daily operations and tenant relations. Both roles require related credentials and work within the university or real estate industry, but their responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in university real estate, and why are they important?

To excel in University Real Estate, professionals typically need a background in real estate, facilities management, or urban planning, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with property management software, space utilization analytics, and compliance with zoning and safety regulations is essential. Strong negotiation, project management, and stakeholder communication skills are crucial for successfully handling diverse campus needs and long-term planning. These competencies ensure effective management of university assets, cost efficiency, and alignment with institutional goals.

How does a university real estate professional typically collaborate with academic and administrative departments to meet campus needs?

University Real Estate professionals work closely with academic and administrative departments to assess space requirements, plan facility expansions or renovations, and ensure that real estate projects align with the institution's mission. They often participate in cross-functional committees, facilitate regular meetings with stakeholders, and coordinate with facilities management, finance, and legal teams. This collaborative approach helps to prioritize projects, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with university policies and local regulations. Effective communication and relationship-building skills are essential for successfully balancing diverse departmental needs.

Which university is best for university real estate?

There is no single best university for university real estate, but programs with strong real estate, urban planning, or property management departments are highly regarded. Many universities offer specialized courses, internships, and certifications in real estate, which can enhance career prospects in university real estate roles. Accreditation and industry connections are also important factors to consider when choosing a program.
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Cities with the most University Real Estate job openings:

What states have the most University Real Estate jobs?

States with the most job openings for University Real Estate jobs include:

What job categories do people searching University Real Estate jobs look for?

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University Real Estate jobs near you
Infographic showing various University Real Estate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,610 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Director, Real Estate Development

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Vanderbilt University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description


Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Real Estate, the Director of Development is a critical team member responsible for leading major real estate development initiatives for Vanderbilt University, with a primary focus on the Innovation Neighborhood. The role oversees developer solicitation, pre-development planning, negotiations, implementation, design and construction oversight, activation planning, and ongoing coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
The Director of Development brings deep experience in real estate development, including public-private partnerships (P3s), mixed-use urban development, and complex multi-phase projects. The role ensures that major development initiatives align with Vanderbilt's institutional vision, financial expectations, academic and research objectives, and long-term operational needs.
About Real Estate:
Vanderbilt University's Real Estate portfolio includes approximately 41 buildings consisting of ~1 million gross rentable square feet, 760,000 square feet of commercial space, 305 apartment units, miscellaneous University ground leases, 460,000 square feet of leased space, the Vanderbilt Legends Club golf course and facilities, and West Trace, LLC (Holiday Inn Vanderbilt). Additionally, Real Estate is tasked with leading the University's innovation neighborhood development and managing the University's strategic real estate initiatives to include all acquisitions, dispositions, conversions, entitlements, and necessary real estate engagements to meet the Chancellor's goals throughout the United States.
VURE is part of the Vanderbilt University Real Estate, Facilities, and Development organization which works collaboratively to build, maintain, manage and operate campus infrastructure in a sustainable and cost-efficient manner to support the overarching academic mission and goals of the university.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Development Partner Procurement, Negotiation & Deal Execution
  • Lead the developer solicitation process, including preparing RFP materials, coordinating internal review, evaluating proposals, and managing procurement workflows.
  • Negotiate business terms for P3 structures, ground leases, phased development agreements, and related transaction documents.
  • Collaborate with Legal, Finance, Procurement, Corporate Partnerships, Academic Affairs, VU Enterprises and senior leadership to ensure agreements align with Vanderbilt's objectives and financial and operational requirements.
  • Manage project governance and prepare materials for executive and Board-level decision-making.

Design, Construction & Technical Oversight
  • Provide oversight of developer-led design and construction activities, ensuring alignment with campus design guidelines, infrastructure standards, and operational considerations.
  • Coordinate technical review with VU internal departments (Planning, Design, and Construction, Maintenance & Operations, Mobility/Parking, Environmental Health & Safety) to ensure integration with campus systems.
  • Monitor design quality, construction progress, schedule adherence, and value management efforts.
  • Manage construction communication and impact mitigation in coordination with campus stakeholders and external partners.
  • Maintain continuous oversight to ensure developer performance meets Vanderbilt expectations.

Development Analysis, Feasibility & Financial Modeling
  • Conduct feasibility studies, evaluate development scenarios, and lead financial analysis to assess long-term operating implications, risk factors, and cost/benefit scenarios for major development decisions.
  • Review developer financials, budgets, schedules, and pro formas; provide internal recommendations.
  • Partner with REFD Business Operations and Finance to evaluate deal terms, capital needs, and long-term portfolio impact.

Innovation Neighborhood Leadership & District Management
  • Serve as a central project leader for the Innovation Neighborhood, overseeing entitlements, infrastructure planning, public realm development, retail tenanting strategy, tenant recruitment support, and implementation sequencing.
  • Coordinate internally with VU departments (Center for Technology Transfer & Commercialization, Corporate Partnerships, schools/colleges, researchers, and community partners) to align district tenanting and recruitment with Vanderbilt's innovation and academic goals.
  • Support public realm planning, open space coordination, and activation strategy, ensuring the district evolves as a vibrant, functional innovation ecosystem.
  • Serve as liaison with Metro Nashville agencies alongside development partner and VU's Government and Community Relations office.
  • Work closely with VU's Government and Community Relations office on neighborhood relations, meetings, and construction impact mitigation.

Stakeholder Management & Cross-Functional Coordination
  • Act as a connector across REFD, Finance, Legal, Planning, Design & Construction, Maintenance & Operations, Administration, academic units, and developer teams.
  • Facilitate decision-making processes, manage conflict points, and maintain communication across multiple internal and external workstreams.
  • Develop and present clear and compelling executive-level presentations, scenario analyses, and project summaries.

Assist with regulatory coordination and engagement with Metro Nashville, permitting entities, and other agencies.
Supervisory Relationships:
This position does have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Real Estate
Education and Certifications:
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Degree in Real Estate, Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Finance, Development, or related field preferred.
  • Advanced degree or certifications (e.g., real estate development, finance, project management) preferred.

Experience and Skills:
Required
  • 5-8+ years of real estate development experience, with direct involvement in development projects from conception through implementation.
  • Experience in P3 development, mixed-use or large-scale campus development, or master developer relationships.
  • Demonstrated capability managing design and construction teams, consultants, and technical experts.
  • Strong financial modeling and analytical skills, including pro forma development and deal evaluation.
  • Experience evaluating and negotiating complex real estate agreements.
  • Ability to lead multi-stakeholder initiatives in a complex institutional or corporate environment.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-management skills.

Preferred
  • Experience in higher education, research campuses, or innovation district development.
  • Familiarity with entitlements, infrastructure planning, and public realm/urban design principles.
  • Understanding of large-scale district activation and tenanting strategies.

About Us
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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