CATS Real Estate and Development Manager #2205-251400-01

The City of Charlotte is the largest municipality in North Carolina and the 17th largest city in the United States, with a total population of more than 872,498 citizens. A major commerce center, Charlotte hosts several of the nation’s largest banks and technology companies.

Also known as the Queen City, Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. We work hard to ensure that the community will be a winning city for everyone – a truly remarkable place to live, work, learn and play. Join us in helping to keep our City thriving, ensuring upward mobility and advancement in the workplace.

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has been growing extensively over the years, with expansion in real estate holdings and assets. We are looking for a highly capable Real Estate & Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Manager to ensure that our property and related contracts are optimally managed.  To ensure success, the desired candidate should possess extensive experience in real estate management and land development, and the ability to negotiate contracts. An outstanding real estate and development manager will be someone with sound financial knowledge who can successfully manage a property.

This position will be responsible for managing and directing CATS Real Estate and Transit Oriented Development (TOD) projects, including the following; negotiating land and property rights, managing real property assets; meeting with commercial land developers and real estate professionals to implement mixed-use, transit-supportive developments; coordinating CATS land development and zoning plan reviews; managing license agreements and leases with CATS legal; and overseeing real estate acquisition programs related to transit construction projects. This position is also responsible for negotiating rental agreements, purchasing supplies, and supervising staff.

• Manage inventory of CATS real property, including periodic review, development and implementation of policies for acquisition and disposition of CATS assets such as right-of-way, buildings, vacant property and other CATS real estate, in coordination with CATS Operations. Act as CATS Liaison to City Real Estate department.
• Coordinate and assist with CATS property acquisitions and dispositions including condemnations or acquisitions, bus stop property requests, license agreements, Rail Trail temporary use requests, and real property donations.
• Manage process for land exchanges (“land swaps”) of CATS ROW in coordination with CATS legal. Review property valuations and ensure market information provided by outside agencies agrees with actual market conditions.
• Develop and manage CATS TOD program. Negotiate terms and conditions related to purchasing and selling property, including innovative models such as public/private partnerships, lease arrangements, or joint use agreements for the development and implementation of integrated transit facilities or services within key developments.
• Works with legal, internal staff and consultants to ensure all negotiated agreements comply with state/federal regulations, and are consistent with CATS operations requirements, future projects and services, policies and strategic initiatives.
• Monitor development activities and ensures compliance with developer leases and other agreements. Addresses ROW enforcement and use questions.
• Oversee property management, administration of property, and processing of leases, licenses and permits.  Manage CATS real estate contracts.
• Monitor all aspects of CATS real estate acquisition activities related to capital projects, including close coordination with City Real Estate and City contractors/consultants.
• Works with private developers on coordination between CATS capital projects and adjacent property development.
• Manage Corridor Reservation process for future transit ROW, including reservations through land development process and through acquisition.
• Serve as subject matter expert on federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to TOD and Real Estate.
• Serve as liaison with internal and external stakeholders on all CATS real estate and TOD matters; resolve issues; and develop agreements on projects and schedules.
• Coordinate with FTA for guidance, review and approvals related to FTA funded properties
• Hire and supervise staff, forecast staffing needs, and establish performance objectives and complete performance reviews.
• Coordinate information and represent CATS for real estate related reviews and/or approvals by the Joint Use Task Force, City Council and MTC (where applicable)
• Responsible for monitoring contracts, completing follow-ups with contractors, and ensuring adherence to state and federal requirements.
• Leads/participates in meetings with citizens, businesses, and property owners affected by proposed project(s).

• Ability to review or check the work products of others to ensure conformance of city standards, NC state law and Federal law and guidelines.
• Excellent supervisory, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Excellent written/oral communications skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with other teams, divisions and departments.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office products.  
• Ability to work on various projects simultaneously under strict timelines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, agencies and the general public.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Ability to manage a high volume of transactions with short deadlines.
• Knowledge and understanding of federal laws and guidelines related to property acquisition and relocation.
• Knowledge of planning and development issues.
• Knowledge and understanding of transit/land use relationships and transit-oriented development.

• Five (5) years of progressive experience in the real estate acquisition process, land development, and property management.
• Transit experience preferred.
• Three (3) years supervisory/direct report experience desirable.   

Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years related experience or equivalent education, background and experience to perform the essential duties of the position.

Apply online.

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You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby where we have workstations available. Our office is located at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.

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The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to all employees.

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The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.