Executive Director, Real Estate Foundation

Fahrenheit Advisors has been retained to assist our client, Old Dominion University and the Real Estate Foundation, in their search for an Executive Director. Old Dominion University seeks an experienced executive to lead institutionally significant real estate initiatives and serve as Executive Director of the ODU Real Estate Foundation. The role sits at the intersection of higher education, economic development, public-private partnership, and commercial real estate and is positioned within the Administration and Finance organization.

This leader will work closely with the Vice President for Finance/Chief Financial Officer for the University, the Foundation board, City of Norfolk stakeholders, and external development partners to advance projects aligned with the University's master plan, portfolio strategy, and broader community impact goals.

The position is highly visible and requires a leader who can pair financial sophistication and deal packaging experience with public-facing credibility, local relationship building, and strong executive communication.

About Old Dominion University and the Real Estate Foundation

Old Dominion University is a public research university in Norfolk, Virginia, serving the Hampton Roads region through academic programs, strategic partnerships, civic engagement, and strong ties to government, business, the military, research organizations, and the broader community.

The ODU Real Estate Foundation is the vehicle through which the University acquires, builds, manages, and develops real estate in support of institutional priorities. Its approximately $90.4M portfolio includes mixed-use developments, research park assets, retail, housing, museum-related assets, and other properties aligned to the University's master plan.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Institutional Alignment

• Provide executive leadership for real estate development initiatives on behalf of Old Dominion University, aligning opportunities and active projects with institutional priorities, the University's master plan, and long-term economic development objectives.
• Advise senior leaders on the strategic, financial, operational, and reputational implications of acquisitions, developments, partnerships, and portfolio decisions.
• Translate complex project activity into clear recommendations for University leadership and Foundation trustees.

Foundation Executive Oversight

• Serve as Executive Director of the ODU Real Estate Foundation and carry out chief executive responsibilities assigned by the Foundation board.
• Partner with the board on portfolio priorities, transaction strategy, risk assessment, and major development decisions.
• Operate effectively in a board-facing environment that includes approximately 15 local members and requires consistent communication, trust building, and follow-through.

Deal Structuring, Finance, and Project Execution

• Lead and package complex real estate transactions, including acquisition, development, redevelopment, financing, refinancing, and disposition activity.
• Oversee return analysis, capital structuring, debt strategy, project budgets, invoice review, financial monitoring, and closeout activities in partnership with finance support resources.
• Direct due diligence activities, including title, environmental, survey, zoning, entitlement, and contract review processes, while maintaining strong attention to timing, risk, and execution discipline.
• Bring strong financial acumen and commercial judgment; Foundation-specific experience is helpful but not required if the candidate brings meaningful real estate finance and deal-making depth.

Government, Community, and External Relations

• Serve as the primary interface with the City of Norfolk and other public-sector stakeholders regarding University-related real estate initiatives.
• Represent the University and Foundation before public bodies, civic groups, media, community stakeholders, developers, lenders, brokers, and other partners.
• Maintain a visible onsite and local community presence and cultivate relationships that help advance projects efficiently and credibly.

Portfolio and Operations Leadership

• Oversee an active and diverse real estate portfolio currently described as approximately $90.4 million in assets spanning mixed-use, research, retail, housing, hospitality, and other University-supportive properties.
• Balance long-term development strategy with day-to-day portfolio, operational, and transaction demands.
• Work within a lean organizational structure that includes one direct report - plus shared administrative and foundation support resources.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Urban Planning, or a related field; a bachelor's degree with equivalent experience may be substituted.
• Considerable senior-level experience in commercial real estate, economic development, real estate finance, or a closely related field.
• Extensive knowledge of commercial real estate practices, including finance, acquisition, valuation, property management, and asset management.
• Strong financial background with proven experience structuring and underwriting deals, building packages, and managing project economics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present effectively to boards, senior administrators, public officials, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, and operate successfully in a visible, relationship-driven environment.
• Experience in economic development or real estate development roles within local government, redevelopment, or public-sector environments is particularly relevant.
• Candidates with strong local or regional credibility in Hampton Roads, or who can quickly establish such credibility