DIRECTOR, REAL ESTATE, FINANCE AND ASSET MANAGEMENT - HYBRID

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UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

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Department Overview
UCOP Budget, Financial Planning & Analysis provides strategic support in financial planning, policy analysis, and fiscal administration to UCOP. The group provides analyses of policies and programs, assists in the determination of UCOP's financial priorities and develops strategies designed to achieve these priorities. The team partners with departments to align UCOP's resources with its strategic needs and goals and delivers insightful financial analysis and forecasting to support UCOP leadership to make effective and strategic funding, financial and operational decisions.

Position Summary
The Director, Real Estate Finance & Asset Management plays a critical role in helping the University make thoughtful, data-driven, and mission-aligned decisions regarding its real estate assets, capital investments, and long-term stewardship responsibilities. The Director serves as a senior strategic advisor to executive leadership on real estate portfolio strategy, capital investments, asset optimization, occupancy planning, and long-range financial stewardship of University real estate assets. Reporting to the Executive Director of Budget Financial Planning & Analysis, the Director is responsible for providing leadership, financial expertise, and strategic analysis related to UCOP-owned and leased facilities. The position develops and evaluates portfolio strategies, capital investment plans and opportunities, leasing alternatives, development opportunities, and asset management initiatives that support organizational priorities and long-term institutional objectives. Operating with a high degree of independence, the Director partners with executive leadership, Operations, Budget Financial Planning & Analysis, UC Finance, campus stakeholders, and external advisors to support informed decision-making regarding the University's real estate portfolio. The successful candidate combines sophisticated financial expertise, strong strategic instincts, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to navigate a highly collaborative and consensus-oriented environment. The Director must be equally comfortable leading executive-level discussions, facilitating stakeholder alignment, and performing detailed financial analyses and modeling necessary to support complex business decisions. The Director serves as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and works across organizational boundaries to advance initiatives requiring broad stakeholder engagement and consensus building. This position has considerable influence on UCOP's decisions involving real estate assets, capital investments, financing strategies, and long-term portfolio management. The incumbent provides expert guidance on matters involving substantial financial commitments and strategic importance to the University. Possessing wide-ranging experience, the Director uses professional concepts and organizational objectives to resolve complex issues with organization-wide impact in creative and effective ways. Works on complex issues with little or no precedent where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Is considered a subject matter expert. Internal and external contacts often pertain to organizational plans and objectives.

Key Responsibilities

35% Real Estate Finance, Portfolio Strategy and Asset Management - Lead complex financial analyses supporting leasing strategies, capital investments, acquisitions, dispositions, development opportunities, and portfolio optimization initiatives. Develop and maintain sophisticated financial models including discounted cash flow analyses, scenario analyses, debt coverage / capacity, sensitivity testing, lifecycle cost assessments, and long-range forecasts. Evaluate strategic alternatives and provide operational recommendations regarding occupancy strategies, asset utilization, and investment priorities, as needed. Collaborate with Building Administrative Services (BASC) to develop portfolio performance metrics, executive dashboards, and reporting tools. Monitor market conditions, occupancy trends, utilization metrics, and portfolio risks. Identify opportunities to improve financial performance, operational efficiency, and long-term value creation.

20% Capital Planning and Investment Analysis - Provide financial leadership and analytical support for major capital projects through completion of the annual UC Financial Capital Plan. Evaluate project feasibility, funding alternatives, return on investment, and lifecycle costs. Support development of multi-year capital investment strategies. Provide strategic recommendations regarding capital allocation and investment priorities.

15% Real Estate Transactions and Business Operations - Lead or support negotiations involving leases, occupancy agreements, licenses, amendments, and renewals. Evaluate transaction economics, business terms, and financial risks. Coordinate activities of brokers, consultants, property managers, and other external service providers. Support due diligence and implementation of approved transactions. Ensure compliance with University policies and applicable requirements.

20% Executive Advisory and Strategic Decision Support - Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership. Prepare executive-level presentations, analyses, briefing materials, and recommendations. Translate complex financial and technical information into actionable recommendations. Support governance processes involving significant capital and real estate decisions. Advise leadership regarding market trends, emerging opportunities, and strategic risks.

10% Stakeholder Engagement and Cross-Functional Leadership - Build strong partnerships across UCOP, campuses, and external stakeholders. Lead cross-functional initiatives involving multiple departments and constituencies. Facilitate consensus among stakeholders with differing priorities and perspectives. Foster collaborative relationships that advance institutional goals.

Experience
Required Qualifications

Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in real estate finance, asset management, capital planning, institutional investments, corporate real estate, consulting, or related fields.

Demonstrated expertise in financial modeling, investment analysis, forecasting, strategic planning, and business case development.

Experience presenting recommendations and influencing executive leadership

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial analysis tools.

Demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity and work effectively in a collaborative, consensus-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience within higher education, healthcare, government, pension funds, REITs, or other institutional real estate environments.

Experience supporting major capital projects, public-private partnerships, development initiatives, and large-scale portfolios.

Knowledge of University of California governance, budgeting, capital planning, and administrative processes.

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

Expert knowledge of finance policies, practices, and systems.

Ability to identify, collect, analyze, and report on complex data.

Expert ability to effectively communicate complex information to management both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner.

Expert ability using multiple spreadsheet and database software tools to synthesize and integrate information for highly complex, strategic financial analysis, fiscal management, and financial reports.

Expert interpersonal and consultative skills requiring organizational savvy; expert service orientation and critical thinking skills; attention to detail. Expert ability using organizational skills to multi-task in a high volume environment.

Ability to adapt to changing priorities.

Ability to function as a member of a team.

Strategic Thinking and Business Judgment

Advanced Financial Analysis and Modeling

Executive Communication

Stakeholder Engagement and Consensus Building

Real Estate Finance and Asset Management Expertise

Political Acumen and Organizational Savvy

Leadership and Influence

Execution and Accountability

Stewardship and Public Service

Preferred Qualifications

Expert knowledge and understanding of internal control practices and their impact on protecting University resources.

Education
Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Real Estate, Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses and Certifications
Preferred Qualifications

Professional certification preferred

Travel Requirements
10% Occasional travel to UCOP and University locations may be needed

Job Title
Financial Analyst 5

Job Code
000216

Salary Grade
Grade 25

Payscale:
$152,000 - $168,100, Commensurate with Experience

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is October 20, 2026. If needed, add: The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position.

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of