Real Estate and Asset Strategy Officer

Job Description:

Real Estate and Asset Strategy Officer

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Real Estate and Asset Strategy Officer

Purpose:

Under general direction of the Financial Services Director, this position is responsible for strategic real estate development and asset maximization, including oversight of the planning, financing, and execution of the organization’s real estate development projects.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Develops and leads the organization’s real estate development and asset maximization strategy in alignment with City vision and growth goals.
  
• Identifies emerging market trends, acquisition opportunities, and competitive landscapes to guide investment, disposition, and development decisions.
  
• Works with land-use planners, architects, engineers, consultants, and others to design and entitle a project to maximize the asset’s best use. Acts as official representative to other City departments, City Manager’s Office, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains, justifies, and defends department programs, policies, and activities; and negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant, and controversial issues.
  
• Collaborates with City and executive leadership to shape long-term planning and capital deployment strategies, briefing and advising City management, and the Mayor and Council regarding the City’s portfolio.
  
• Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the department budget within its span of control; estimates funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring and approval of expenditures; and directs the preparation and implementation of budgetary adjustments as necessary.
  
• Sources, evaluates, and structures new development, acquisition and disposition opportunities.
  
• Negotiates land purchases, joint ventures, and partnerships with investors, developers, and stakeholders.
  
• Provides oversight for all phases of the development lifecycle, from land acquisition through entitlements, design, construction, and stabilization.
  
• Prepares project schedules, annual budget, and strategic plan for assets and initiatives.
  
• Ensures projects meet financial (both monetary and non-monetary, including community benefits) return thresholds and align with capital structure strategies.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of financial principles and practices.
  
• Knowledge of real estate development.
  
• Knowledge of affordable housing, mixed-use, or urban infill development
  
• Knowledge of market analysis, land use planning, entitlements, and construction processes.
  
• Knowledge of fiscal and real estate asset planning and budget preparation.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws, and ordinances governing real estate management, zoning laws, entitlement processes, building codes, disposition, and acquisition.
  
• Skill in executing complex, large-scale real estate development projects.
  
• Skill in financial modeling and deal structuring.
  
• Skill in financial acumen, structuring deals, and securing financing.
  
• Skill in oral and written communications.
  
• Skill in negotiation.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Skill in data analysis, problem solving, and decision-making.
  
• Skill in evaluating bids and making recommendations.
  
• Ability to navigate complex deals, entitlements, partnerships, and market dynamics.
  
• Ability to maintain effective communication and working relationships with City Officials, business leaders, financial institutions, developers, citizen groups, and City departments and employees.
  
• Ability to demonstrate visionary leadership with an entrepreneurial mindset/
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business, Finance, Urban Planning, or related field.
  
• Twelve (12) or more years of experience in real estate development, investment, or strategy, with at least five (5) years in a senior leadership role.
  
• Graduation with a Master's degree from an accredited college of university may substitute for two (2) years of non-management experience.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

Notes to Candidate:

The ideal candidate is an experienced servant leader with demonstrated experience in real estate portfolio optimization, redevelopment project management, and strategic asset planning within a complex municipal environment. The City's real estate portfolio is significant and presents equally significant opportunities for its use.

The following core competencies are important for this role:

• Portfolio Optimization: proven experience conducting in-depth analysis of our real estate assets to determine areas for value enhancement, through redevelopment, repositioning, or other strategic initiatives.
  
• Revenue Generation: Ability to identify opportunities for new and sustainable revenue streams, such as leasing innovations, property management enhancements, and strategic partnerships.
  
• Market Trends & Analysis: Continuously analyse real estate market trends to ensure the organization is capitalizing on emerging opportunities and staying ahead of potential disruptions.
  
• Strategic Planning & Execution: Experience in developing and executing long-term strategies for the organization is capitalizing on emerging opportunities and staying ahead of potential disruptions.
  
• Stakeholder Collaborator: Experience in collaborating and presenting to internal and external stakeholders on projects and programs that might include public outreach, City Council updates, and program implementation.
  
• Organizational Development: Supports leadership team growth and continuous improvement by building clear structures, communication pathways, and accountability systems across the department.
  
• Politically Savvy: Ability to exhibit confidence and professional diplomacy and be comfortable in high-visibility public settings (e.g., council, commissions, community meetings).
  

To view the detailed recruitment profile for this position, please click here.

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.

Working with Austin Development Services offers a range of health and welfare benefits, including low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more.

Please click HERE for more information.

Regarding Your Application:

• A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Resume and Cover Letter are required and will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online Employment Application.
  
• The verification of employment history dates on the resume should match those listed in the online Employment Application.
  
• Employment history dates must include the month and year.
  
• This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).
  
• To ensure consideration, candidates are encouraged to apply by June 12, 2026. To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process to ensure optimal consideration.
  
• This position is subject to the Texas Open Records Act.
  

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.