University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · 19 hours ago
Director, Reichard Real Estate Academy
Urbana, IL
Internship
Hybrid
Intern, Director/Executive
$110K/yr - $110K/yrThe University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking a Director for the Reichard Real Estate Academy, a program aimed at preparing students for careers in commercial real estate. The Director will provide strategic leadership, engage with industry professionals, and oversee student development and mentorship programs.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the Reichard Real Estate Academy to ensure long-term growth in alignment with the mission of the Department of Finance and Gies College of Business
Work collaboratively with faculty and department leaders to ensure the Academy’s programming is academically rigorous and adaptable to the evolving needs in the commercial real estate industry
Oversee selective, multi-semester Academy experience focused on preparing students for internship, full-time roles, and long-term success in real estate
Recruit, select, develop, mentor and support students through career advising and professional development. Facilitate alumni and industry interaction with students
Coordinate seminars, workshops, and experiential learning opportunities that emphasize a mix of soft skills, analytical capabilities, and professional best practices. May involve off-campus travel to national real estate competitions, site visits, commercial real estate professional conferences, and other events
Build enduring relationships with real estate investment firms, developers, lenders, and operators, especially although not exclusively in the Chicago real estate community, with a focus on creating strategic partnerships and establishing the Reichard Academy as a key part of the real estate industry’s talent pipeline
Leverage and expand a robust professional network to create internships, full-time job placements, mentorship opportunities, and guest speaker participation
Build and deepen relationships with University of Illinois alumni in real estate to strengthen student outcomes and long-term support for the Academy
Serve as conduit between industry leaders and faculty to ensure the Academy remains both academically rigorous and closely aligned with employer needs
Teach undergraduate courses on the Urbana campus, with specific assignments determined by departmental needs and the Director’s expertise
Integrate real-world applications, case studies, and industry perspectives
Oversee administrative aspects of the Academy, including coordination with staff, alumni, and corporate partners
Support marketing and outreach efforts to promote the Academy to prospective students, alumni, and industry partners
Define and track key performance metrics (e.g., placement results, employer engagement, alumni involvement, and program reputation) and lead continuous improvement efforts to ensure high-quality outcomes
Qualification
Required
Master's degree or above in finance, real estate, business, or a related field
Substantial professional experience in commercial real estate
Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with students, industry professionals, alumni, and academic colleagues
Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills
Preferred
Extensive professional network nationally, preferably with extensive ties to University of Illinois alumni within the commercial real estate industry
Strong affinity for the University of Illinois
Experience in talent development, mentoring, recruiting, and workforce preparation
Prior teaching or training experience in a university or professional setting
Able to operate effectively in a role that combines academic responsibilities with high-level external engagement
Prepared to make a multi-year commitment to the program to ensure continuity
Benefits
Health
Dental
Vision
Life Insurance
A Retirement Plan
Paid time Off
Tuition waivers for employees and dependents
Company
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is dedicated to building upon its tradition of excellence in education, research, public engagement and economic development.
Founded in 1915
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Robert Whitmore
Co-Founder | Evolution & Impact of Societies in Africa | *EISA*
Shelley Giordano
Co-Founder Academy for Home Equity in Financial Planning University of Illinois
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