Director, Investments

About WS Development

Massachusetts-based WS Development is a mixed-use developer with a singular mission: creating places people want to be. With an approach that values art, science, innovation and, above all else, people, WS strives to engage each community it serves with best-in-class installations and activations. Established in 1990, WS is a vertically-integrated company that conceptualizes, owns, operates and leases more than 100 properties that range from cutting-edge urban spaces to lifestyle and community centers. With over 22 million square feet of existing space and an additional nine million square feet under development, it is one of the largest privately-owned development firms in the country.

WS is where great ideas and great people come together to design, build, and operate some of the best loved real estate projects in the country. We live at the intersection of entrepreneurship and establishment. We have the infrastructure of decades supporting a culture of free-thinking excellence.

We expect every WS employee to feel welcomed and valued irrespective of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background and life experiences. Or for any other reason.

Overview

This Director will work closely with the Executive Committee and the investment leadership to oversee the business plan and financial analysis for the Boston Seaport and other properties. Seaport is now home to an ecosystem of more than 350 companies, from global leaders in technology and biotech, to groundbreaking startups. In the heart of the district, WS development is transforming 33 acres of land, composed of 7.6 million square feet of residential, hotel, office, retail, entertainment, civic and cultural uses, as well as signature public open spaces. The project represents the single largest active development project in Boston's history. In addition to Seaport, the Director will provide investment analysis as needed across other properties.

What to expect

The Director will prepare the annual business and financial plan for Seaport and other properties for the WS Executive Committee and external investors. In addition to the Executive Committee, they will be the point of contact for asset information, financial recommendations, and operations strategy for assigned properties.

Financial Analysis:

This will include preparing models and financial analyses for:

• Investment returns (historical and projected)
• Review of both development and operating budgets, tracking for variances or changes
• Obtaining budget approval from internal and external parties on variances
• Review lease negotiations and other approvals from lenders and investors
• Lease/rent analyses compared to underwriting (written and numerical analysis/exposition)
• Work closely on monthly and ad-hoc requests from investor partners
• Review development and operating budgets and ask questions, providing business input and pushing to drive returns and NOI to the partnership
• Partner with brand sponsorship team and similar revenue opportunities
• Coordinate with development on permitting/highest-and-best use analysis

Operating Strategy:

Analyze and provide recommendations on investment and operational decisions:

• Assist with lease negotiations, property capitalization strategies, property sales strategies, and capital improvement programs

Business Development:

Work closely with the property leadership, WS cross-functional teams and external partners to provide Fiduciary oversight of new and existing projects including:

Requirements

• 10+ years of Commercial Real Estate finance (equity side) working on complex properties
• Experience analyzing and responding to senior management on how financing impacts the project
• Motivated, self-starter with proven ability to function in a team environment effectively communicating and sharing information with people in other departments within the company
• Strong written and verbal communication competencies, in addition to financial analytical skills
• Extensive experience in Real Estate financial analysis, Advanced Excel modeling, and Argus
• Expertise in transaction analysis and transaction negotiation/documentation