Senior Director, Real Estate

Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) is a trusted financial institution dedicated to starting, sustaining and strengthening Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) ministries. Since 1978, LCEF has provided financial resources, strategic guidance and innovative solutions to help congregations, schools, organizations and church workers achieve their goals. When you join our team, you’re not just building a career—you’re using your talents and applying your professional expertise to serve a higher purpose in a values-driven organization. Why This Role Matters Real estate consulting and development play a vital role in enabling ministries to grow, serve, and thrive within their communities. This role helps bring ministry visions to life by transforming ideas into functional, sustainable spaces, whether through new developments, redevelopment, or strategic property use. By combining commercial real estate market insight, project life cycle experience, financial expertise, and project leadership, this position ensures that projects are not only financially sound but also aligned with LCEF’s mission. The work directly supports churches, schools, and ministries by creating environments where their work can flourish for years to come. Geographic Territory In this role, you will primarily support the LCMS California/Nevada/Hawaii District (CNH) and Northwest District (NOW), which includes California, Nevada, Hawaii, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington , with responsibility for supporting LCEF’s ministry partners throughout the region. You will also support other LCMS districts as needed. You must reside within the San Francisco Bay area and be within commutable proximity to Livermore, California at the time of employment and maintain a residence there throughout your employment. Due to frequent business travel, this position also requires that you live within reasonable proximity and reliable access to a major commercial airport. What You’ll Do The Senior Director of Real Estate is responsible for leading end-to-end development of projects, serving both ministry clients as a commercial real estate consultant and LCEF’s internal real estate project portfolio. This role combines strategic planning with hands-on execution to deliver high-quality, mission-aligned projects. In this role, you will: Lead development projects from acquisition and feasibility through construction and delivery. Conduct market and site analysis to determine highest and best use of properties. Analyze zoning regulations and density to assess development potential and guide project direction. Lead due diligence, feasibility studies, and entitlement processes. Develop and manage detailed project pro formas and financial models. Structure deals and identify funding opportunities, including subsidies such as TIF, LIHTC, and CDBG. Manage RFP processes and oversee selection of architects, engineers, and contractors. Oversee all phases of project execution, ensuring timelines, budgets, and risks are effectively managed. Build and maintain strong relationships with municipalities, partners, and key stakeholders. Operate with a high degree of independence while maintaining alignment with leadership and organizational goals. What You’ll Need Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, urban planning, architecture, engineering, or a related field. 7+ years of experience in real estate development, including market analysis, entitlements, financing, and project management. Experience supporting Christian or ministry-based organizations preferred; active LCMS membership preferred. Reside within the San Francisco Bay area and be within commutable proximity to Livermore, California and be located within reasonable proximity and convenient access to a major commercial airport. Willingness to travel both regionally and nationally up to 35%, including weekends and evenings. Comfortable travelling by both air and vehicle. Demonstrated experience managing complex development projects from concept through completion. Strong financial acumen, including experience with pro forma modeling and deal structuring. Experience working with regulated funding sources or development incentives preferred. Working knowledge of AutoCAD is a plus but not required. Consistently models the organization's core values in all aspects of work. Maintains flexibility to support business needs, including working a hybrid schedule as required. What We Offer Wellness resources for spiritual growth, physical health and social connection. Comprehensive compensation package, including the opportunity to participate in our Employee Incentive Program. Generous time off, including dedicated time off between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Health insurance with 100% of premiums covered by LCEF, retirement benefits (pension and 403(b) employer match), paid parental leave, and so much more. #J-18808-Ljbffr