Sr. Project Manager, Real Estate

Forterra innovates and scales land-based solutions to address the climate crisis and support equitable, green and prosperous communities. Forterra envisions people and nature thriving together in a place where everyone belongs. Forterra seeks to contribute to improved community health and sustainability outcomes through how real estate is owned, developed and managed, including for communities who have been marginalized from ownership of land.  

Summary 

The Senior Project Manager, Real Estate completes land transactions, including fee simple land and conservation easement acquisitions in Forterra’s broad work region in Washington state. In addition, they manage the land portfolio, performing tasks including oversight of annual easement and fee land monitoring, communicating with landowners and stakeholders, identifying opportunities for management improvements and taking action to develop and execute plans to optimize community, ecological and economic benefits based on property objectives. 

Responsibilities 

• Drafting and ongoing management of budgets, schedules, scopes of work and work agreements.
• Negotiating with landowners to sign purchase and sale agreements, identifying community and conservation values that meet Forterra’s acquisition criteria, and preparing term sheets.
• All phases of due diligence in cooperation with legal counsel, other staff, agencies and consultants (e.g., ordering, reviewing and addressing issues raised in appraisals, surveys, title investigations, environmental and cultural reviews).
• Management Plan development and updates for entire land portfolio, focused on increased active management, land use adjustments, improvements to facilities and assignments as appropriate.
• Portfolio-wide Baseline Documentation review and establishment of Current Conditions Reports as appropriate, development of regular landowner communications to engage with landowners, share options for improvements to land management activities and maximize options for revenue to Forterra.
• Management of demolitions, property cleanup, boundary marking, monitoring and other stewardship activities including development of Baseline Documentation and Violations Reports as required.
• Working with real estate team on property acquisition, disposition, and management.
• Drafting funding applications to secure grants and philanthropic support for project work.
• Preparation of materials for use by other staff for communication to the Board and public and keeping Asana and project files updated and organized.
• Attendance at periodic evening and weekend events, hikes and tours, including presentations to and interaction with donors, funders, and members of the public.
• Attendance and participation at internal meetings.
• Recordkeeping, time tracking, billing, and preparing reports for various parties.

Qualifications 

• 6+ years of project management experience with demonstrated ability to plan and execute against a business plan to deliver real estate projects on time and on budget.
• 3+ years experience with real estate transactions and management related to conservation easements, fee simple land acquisition, and land management.
• Proficiency in creating and managing budgets and schedules.
• Experience successfully managing simultaneous complex projects.
• Experience with negotiation and relationship building, hiring and managing contractors and consultants, and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication skills by phone, email and video call.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Strong work ethic, highly self-motivated and demonstrated self-initiative.
• Ability to identify and manage risks.
• Demonstrates a positive outlook, a calm demeanor, and a sense of humor when faced with difficulties.
• Comfortable asking for help, self-awareness about knowledge and skill gaps required.
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Project, and Teams.
• Knowledge and experience with Asana and ESRI software.
• Demonstrated commitment to community service and/or environmental causes.
• Experience working with BIPOC and economically marginalized communities.
• Knowledge of WA state geography and Land Trust Association Standards & Practices.
• Frequent travel to sites is required (approximately 25%) and driving there will require a personal vehicle and a valid Drivers’ License; able to navigate to and around varied terrain, on properties that may not have established roads or trails and may be steep and uneven.

Forterra is based in the greater Seattle area and supports a hybrid work environment. We allow primarily remote work, with some in-person meetings required. Candidates must successfully pass a background check, show proof of authorization to work in the United States, and reside in Washington state prior to employment. We are not able to sponsor applicants requiring work visas. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that certain minority groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. At Forterra, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or for other roles in the future.  

Benefits: Our investment in caring for our employees and their families is a key part of our values and culture at Forterra. We are pleased to provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes your total wellness through health care, pre-tax benefits, work-life balance, and financial security. 

Forterra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, race, religion, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.