Come work at a place where we take pride in creating a workplace environment that values hard work, commitment, and growth .

Report to and under the direction of the Vice President of Real Estate, the Real Estate Director will assist in developing and implementing Academy’s new store expansion program and managing the existing store portfolio in an assigned territory. The Real Estate Director will utilize internal and external resources in assisting with the fulfillment of Academy’s real estate strategy, which will include locating and acquiring approximately 15 + new stores annually, as well as working on lease renewals, distribution center and non-retail assets and other special projects. Present prospective new locations to the Real Estate Committee.

Job Description:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Real Estate, or relevant study

• MBA, JD, or graduate degree preferred

Work Experiences:

• Minimum 10 years experience in securing retail real estate locations (big box preferred but not required

• Ability to creatively structure and complete financially compelling lease transactions (build to suit, reverse build to suit, ground lease)

• Proven ability to conduct successful negotiations of both business terms and legal matters

• Previous experience in big box-related real estate is highly preferred

• Previous management experience required

Skills:

• Ability to analyze large volumes of data and identify trends/patterns

• Strong ability to analyze financial and demographic data

• In-depth understanding of site development, design and construction processes, practices, costs, and timelines as it relates to big box retail development (ground up or takeover second generation space)

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain site-selection decisions to Academy executive leadership

• Strong relationships with national, regional, and local developers, landlords, and retailers

• Strong relationships with local brokers in select markets

• Solid knowledge of retail real estate industry regulations and practices

• Superior negotiating skills

• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to interface effectively with individuals at various levels

• Ability to remain organized, pay attention to detail and meet critical deadlines

• Ability to work well independently, as well as effectively collaborate with and contribute to a team environment

• Analytical with strong problem-solving abilities and creative solution skills

• Ability to work well under pressure while consistently meeting time-sensitive deadlines

• Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties

Responsibilities:

Site Selection

• Become thoroughly familiar with assigned markets

• Work with Vice President of Real Estate and team in creating the real estate strategy for each assigned market

• Thoroughly analyze all relevant data (including financial, traffic patterns, retail growth, competition, and demographic data) on all prospective locations in assigned markets

• Work with local brokers, landlords, and developers to identify strong prospective locations

• Travel to new and existing markets to gain intimate knowledge regarding local markets and retail

• Attend various national and regional ICSC shows at the direction of President of Real Estate

Site Procurement / Acquisition / Leasing

• Fully responsible for meeting assigned goals for new store counts in assigned territories

• Conduct negotiation of business terms for new stores within the Academy’s budgetary and scheduling targets, guidelines, and requirements

• Coordinate with Design and Construction regarding the layout of prospective locations, cost estimates for new store construction (and civil / site work-related costs, when applicable), and the physical condition of new stores at turnover

• Coordinate with Finance and Market Research and Strategy teams in the preparation of financial data, analysis, and maps necessary for real estate committee approval

• Present new locations to the real estate committee and ad hoc executive meetings

Legal Documentation

• Work with internal and external counsel to negotiate the terms of all documents necessary for each transaction

• Work with the risk management to ensure lease requirements adhere to Academy insurance policies

• Partner with design and construction on all site development, design and construction-related terms in the pre-development phase, letters of intent, and leases

Role Model

• Demonstrate and model exceptional client service standards

• Show respect, initiative, enthusiasm, and flexibility

• Represent Academy professionally and ethically at all times

Lease Renewals

• Work with Vice President of Real Estate in creating the strategy for all stores with expiring leases

• Thoroughly analyze all relevant data (including sales, profit, demographic and venue data) to determine the desirability of staying in an existing location, and financial terms

• Negotiate renewal terms with the relevant landlords

• Coordinate with Finance and Data Team in the preparation of financial data, analysis, and maps necessary for real estate committee approval

• Present lease renewals to the real estate committee

• Duties may change; Team Member may be required to perform other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements & Attendance:

• Regular attendance required

• Travel required - approximately 50% to 60% of each month

• Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties

• Adhere to company work hours, policies, procedures, and rules governing professional staff behavior

Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity

Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate with regard to employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law. ​