Senior Director, Real Estate

Lutheran Church Extension Fund, LCEF; Missouri; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected financial institution in Missouri seeks a seasoned real estate professional to lead end-to-end development projects, serving both ministry clients and internal portfolio needs. The role requires expertise in financial modeling, project management, and strong communication skills. With a focus on delivering impactful results and strategic vision, the successful candidate will work independently in a mission-driven environment, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. Commitment to the goals of Christian ministries is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required.
• 7+ years of real estate development experience required.
• Experience with Christian organizations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development projects including market analysis and financial modeling.
• Manage all phases of project delivery, including schedules and budgets.
• Develop detailed project pro formas and financial models.

Skills

Financial modeling

Site analysis

Communication skills

Project management

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, urban planning, architecture, engineering, or related field

7+ years of experience in real estate development

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Salesforce

Job description

Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) is a trusted financial institution dedicated to starting, sustaining and strengthening Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) ministries around the world. Since 1978, LCEF has provided financial resources, strategic guidance and innovative solutions to help congregations, schools, organizations and church workers achieve their goals. When you join our team, you’re not just building a career – you’re using your talents and applying your professional expertise to serve a higher purpose in a values-driven organization.

Reporting Relationship

This position reports to the Senior Vice President, Real Estate Solutions (RES).

Summary

We’re looking for a seasoned real estate professional to lead end-to-end development projects — from acquisition and feasibility through construction and delivery — serving both ministry clients and LCEF’s own portfolio. This role blends strategic vision with hands‑on execution, overseeing everything from market analysis and financial modeling to securing entitlements, subsidies, and deal structures. You’ll manage architects, contractors, and other partners on projects such as schools, housing, churches, and other ministry facilities. Once aligned with the SVP, you’ll operate with a high degree of independence while keeping projects on track, on budget, and mission‑focused.

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct market and site analysis to determine highest and best use.
• Analyze zoning regulations and density parameters to assess development potential; collaborate with design teams or independently perform concept design site fit studies using AutoCAD or Revit.
• Lead due diligence, feasibility, and entitlement processes.
• Develop detailed project pro formas and financial models.
• Manage RFPs and vendor selection for architects, engineers, and contractors.
• Oversee all phases of project delivery, including schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with partners, municipalities, and stakeholders.
• Identify and secure project subsidies (e.g., TIF, LIHTC, CDBG).Prepare reports and updates for leadership.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, urban planning, architecture, engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years’ experience in real estate development, including market analysis, entitlements, financing, and project management.
• Experience with Christian/ministry organizations preferred; active member of an LCMS congregation a plus.

What We’re Looking For

Expertise that Delivers Results

• Proven strength in financial modeling, including pro forma development and capital stack structuring.
• Ability to analyze real estate markets from national trends down to site-specific details.
• A solid understanding of site analytics, deal structuring, and identifying the best use for a property.

Tech‑Savvy and Resourceful

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with tools like CoStar, Landvision, ArcGIS or AutoCAD/Revit is a plus.
• Comfort learning and using platforms like Salesforce to keep projects and relationships on track.

Strategic Doer

• Able to see the big picture and design strategies — and just as comfortable rolling up your sleeves to make them happen.
• Confident in navigating ambiguity and quickly adjusting plans when priorities shift.

Organized and Focused

• Detail‑oriented with a knack for juggling multiple priorities without missing deadlines.
• Driven to achieve results and resilient under pressure.
• Exceptional communication skills — written, verbal, and interpersonal — with the ability to adapt to different audiences.
• Skilled at building trust, influence, and collaboration with colleagues, vendors, and community partners.

Mission‑Driven and Principled

• A passion for serving Christian ministries, with a commitment to integrity, transparency, and ethics.
• Dedicated to ongoing learning and professional growth.

Flexible and Ready to Travel

• Able to travel up to 35% for project meetings, site visits, and key stakeholder engagements.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.