Director of Real Estate

Director of Real Estate

BridgePrep Academy Schools

Location: Florida (Statewide)

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Description

The Director of Real Estate will lead the planning and execution of the organization's real estate growth strategy. This includes identifying high-need areas, acquiring land or existing school buildings, negotiating leases or purchases, and building relationships with developers, brokers, and municipalities. The ideal candidate will combine deep knowledge of the Florida real estate market with a passion for educational access and community development.

Achievement Metrics

• Aim to open 2–3 new schools each year.

Responsibilities

Site Identification & Market Analysis

• Conduct thorough market research to identify areas with strong demand for new schools
• Use CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) reports, demographic data, and enrollment trends to evaluate potential sites
• Recommend priority regions for expansion based on need, cost, and growth potential

Property Acquisition & Leasing

• Source, evaluate, and negotiate the acquisition of land and/or existing buildings suitable for schools

• Negotiate favorable terms for purchases, leases, and renewals to ensure cost-effective deals

• Manage due diligence and coordinate with legal counsel during contract and lease reviews

Strategic Planning

• Develop and maintain a pipeline of potential properties for 2–3 years ahead of anticipated school openings
• Work with finance and operations teams to align real estate strategy with budget and capital planning
• Ensure all real estate activities comply with state and local regulations related to schools

Relationship Building

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with real estate brokers, landowners, developers, municipalities, and zoning boards
• Represent the organization in meetings with local officials, planners, and community stakeholders

Portfolio Management

• Oversee the existing portfolio of leased and owned properties to ensure they continue to meet operational and financial objectives
• Proactively identify opportunities for lease renegotiations, renewals, or relocations as needed

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in real estate, Business, related field
• Master's degree preferred
• Minimum 5 years of experience in real estate acquisition, development, or brokerage; experience in education, nonprofit, or public sector preferred
• Proven track record of identifying and securing properties under budget and on schedule

• Ability to interpret contracts, leases, and financial reports

• Willingness to travel statewide as needed (up to 50%)

Knowledge and Skills

• Experience using GIS, MLS, and CMA platforms
• Familiarity with charter school funding, permitting, and compliance requirements
• Strong network within Florida's real estate and municipal communities
• Strong knowledge of the Florida real estate market and zoning/land use regulations
• Exceptional negotiation, analytical, and project management skills

Travel: 40 – 50% travel across the state of Florida.

Compensation: BridgePrep Academy offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with Experience. BridgePrep Academy is an equal-opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity.

Disclaimer: This job description describes the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals hired into this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. BridgePrep Academy reserves the right to change any or all content of this job description based on business needs. The incumbent, if applicable, will be consulted and notified of any changes before they become effective.