Leasing Associate

 

About the Opportunity 

A national real estate investment organization is seeking a Leasing Associate to support leasing efforts for a broad portfolio of high‑quality retail properties across the United States. The company’s active acquisition strategy results in a high volume of leasing opportunities, providing continuous deal flow across multiple markets. The position is based in northern New Jersey and will require periodic travel to properties nationwide. 

Position Overview 

The Leasing Associate will help drive the company’s leasing strategy, negotiate renewals and new leases, collaborate with executives to ensure effective leasing practices, manage the leasing team’s communication and deal flow with outside brokers and tenants across our expansive retail portfolio. For decades, the company has remained focused on purchasing underperforming retail assets across the country, which often include significant in‑place vacancies, providing candidates a unique opportunity to benefit from a constantly revolving, built‑in book of business. This position provides the opportunity to oversee a substantial portfolio of high‑quality centers that are well positioned in the market and have significant vacancies. The properties are located across the United States, and the job will require travel and the ability to quickly become an expert on new markets that we enter. Please include both a deal sheet and a brief cover letter with your application to help us understand your qualifications and why you are the best fit for the role. 

Compensation 

This position is commission‑based, offering a draw compensation structure with uncapped earning potential. 

Key Responsibilities 

- Support the company’s portfolio leasing efforts and assist in knowledge‑sharing with other leasing associates to advance team goals. 

- Provide support to the acquisitions team prior to bid submission and during due diligence with respect to lease‑up viability, market rents, and tenant demand. 

- Develop merchandise plans and targeted leasing strategies for individual properties to achieve business plan objectives and increase Net Operating Income. 

- Identify opportunities for improved property performance through strategic leasing action. 

- Identify and cultivate new and emerging tenant relationships and actively source retailers to fulfill merchandising visions. 

- Spend ample time on‑site to conduct tours and meet with lease prospects. 

- Work directly with Asset Managers to negotiate deal terms and leases and help ensure seamless lease execution and store opening. 

- Proactively manage basic retail lease amendments and renewals within the portfolio. 

- Communicate tactfully, skillfully, and persuasively with third‑party brokers, ownership entities, prospective and existing tenants, and colleagues at all levels. 

- Work closely with Asset Management, Counsel, Property Management, Lease Administration, and Acquisitions to drive cohesive deal processes. 

- Create value for assets by staying current on evolving retail trends and maintaining an in‑depth understanding of local competitive dynamics. 

- Attend regional and national ICSC deal‑making functions as required. 

- Coordinate tenant interviews and complete competition studies for new acquisitions. 

Qualifications 

- Minimum 3 years of retail leasing experience. 

- Bachelor’s Degree. 

- Extensive national retailer relationships and deal‑sheet. 

- Knowledge of merchandising, deal structures, and lease terminology. 

- Significant experience negotiating LOIs and leases. 

- Strong communication, quantitative, sales, time management, and negotiating skills. 

- Self‑motivated individual who takes personal ownership of the properties and exercises independent judgment while also being a team player.