Real Estate Transactions & Asset Leadership

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Washington is seeking an Associate Director for its Real Estate team. This senior role oversees legal services, contract documentation, and asset stewardship to advance university objectives, reporting to the Executive Director of Real Estate.

Collaboration with state and outside counsel is essential. Responsibilities cover legal operations, risk management, and leadership duties, mentoring interns and staff, and supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives within UW

Qualifications

• Juris doctor law degree required; experience in commercial real estate, transactions, and contracts preferred.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills to balance legal compliance and risk with strategic objectives.
• Proven ability to work in a cross-functional team environment to manage multiple complex projects.
• Aptitude for precise, clear legal documentation and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Legal and Business Management: oversee contracts and documentation for UW Real Estate; ensure terms are accurate, compliant, and support institutional objectives.
• Leadership: contribute to UWRE excellence, mentor interns and staff, represent the University externally, and foster collaboration and inclusion.
• Additional Duties: lead specific real estate projects as directed by the Executive Director of UWRE.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Analytical problem solving

Cross-functional teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Juris doctor law degree

Job description

Job Description

This recruitment is being conducted by Harris Legal Search. In order to be considered for this position, please apply at Harris Legal Search.

Job Description

This recruitment is being conducted by Harris Legal Search. In order to be considered for this position, please apply at Harris Legal Search.

The Real Estate team has an outstanding opportunity for an Associate Director to join their team.

About This Opportunity

Finance, Planning and Budgeting (FPB) offers an excellent opportunity for an Associate Director in our Real Estate department. This senior-level position reports directly to the Executive Director of Real Estate.

The Associate Director plays a pivotal role in overseeing the legal and business aspects of real estate transactions and asset management to advance the University's strategic objectives. The Associate Director leads strategy and operations related to legal services and contract documentation for UW Real Estate. This senior-level position collaborates closely with the Washington State Office of the Attorney General, law firms appointed as Special Assistant Attorneys General counsel, and other key campus partners.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Real Estate, the Associate Director contributes to the University's strategic goals by securing optimal legal and financial terms and conditions for real estate transactions and asset stewardship, while ensuring compliance with applicable policies, regulations, and risk management protocols.

Key Responsibilities

Legal and Business Management (80%)

Utilize expertise, research, and consultation to ensure that real estate transactions, asset stewardship, and business operations achieve institutional objectives while mitigating risk. Provide direction and oversight of contracts and associated documentation for UW Real Estate (UWRE) to ensure appropriate content, validity of terms, accuracy and clarity, and compliance with applicable policies and regulations, in consultation with legal counsel.

Responsibilities may include negotiating with external parties, reviewing financial terms, and performing critical analysis of overall business objectives. Provide guidance and professional insight to support decision-making and advance the strategic goals of University asset management.

Oversee legal operations by working closely with legal counsel to ensure that transactions achieve financial objectives and strategic impact. Support a broad portfolio of real estate transactions and assets, including matters with valuations reaching several hundred million dollars.

Leadership (20%)

Serve in a leadership capacity in a variety of ways including the following:

• Contribute to the excellence of UW Real Estate (UWRE) and its reputation for outstanding customer service.
• Promote organizational effectiveness through the application of high standards for accuracy, fairness, ethical conduct, and policy adherence.
• Develop training materials and presentations to enhance knowledge of legal and risk management best practices.
• Provide expert professional guidance related to real property stewardship, management, and operations.
• Mentor law student interns, other student interns, and employees.
• Represent the University in professional organizations, conferences, and industry events.
• Serve on internal University committees, as needed.
• Support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within UW Facilities.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, collaboration, camaraderie, and innovation within UWRE and across the UW Facilities organization.
  
  

Additional Duties

May include a variety of other real estate related responsibilities including leading specific projects as determined by the Executive Director of UWRE.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris doctor law degree and minimum 5 years of experience working in commercial real estate, transactions, and contracts including ground leases and other complex deal structures.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills along with analytical problem-solving to balance legal compliance and risk with strategic and operational objectives.
• Proven ability to work in a cross-functional team environment to accomplish multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Aptitude for focus on detail with clear and accurate legal documentation and other written or presentation materials.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with non-profit and/or governmental agencies or institutions of higher education.

Ability to interpret real estate market data and apply to transactions, with skill in financial analysis.

Sound business judgment with management experience.

About The Team

Finance, Planning, and Budgeting (FPB) encompasses the major central financial, planning, analytical, and budgeting functions for the University of Washington, including:

• Financial Stewardship & Operations
• Institutional Analytics & Decision Support
• Budget, Policy & Strategy
• University Business Service
• Real Estate
  
  

The UW Real Estate (UWRE) team handles property transactions, asset management, project management, finance and accounting, and data management, with real estate services provided to all three UW campuses (Seattle, Tacoma and Bothell), medical centers, research field stations, biological preserves, and various off-campus and international locations.

Compensation, Benefits And Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$164,628.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum

$275,004.00 annual

Benefits

Other Compensation:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit

Not Applicable

About The UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.