IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Upload Resume or Curriculum Vitae for automatic population of information to the application.The contact information, work experience, and education listed on your Resume/CV will be parsed and input into your Montclair application.Review information and double-check all fields containing information that the system parsed – the software is intelligent, but you need to verify that the data is accurate.In the “My Experience” section, you will find a Resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and all other supporting documents.

Note: If you have an expansive CV, we recommend that you apply manually and only include the positions you have held in the last ten (10) years. You will then be able to attach your Resume/CV, as well as all other supporting documentation in the "My Experience" section of your application.

Job Description

SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President and the President, the Executive Director of Real Estate and Economic Development spearheads real estate development initiatives and leads strategic economic development efforts that foster innovation and growth. This role acts as a liaison between the University, the business community, and government agencies to develop strategic partnerships and position Montclair as a key driver of economic development. The Executive Director of Real Estate and Economic Development provides leadership in advancing Montclair State University’s ongoing development while conceptualizing and advancing revenue-generating initiatives aligned with the University’s mission. The Executive Director also leverages the University’s assets to promote innovation, job creation, and sustainable growth for the region. This role works closely with local, state and federal agencies, private sector partners and University leadership to establish a cohesive and sustainable approach to real estate and economic development.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead the identification and development of university-owned real estate for expansion, including potential public-private partnerships that align with the University’s mission and economic development goals.

Evaluate potential real estate acquisitions, leases, and joint ventures to meet operating needs, support growth objectives and create new revenue streams that can contribute to the University’s financial sustainability and/or expand its physical presence.

Collaborate with city and state agencies to ensure that real estate development aligns with regional economic development priorities and zoning regulations.

Partner with the Office of University Development to secure grants, donations, and sponsorships for economic development initiatives.

Represent Montclair State University at economic development conferences, industry forums, and government meetings.

Build and cultivate strategic partnerships with industry leaders, local businesses, government agencies, and community organizations to support the university’s economic development goals.

Secure funding and support from industry partners to advance the university’s mission in economic development and workforce readiness.

Promote Montclair as a key resource for innovation, research, and talent development, positioning the university as a hub for economic activity.

Demonstrate an understating of the local community’s culture and values, integrating this awareness into all phases of planning and development.

Oversee the management and operation of rental properties including lease administration, ensuring property maintenance and compliance with university policies and local regulations.

Create and sustain sponsorship packages that highlight the benefits of partnership with the University.

Analyze costs, benefits, and risks of potential projects while creating budgets for projects that include forecasting revenue expenses associated with development initiatives while monitoring project performance to ensure financial stability.

Identify opportunities for internships, co-op programs, research collaborations, and employment pipelines between the university and businesses.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in business administration, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field.

Minimum five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in economic development, real estate development, public-private partnerships, or related field.

Strong knowledge of development partnerships and revenue generation strategies, preferably in a higher education or public sector environment.

Proven ability to build and develop strategic partnerships.

Strong analytical, financial, and negotiation skills.

Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and represent the University’s interests at various forums.

PREFERRED:

Master’s degree from an accredited university in business administration, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field.

Experience working in a university setting with a focus on economic development and community engagement.

Knowledge of state and federal economic development programs and funding opportunities.

Experience evaluating and executing real estate projects, including familiarity with zoning regulations, real estate finance, and public-private partnership models.

Experience in identifying, applying for, and securing grant funding sources, as well as overseeing the implementation of awarded funds.

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing how their background, skills and education match the needs of the University. When applying, please take a moment to carefully read and follow the steps in the application instructions.

Department

Operations and Administration

Position Type

Administrative

Contact Information:

For questions or concerns, please contact Human Resources' Workday Recruiting Support at 973-655-5000 (Option 2), or email talent@montclair.edu.

EEO/AA Statement

Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity.

Additional information can be found on the website at 
www.montclair.edu/human-resources/about-us/eo-aa-and-diversity/

Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 Policy

Montclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities.  The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities extends to admission and employment. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/job-seekers/