Director of Real Estate Job Listing at Fusion in Grand Rapids, MI (Job ID 1650)

Description

Summary

The Director of Real-Estate is responsible for building and sustaining Fusion's growth pipeline by identifying, securing, and entitling the right school locations to support planned openings. This role does the hard, front‑end work of growth—site selection, deal structuring, lease negotiation, zoning, and entitlements—ensuring Fusion has a deep, high‑quality, 2x+ pipeline of viable sites with strong economics and predictable approval paths. Culturally, this role requires an owner's mindset, speed with discipline, and comfort operating in ambiguity while pushing decisions forward. The Director of Real Estate balances strategic thinking with hands‑on execution, partners tightly with Construction, Finance, and Launch to reduce downstream risk, and builds repeatable systems so site acquisition becomes a platform—not a series of one‑off deals. The purpose of the role is simple and critical: make sure Fusion can grow on schedule, with confidence.

What You'll Do

Site Selection & Pipeline Development

• Oversee identification, evaluation, and prioritization of all potential sites
• Maintain a 2x+ pipeline coverage ratio for all target openings
• Drive speed and quality of decision-making across markets

Deal Structuring & Lease Negotiation

• Lead negotiation of LOIs and leases for new locations and renewals
• Set and enforce deal standards and financial guardrails
• Optimize:
• Tenant Improvement (TI) allowances
• Free rent/rent commencement
• Renewal and expansion options
• Exit protections and flexibility clauses

Zoning, Entitlements & Approvals

• Own strategy and execution of zoning and entitlement processes
• Develop playbooks for repeat approvals across key jurisdictions
• Manage consultants, attorneys, and municipal relationships
• Proactively mitigate entitlement risk and timeline variability
• Ensure alignment with school opening timelines

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner closely with:
• Construction (TI feasibility, cost alignment)
• Finance (underwriting, capital allocation)
• Operations (enrollment and site performance assumptions)
• Ensure seamless transition from deal execution to design to construction

Capability Building

• Establish clear processes, tools, and reporting cadence
• Implement standardized dashboards and pipeline tracking

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in multi-site national real estate development (retail, healthcare, education, or similar)
• Proven track record leading high-volume rollout programs (12+ deals/year)
• Deep expertise in lease negotiation, site selection
• Deep experience in Zoning Entitlements and Occupancy
• Strong financial acumen and ability to align deals with ROI targets
• Experience building and leading teams in a scaling environment
• Executive presence with ability to influence senior leadership and external partners

Work Type: Remote - Person must live in a state Fusion operates. Locations here.
Reporting to: VP of New School Development

Why Fusion? 

Because at Fusion, every role plays a part in changing students' lives. As a Director of Real Estate, your work ensures outstanding spaces that allow our schools to focus on what matters most—students. Behind every entitlement, every thoughtful analysis, and every lease is a learning environment built on trust, care, and accountability. Your attention to detail and commitment to excellence help power the 1‑to‑1 education model that gives students the support, confidence, and opportunity to truly thrive. Learn more about Fusion HERE.

Benefits:   

We offer a package for full-time employees which generally includes:    

• Medical, dental, and vision plans   

• Vacation time (for certain positions) in accordance with company policy and state law   

• Accident and life insurance as well as short- and long-term disability    

In addition to the above items, full-time and part-time employees can generally participate in the following benefits:   

• Sick time and paid holidays in accordance with company policy   

• 401(k) plan with company match, based on eligibility    

• Tax-advantaged commuter benefits   

• Employee assistance program    

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. If a bonus applies, more information will be given at offer.    

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality or sex.  Qualified applicants who have access to or contact with students or the public, who are responsible for the safeguarding of others' well-being, and who work with little supervision in close proximity to others will be required to complete a criminal history check once a contingent offer of employment is made. Applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with local law. The nature and gravity of an offense, the length of time since the conviction, and the nature of the job in question are all considered, and criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify employment. Any discussion of criminal history will occur only after the background check is completed and a copy is provided to the applicant.