The DESCO Group is a commercial real estate company that acquires, develops, leases and manages retail shopping centers – primarily anchored by grocery stores.

We have an open position for a Director of Leasing to join our team.  As a player-coach, the Director of Leasing will lead the Leasing Department with a focus on (i) optimizing merchandise mix, rent, occupancy and value for a portfolio of neighborhood shopping centers, and (ii) mentoring and developing Leasing personnel.

Highlights of this role are:

Leadership

• Lead by example with a commitment to excellence and high level of attention to detail
• Provide timely recognition and feedback to the Leasing team
• Collaborate daily with Leasing team to develop knowledge and skills, and to drive optimal results
• Demonstrate DESCO’s mission and values and maintain accountability for living the mission and values every day
• Team up with other departments to efficiently execute leasing activity and provide an outstanding experience for tenants and other stakeholders

 Leasing Skills

• Utilize strong negotiating skills to complete new leases and renewals across a portfolio of neighborhood shopping centers
• Using excellent verbal and written communication skills, coordinate and communicate with prospects, tenants, outside brokers and internal stakeholders
• Identify prospects, cold call, and effectively market available spaces throughout the assigned portfolio
• Contribute accurate and timely information as needed for budgeting and forecasting purposes
• Actively network with and gain market knowledge from national and local retailers, landlord and tenant rep brokers, and other industry participants
• Develop and implement marketing strategy for The DESCO Group’s leasing initiatives – print, digital, social media, external portfolio reviews, and other
• Manage multiple projects, priorities, timelines, and workstreams
• Utilize business acumen to understand and weigh several variables to arrive at a recommended course of action

We are looking for an individual who:

• Has excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills across all levels of employees, clients, tenants and stakeholders to present confidently and effectively and build relationships
• Possess skills to understand the current and future impact of property decisions
• Has strong work ethic, positive attitude and demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision to produce results while also serving as a team player
• Has a passion and dedication to the retail leasing industry, preferably with a track record to demonstrate dedication and success in the industry
• Has ability to travel (via car or plane) as needed to meet prospective and current tenants as well as brokers, visit properties and attend industry conferences

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5-10+ years’ experience in real estate leasing, with preference toward commercial transactions
• Active Missouri Real Estate license
• Proficiency with leasing industry software platforms as well as Microsoft Office products