Director, Real Estate

Forterra innovates and scales land-based solutions to address the climate crisis and support equitable, green and prosperous communities. Forterra envisions people and nature thriving together in a place where everyone belongs. Forterra seeks to contribute to improved community health and sustainability outcomes through how real estate is owned, developed and managed, including for communities who have been marginalized from ownership of land.  

Summary 

This position will manage and grow our portfolio of real estate transactions throughout Washington State. The position involves forming real estate acquisition and transaction strategies; negotiating agreements with multiple parties, planning and executing due diligence processes to reduce risks and exposures; managing budgets and schedules; accounting, financial modeling, management & reporting; and the ability to assemble a capital stack of grants & philanthropic donations, as well as debt and equity financing to close deals. Our current pipeline includes 15+ live transactions, as well as the management of approximately 50 fee simple properties and almost 100 conservation easements.  

Responsibilities 

This role is entrepreneurial, with responsibility for generating new business and real estate projects and evaluating revenue generation opportunities and cost savings in managing Forterra’s land portfolio. Job responsibilities are stated in broad terms and are not intended to be a comprehensive listing. 

This position is expected to be high-level and independently able to set policy and exercise independent discretion regarding communication initiatives and strategic positions for Forterra. 

• Leading land acquisition strategy for various types of properties, both conservation and community-oriented development purposes.
• Crafting a business plan for each project: outlining concept, critical elements, risks, project funding strategies, major milestones, budgets, schedules, work plans and pro formas.
• Negotiating MOUs, PSAs and other agreements with sellers, buyers and strategic partners
• Finding new deals that meet conservation and financial objectives.
• Initiating and completing due diligence for land acquisitions.
• Forming and maintaining working relationships with external partners including landowners, Tribes, government agencies, financing organizations, environmental/engineering/design consultants, and others to facilitate project objectives.
• Working with Grants Director to find, research, write and manage public agency grant applications and contracts; ensure grant compliance and produce all required reports.
• Coordinating and working cross functionally with internal teams to create fundraising strategy for each project and to pitch prospective funders from the public and private sectors.
• Working with the Communications Team to create a communications strategy for each project.
• Creating and managing project-level budgets; working with Finance Team to ensure budget and schedule targets are met, including billable hours, expense management, invoicing and transaction closings.
• Serve as a leader and role-model on the real estate team and effectively manage direct reports.
• Driving organizational performance through influence with colleagues inside the team and across the organization and aligning direct reports’ motivation with organizational objectives.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Real Estate, Business Administration, Finance, Urban Planning, Law, Natural Resource Management, or related field
• 8+ years' experience in real estate transactions, real estate development, project management or an equivalent combination of experience and education that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of this position
• Demonstrated success securing and managing large-scale private or public financing, fundraising, or grants to acquire and manage land portfolios
• Experience mentoring and guiding teams of direct reports and/or cross-functional partners
• Demonstrated commitment to community service and/or environmental causes
• Experience working with BIPOC and economically marginalized communities
• Knowledge of Land Conservation & Stewardship Principles
• Proficiency in creating and managing multiple budgets & schedules
• Ability to identify and manage risk in the acquisition and due diligence process.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent presentation and negotiation skills
• Ability to integrate fundraising into the project management work stream
• Ability to close real estate deals
• Ability to develop positive working relationships with team members and external consultants
• Project management, research, and time management skills
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Project and Teams
• Frequent travel to sites is required (approximately 50%) and driving there will require a personal vehicle and a valid Drivers’ License; able to navigate to and around varied terrain, on properties that may not have established roads or trails and may be steep and uneven

Forterra is based in the greater Seattle area and supports a hybrid work environment. We allow primarily remote work, with some in-person meetings required. Candidates must successfully pass a background check, show proof of authorization to work in the United States, and reside in Washington state prior to employment. We are not able to sponsor applicants requiring work visas. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that certain minority groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. At Forterra, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or for other roles in the future.  

Benefits: Our investment in caring for our employees and their families is a key part of our values and culture at Forterra. We are pleased to provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes your total wellness through health care, pre-tax benefits, work-life balance, and financial security. 

Forterra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, race, religion, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.