Manager, Real Estate

Manager, Real Estate, Director’s Office P&DC

Department: Director’s Office P&DC

Location: Aga Khan University (AKU), based in Karachi

Reports to: Chief Facilities & Administrative Services Officer

Introduction:

Chartered in 1983, it is a private, autonomous and self-governing international university with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries distributed across three continents. As an integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, Aga Khan University (AKU) provides higher education in several disciplines, carries out research pertinent to the countries in which it exists and has campuses, programmes and/or teaching hospitals in Afghanistan, Kenya, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda and the UK. As an international institution, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access; and AKU is a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change.

As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between diverse workforce of its faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment.

Position Summary:

The Manager, Real Estate, will be responsible to lead and manage the University's property-related matters, including leasing, acquisitions, dispositions, and property management. Mandate of this role includes properties being used as AKU's academic campuses, healthcare facilities, outreach operations, and other University-owned or acquired assets, across Pakistan.

The Manager will maintain a comprehensive and updated database of all University properties, including key descriptions, agreements, and a record of any outstanding issues. The role also requires actively tracking and addressing property-related issues, including legal, logistical, and community concerns.

This position involves coordinating with landlords, brokers, local community leaders, regulators, and legal counsel to ensure compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements. It also entails negotiating lease agreements, overseeing property improvement projects, and supporting the acquisition and disposition of real estate assets.

The incumbent will also provide professional advice and insights to senior leadership to support real estate investment decisions, and long-term asset planning.

Key Responsibilities:

Real Estate Management:

• Oversee day-to-day property leasing, acquisitions, dispositions, and management functions across multiple campuses and operational sites.
• Maintain and regularly update a database of University properties, including key descriptions, agreements, and a record of pending issues.
• Actively monitor and address issues related to properties, such as legal disputes, logistical challenges, and community concerns.
• Manage the University's real estate portfolio, ensuring optimal utilization of properties and alignment with organizational goals.
• Implement property maintenance strategies, including contract management, repairs, and service agreements.
• Conduct periodic property inspections and audits to verify usage, condition, and compliance with lease or ownership terms.
• Ensure all title deeds, land records, and related documents are properly archived (both physically and digitally) for quick retrieval and audit purposes.
• Support property valuation, due diligence, and feasibility studies to assist management in decision-making.
• Monitor real estate market trends to identify opportunities for strategic acquisition or consolidation.

Acquisition and Disposition:

• Lead the acquisition and disposition of properties, including site selection, due diligence, financial analysis, and contract negotiations.
• Ensure all transactions comply with institutional policies and regulatory approvals.
• Prepare and submit required land related documentation to governing bodies for property transactions.
• Liaise with government offices (DC Offices, Tehsil Dars, Mukhtiyar Kar offices) to resolve issues.
• Coordinate with Finance and Legal departments to assess the financial, legal, and tax implications of property transactions.
• Engage external consultants (surveyors, valuers, and legal advisors) to ensure comprehensive due diligence.

Policy Development and Compliance:

• Develop and implement property-related policies and procedures to ensure efficient operations.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with local laws, regulations, and University standards in all property transactions and operations.
• Regularly review and update real estate policies to reflect regulatory changes, market shifts, and institutional needs.
• Support internal and external audits related to property ownership, lease management, and compliance.

Stakeholder Coordination:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for landlords, brokers, property managers and community leaders (where applicable).
• Coordinate with in-house and external legal counsel on property-related matters.
• Collaborate with internal departments to align property management strategies with institutional priorities.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with municipal bodies, regulatory authorities, and local communities to address property and encroachment issues.
• Prepare and present periodic reports, and updates for senior management on real estate performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Represent the University in meetings, negotiations, and regulatory hearings related to real estate matters.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Law, Real Estate, Property Management, or a related field.
• A master’s degree in business administration, Real Estate Management, Urban Planning, or a related discipline will be preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in real estate management, property leasing, acquisitions, and development.
• Experience in a multi-location organization.
• Proven expertise in negotiating lease agreements, managing property improvement projects, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Proven experience in dealing with government offices (DC Offices, Tehsil Dars, SBCA, KDA, Cantonment offices) related to all sorts of property & real estate matters.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of real estate principles, property management, and legal frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain and manage land related documentation, records, databases and lease related issues.
• Expertise in handling property-related issues, including legal, logistical, and community matters.
• Strong project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and contractor oversight.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in financial analysis, forecasting, and reporting for real estate transactions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and familiarity with property management software.
• Familiarity with GIS tools or digital mapping platforms for property tracking and visualization.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and make sound judgments under pressure.

Work Environment:

• Based on AKU’s main campus, with occasional travel to other properties as required.
• Requires flexibility to respond to urgent property management issues outside regular working hours.
• May involve engagement with regional offices and stakeholders for property matters outside Karachi.
• Occasional site visits to remote or outreach locations may be necessary.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted