Director, Real Estate Operations

Secure Your Future with SEPTA A Leader in Transportation! The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth-largest transportation system in the U.S., connecting communities across a 2,200-square-mile service region. SEPTA is at the forefront of innovation in the transit industry, ensuring reliable and efficient services while driving economic growth in the Philadelphia region. We are proud to be recognized as: 2023 FORBES Best in State Employer Philadelphia Employer of Choice for 2024. We are seeking to hire candidates for our Director, Real Estate Operations department.

Opening Date: 06/12/2026 Closing Date: 07/05/2026 Job Grade: SAM 43 Salary Range: $125,762.00-$157,196.00

Overall Description

Directs all Real Estate Department operations, including property rights records management, transit property management and capital program strategy including short and long-range real estate needs; negotiation and management of all acquisitions, sales, leases, and other property rights transactions. Coordinates with leadership in the implementation of SEPTA's Transit Oriented Communities program.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and oversees the policies and procedures that ensure departmental compliance with federal, state, and local statutes and regulatory guidelines, as well as internal SEPTA policies.
• Develops, implements, and oversees real estate strategies in concert with Managers of Real Estate, to assure sound real estate operations practices, as well as adequate support of transit operations and capital program property needs.
• Oversees the management and administrative procedures for all real property contracts, including station and ground leases, various right of way, pipe and wire, and cellular agreements.
• Oversees the management of procedures involving real property acquisitions, developments, dispositions, licenses, access agreements, easements, and all joint use and occupancy agreements, in close consultation with internal divisions including the Office of General Counsel, Operations, and Planning.
• Guides the formulation and implementation of the Real Estate Department's annual budget and oversees staff and consultants in support of achieving Authority goals.
• Directs the management and utilization of SEPTA Real Estate's instance of Yardi, which integrates agreements, property maps, deeds and all other forms of Real Estate contract documents.
• Oversees and advances all staff summaries and proposed Board Resolutions relating to real property.
• Directs the development of scopes of work, solicitations, and awards of contracts for consultants, agents, and third-party real estate services.
• Consults on site selection and assessment of feasibility for joint development of Authority owned real property.
• Supports the development of RFPs and negotiation of land lease and development agreements in support of the Transit Oriented Communities program.
• Complies with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures, as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities. Reports any safety concerns, compromises, or hazards in the hazards affecting self and other employees is responsible for the individual's own safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor's Degree and ten (10) years of experience in property management or real estate development required. Must have demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of public sector and/or transportation property management; real property acquisition and disposal including the use of eminent domain for public purpose; principles and practices of right-of-way and coordination; real estate laws; property ownership and leasing contracts, and FTA Real Estate regulations and guidelines. Familiarity with research of deeds and property records required. Familiarity with contracting for and reviewing property appraisals. Excellent analytical, verbal, presentation, and written communication skills required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. 7+ years of transportation property management, property management, or development experience strongly preferred. Master's Degree preferred in Real Estate, Public Administration, Planning, Business, Law, or related field is preferred.

Why Join Our Team?

Enjoy Outstanding Benefits! Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums. Retirement Security Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan to build your financial future. Work-Life Balance Enjoy paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays to recharge and spend time with loved ones. Employee Wellness Access wellness programs and resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Invest in Your Growth We offer tuition reimbursement to support your education and career advancement. Student Loan Assistance Our positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, helping you manage and reduce student debt. Free Travel Perks Receive a FREE SEPTA Transportation Pass, giving you unlimited access to all SEPTA services!

Join us and take advantage of these incredible benefits while making a difference in your community! Join the Best in Transit! Apply Today Click Apply Now and take the next step in your career with SEPTA! SEPTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.