Director, Real Estate Operations

About Forterra

Forterra advances land-based solutions to the climate crisis and supports equitable, green, and prosperous communities across Washington. We own and manage more than 17,000 acres of conservation lands, easements, leased buildings, and development projects, and have helped conserve more than 250,000 acres statewide over the past 30 years.

Position Summary

The Director, Real Estate Operations leads land acquisition and conservation transactions across Washington. This role develops acquisition strategies, negotiates agreements, oversees due diligence, manages budgets and schedules, builds project financing plans, and guides land conservation and stewardship teams. The current portfolio includes more than 15 active transactions, approximately 50 fee-simple properties, and nearly 100 conservation easements.

Key Responsibilities

• Source opportunities that advance conservation and financial objectives.

• Lead acquisition strategy and develop project business plans, including risks, milestones, work plans, funding strategies, and pro formas.

• Negotiate memoranda of understanding, purchase and sale agreements, and other agreements with sellers, buyers, and partners.

• Plan and complete due diligence, manage transaction risk, and close real estate deals.

• Build productive relationships with landowners, Tribes, public agencies, funders, financing partners, and technical consultants.

• Coordinate grant applications, contracts, compliance, reporting, fundraising, and project communications.

• Create and manage project and department budgets and schedules.

• Lead, mentor, and align land conservation and stewardship staff and cross-functional partners.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in real estate, business administration, finance, urban planning, law, natural resource management, or a related field.

• Eight or more years of experience in real estate transactions, development, or project management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated success securing and managing large-scale public or private financing, fundraising, or grants for land acquisition and management.

• Experience mentoring direct reports or guiding cross-functional teams.

• Ability to manage multiple complex projects, budgets, schedules, acquisition risks, and due diligence processes.

• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, negotiation, relationship-building, research, and time-management skills.

• Ability to integrate fundraising into project delivery and close real estate transactions.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Project, and Teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Commitment to community service or environmental causes.

• Experience working with BIPOC and economically marginalized communities.

• Knowledge of land conservation and stewardship principles.

• Resourceful, entrepreneurial, collaborative, and solutions-oriented approach, with grit, humility, directness, and empathy.

Work Environment and Eligibility

Forterra supports a primarily remote, hybrid work environment in the greater Seattle area, with some in-person meetings. This role requires frequent travel—25% or more—throughout western and central Washington.

Candidates must reside in Washington before employment, be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship, and successfully pass a background check.

Benefits and Inclusion

Forterra offers a comprehensive benefits package supporting health care, pre-tax benefits, work-life balance, and financial security. Candidates who are excited about the role are encouraged to apply even if their experience does not align with every qualification.

Forterra is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants receive consideration 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 law.