Manager of Strategic Initiatives - Real Estate - Vanderbilt University

Position Summary:



Reporting to the Director of Real Estate, the Manager of Strategic Initiatives is a key individual contributor responsible project management of key real estate and university strategic initiatives. Projects will vary in terms of scope and size. The Manager will be responsible for providing project management support for major real estate projects, coordinating internal stakeholders regarding projects, including across departments and senior leaders, coordinating external stakeholders and consultants, tracking and following up on next steps, timelines, scheduling, manage meeting cadence, and producing summary deliverables and updates. The Manager will be required to collaborate closely with the real estate team and others across the university.







About Real Estate:



Vanderbilt University’s Real Estate portfolio includes approximately 41 buildings consisting of ~1 million gross rentable square feet, 760,000 square feet of commercial space, 305 apartment units, miscellaneous University ground leases, 460,000 square feet of leased space, the Vanderbilt Legends Club golf course and facilities, and West Trace, LLC (Holiday Inn Vanderbilt). Additionally, Real Estate is tasked with managing the University’s strategic real estate initiatives to include all acquisitions, dispositions, conversions, entitlements, and necessary civil engagements to meet the Chancellor’s goals throughout the United States.



VURE is part of the Vanderbilt University Facilities organization which works collaboratively to build, maintain, manage and operate campus infrastructure in a sustainable and cost-efficient manner to support the overarching academic mission and goals of the university.







About the Work Unit:



Facilities provides facilities support for all construction, renovation, and routine maintenance of University space and facilities; housekeeping services for approximately 8 million square feet of academic, administrative, residential, and recreational space; grounds care for 330 acres that are a registered arboretum; turf care for athletic fields; and utilities for the University Central and the Medical Center.







Facilities annual budget exceeds $150 million in operating expenses and includes over 500 employees. This branch manages major capital project expenditures totaling ~$125 million annually and facility renewal, replacement, and large maintenance project expenditures totaling ~$20 million annually.







Key Functions and Expected Performance:





+ Oversee and manage various facilities-related projects within the university, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. Projects include university-wide initiatives that are led out of the real estate office and projects that are specific to real estate only.



+ Develop project plans, timelines, deliverables, and resources needed for projects. Work to ensure projects move forward at an appropriate pace and within scope.



+ Manage external consultants providing support on projects.



+ Manage internal stakeholders and VU departments engaged in projects. Ensure relevant departments are involved, consulted, and engaged as needed. Act as a conduit to ensure that engaged departments understand the broader initiative and relevance to mission.



+ Develop project update decks and/or presentations for needs that arise, including senior leadership updates, materials for internal meetings, etc.



+ Manage contracts for projects (consultants, designers, others), develop outside vendor scopes, conduct RFP processes for vendors with Procurement, seek approval for contract signatures. Work with the Finance team on tracking contract spend and approving invoices.



+ Plan and schedule meetings required for major projects.



+ Maintain project documentation, records, and files. Oversee tracking and maintenance of program data, metrics, and outcomes to assess program impact and ensure achievement of goals.



+ Collaborate closely with other real estate team members to share information, project updates, and ensure that the real estate team is coordinated on efforts.



+ Support other real estate team members on managing significant project efforts.



+ Develop the department’s project management process and platform and train others in the division on the process; align with university practices when possible.



+ Work with Director to understand all real estate related initiatives and ensure that efforts among team members are coordinated and synched.









Supervisory Relationships:



This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Director, Real Estate.







Education and Certifications:









+ Bachelor’s degree is required









Experience and Skills:





+ Two years of direct experience is necessary;



+ Excellent organizational and planning skills are necessary.



+ Experience in project management is necessary.



+ Experience in real estate or in higher education is preferred.



+ Superior time management skills with the ability to manage multiple, complex projects efficiently and effectively with quick turn-around is necessary.



+ Exceptional interpersonal skills with ability to interact and maintain vibrant connections with individuals across the university and externally is necessary.



+ Demonstrated ability to analyze and understand data, to create a compelling narrative and recommendation, and to develop executive-level presentations is necessary.



+ Familiarity with project management systems and tools.




Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.