Associate, Leasing and Transactions (Real Estate)

The Leasing Manager is part of the Real Estate Department at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for setting strategy, oversight, negotiation, and management of the university’s tenant and landlord leases, easements, right of way, and other land use issues. The Leasing Manager reports directly to the Executive Director of Real Estate.

About the Work Unit:
Vanderbilt University Real Estate (VURE) supports the university in all real estate related matters including acquisitions and dispositions, tenant and department space planning, leases with 3rd parties, and strategic initiatives. VURE is responsible for a portfolio of 54 buildings consisting of ~1 million gross rentable square feet (700,000 square feet of commercial space, 299 apartment units), University ground leases, leased space, the Vanderbilt Legends Club golf course and facilities, and the Holiday Inn Nashville. VURE manages approximately 65 leases across 800,000 square feet with external parties.
 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Set strategy for and manage all aspects of 3rd party leases (both Vanderbilt as tenant and Vanderbilt as landlord)

Create and implement strategy for leasing as landlord, consistent with Vanderbilt’s long-term mission and vision to accommodate university space needs, redevelopment plans, create a compelling environment around campus, and generate profit.

Negotiate leases on behalf of Vanderbilt as landlord and tenant, partnering as appropriate Vanderbilt’s brokers, general counsel, risk and insurance, finance, and the relevant tenant department (as applicable).

Work with VURE finance team to perform financial analysis of lease deals to understand Vanderbilt’s lease liability, how lease terms contribute to the overall real estate portfolio, and ability of VURE to contribute concessions in lease deals.

In conjunction with property management, VURE finance team, and Assistant Director of Portfolio and Space Management, evaluate building condition and prioritize Landlord work requirements and available funding. Oversee execution of Landlord work pursuant to lease agreements.

Obtain necessary approvals for lease execution from senior leadership according to Vanderbilt’s Delegation of Authority.

Communicate all relevant details of finalized or potential lease deals with VURE finance team, property management, and other internal stakeholders to integrate into budgets and reforecasts as appropriate.

Oversee and maintain lease database and information, including all pertinent expiration and renewal dates.

Manage the ongoing business relationship and contracts with landlords and vendors concerning any activity associated with Vanderbilt leases.

Serve as primary point of contact and liaison between Vanderbilt departments and leasing partners on building and leasing items.

Work with accounting team on monthly payments, CAM payments and reconciliations, and any necessary payment changes.

Develop “playbook” for VURE leasing requirements, process, approvals, and templates.

Coordinate with the VURE team and other internal stakeholders on future space needs and whether spaces should be utilized internally or leased externally.

Participate in exploratory projects and strategic initiatives that may include leases or ground leases, leading or supporting these workstreams.

 Support property acquisitions / dispositions for the university.

Assist with analyzing potential acquisition and disposition opportunities to determine expected property performance and impact on VURE portfolio.

Support Manager of Strategic Initiatives with overall acquisition process, including appropriate internal approvals, review of legal documents, and coordination of due diligence process.

Work with internal stakeholders, Assistant Director of Portfolio and Space Management and property management companies to “on-board” properties once acquired.

Work with Manager of Strategic Initiatives and Business Operations finance team on financial modeling and analysis of opportunities.

Support requests for easements, road abandonments, right of way, and other land use issues.

Develop process and protocol for managing these requests.

Collaborate with necessary internal and external stakeholders to address these needs (including but not limited to Facilities, General Counsel, VUIT, Mobility, Community and Government Relations, Metro Nashville).
 

Create and maintain ongoing real estate presentations and reports, including:

Monthly significant activities report/dashboard updates;

Off-campus leasing summary

Vanderbilt portfolio commercial lease list

Reports, presentations, and memos for Vanderbilt Senior Leadership

Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility and reports administratively and functionally to Executive Director, Real Estate.
 

Education and Certifications:

Bachelor’s Degree, or an equivalent combination of education, relevant military experience, and relevant skills, is required.
Experience and Skills:

2 years of related experience is required

Experience with commercial leasing is required

Outstanding written and verbal communication skills are necessary.

Proven ability to think critically, problem solve, and manage a variety of priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to produce high quality written reports, analytical materials, and presentations with little oversight and direction.

Strong attention to detail and ability to transfer knowledge from one situation to the next.

Ability to comprehend and interpret instructions, short correspondence, and memos and ask clarifying questions to ensure understanding.

Ability to use independent judgment, problem‐solving ability, self‐starting and ability to prioritize based on relevant factors

Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, respond to requests on a timely basis and be flexible with changing business needs.

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