Director, Workplace Strategy

Cresa; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Cresa is seeking a Workplace Director to partner with occupier clients, shaping portfolio strategies and expanding relationships across the real estate lifecycle.

The role focuses on executive-level influence, data-driven insights, and delivering client value through strategic workplace advisory and growth initiatives.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years in commercial real estate, consulting, workplace strategy, or related advisory roles.
• Demonstrated success in client-facing roles with a strong business development component.
• Proven ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively to senior executives.
• Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to interpret data and translate it into actionable insights.
• Experience managing multiple projects in a fast-paced, client-driven environment.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to portfolio clients, translating business objectives into actionable workplace strategies.
• Lead and deliver presentations to client stakeholders, including C-suite, both virtually and in person.
• Synthesize data and market intelligence into executive-ready insights and recommendations.
• Develop and communicate portfolio optimization initiatives, including footprint strategy and cost alignment.

Skills

Client facing

Business development

Executive communication

Data analysis

Project management

Stakeholder management

Mentorship

Influence without authority

Job description

At Cresa, we believe our clients deserve better. A better space to work, create, build, grow. A better outcome for their people and organization. A better partner who puts their needs first, helping them navigate the landscape, tilting the playing field in their favor and giving them an insider’s edge.

Our mission is to find and foster the best environment for every business. Our purpose is to think beyond space - strengthening those we serve and enhancing quality of life for our clients and employees. We are built to champion our clients’ aspirations through real estate. When considering partnership, we strive to connect with those who share our values: Work Together, Create Value, Be Tenacious, Enhance Community, and Embrace Diversity.

We believe in being the change. We work together to find new ways of doing things that create value for our clients — and for each other. Because there is not much that feels better than collaborating to make a positive difference each day.

We offer an opportunity to be part of something bigger. To learn, advance, mentor and be recognized. Your voice will be heard, and you will be valued for both your individual and team contributions.

Summary

At Cresa, this role sits at the intersection of client advisory, business development, and strategic delivery. The Workplace Director partners with occupier clients to shape and communicate portfolio strategies, while expanding relationships and identifying new opportunities across the real estate lifecycle.

This position is highly visible—requiring strong executive presence, storytelling, and data-driven insight—with a focus on influencing decision‑making and driving growth within key portfolio accounts.

Workplace Advisory

• Serve as a trusted advisor to portfolio clients, translating business objectives into actionable workplace strategies.
• Lead and deliver compelling presentations to client stakeholders, including C‑suite and senior leadership, both virtually and in person.
• Synthesize complex data, market intelligence, and operational inputs into clear, executive‑ready insights and recommendations.
• Guide clients through portfolio optimization initiatives, including footprint strategy, workplace evolution, and cost alignment.

Business Development & Account Growth

• Proactively identify and cultivate new workplace opportunities within existing accounts, expanding Cresa’s footprint.
• Support new client pursuits by contributing to solution strategy, design, and presentation delivery.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships that position Cresa as a long‑term strategic partner.
• Partner with brokerage and service line leaders to convert advisory engagements into downstream revenue opportunities.

Change Management & Transformation

• Support clients through organizational and workplace change, aligning real estate strategies with broader business transformation efforts.
• Facilitate stakeholder alignment and drive adoption of new ways of working.
• Develop communication materials and engagement strategies that enable successful implementation.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Act as a connector across Cresa service lines, ensuring a seamless, integrated client experience.
• Mentor team members and contribute to the development of best practices, tools, and methodologies.
• Lead through influence—driving alignment across diverse stakeholders without direct reporting authority.

Qualifications

Required Experience & Skills

• 7–10+ years of experience in commercial real estate, consulting, workplace strategy, or related advisory roles.
• Demonstrated success in client‑facing roles with a strong business development component.
• Proven ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively to senior executives.
• Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to interpret data and translate it into actionable insights.
• Experience managing multiple projects or programs in a fast‑paced, client‑driven environment.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

NOTE: The job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; supervisors may assign other duties as deemed necessary.

Cresa is committed to developing and maintaining a diverse workforce. Cresa strongly believes in equal opportunity extended to all individuals in all aspects of the employment relationship without regard to race, color, religion, belief, creed, age, sex, pregnancy or maternity (including childbirth and related conditions), family responsibility (e.g. child care, elder care), nationality, ethnic or national origin or ancestry, citizenship, marital status, civil partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, veteran’s status, genetic information, political view or status as a qualified individual with a disability, protected leave status or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable law.