We are seeking a dynamic and experienced real estate professional to lead real estate initiatives related to the expansion of the portfolio through management contracts with owners, leases with owners, and partnerships with third-party property management companies.

The Senior Director will play a critical role in expanding our luxury real estate portfolio through the sourcing, evaluation, and negotiation of property management contracts and leases for premium properties in domestic and international markets.

This individual will work closely with senior leadership to identify growth opportunities globally, manage our pipelines, and ensure each property meets brand, quality, and financial standards. This position will require extensive international travel, particularly in Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Position Description:

As Senior Director, New Real Estate & Portfolio Development, you will be responsible for the following:

Portfolio Planning:

• Contribute to the development and lead the company’s strategy for expanding the portfolio of luxury vacation properties through management contracts and leases with property owners and partnerships with property management companies that represent property owners.  
• Monitor market trends and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Provide regular reports and updates to the executive team on new acquisition performance and initiatives.

Sourcing, Negotiations & Contract Execution:

• Source and assess new opportunities through owner relationships, on-the-ground research, property developers, and other real estate channels.
• Conduct market analyses, feasibility studies, and property valuations in coordination with Finance and Operations teams.
• Lead due diligence and underwriting processes, including financial modeling and risk assessment.

Market Expansion:

• Support portfolio growth by identifying underpenetrated luxury travel markets with strong demand and yield potential.
• Track emerging real estate and travel trends to inform acquisition focus and location prioritization.

Portfolio Management:

• Track key dates, renewal options, and performance metrics across the portfolio. 
• Analyze and report on lease and asset performance to support strategic decision making
• Recommend repositioning or exit strategies for underperforming assets.  

Lease and Purchase Negotiations:

• Negotiate favorable lease and usage agreement terms to optimize cost, flexibility, and asset quality.  
• Manage timelines and communications with brokers, sellers, and internal stakeholders.  

Relationship Building:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, developers, homeowners, and property managers.
• Collaborate with partners to identify and secure new opportunities
• Demonstrate the value proposition of Exclusive as a partner and secure opportunities for favorable leasing and transaction terms
• Represent Exclusive Resorts in industry events and forums to enhance the brand's presence and reputation and grow sourcing networks.

Cross-Functional Initiatives:

• Partner with Legal and Finance to evaluate options, close transactions efficiently, and mitigate risks.
• Work with company leadership, Operations, and Experience teams to ensure acquired properties meet brand standards and can be effectively onboarded, meeting all deadlines.  

 Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in real estate, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in real estate property management, brokerage, or villa rental with a heavy emphasis on luxury residential real estate and hospitality.  5+ years of international acquisition experience required.  
• A solid understanding of the residential real estate industry with significant experience in international markets and experience in managing and negotiating leases, management contracts, and third-party distribution with property management companies..
• A proven track record of success in identifying, evaluating, negotiating, and executing luxury residential real estate acquisitions with an emphasis on hospitality-branded operations 
• Ability to travel extensively, 50% or more, including international travel
• An affinity for service excellence with a strong understanding of premier luxury resort environments and specific experience of hospitality that meets Forbes 5 Star or equivalent standards. 
• Strong attention to detail and project management experience
• Highly polished with excellent relationship-building, negotiating, and communication skills,
• Self-motivated, driven, organized, and creative (outside-the-box thinker) with an innovative spirit and ability to think creatively about new opportunities to grow the Private Homes Collection and adjacent opportunities..
• Ability to work independently and cohesively within a team environment while balancing complementary or potentially competing interests
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, highly data-driven, with the ability to assimilate information from other sectors, and understand customer needs and opportunities to drive strategic growth for the organization.