Walton Enterprises is seeking a skilled, highly motivated and entrepreneurial individual to join the team as a Director of Philanthropic Real Estate. Approximately 80% of the role will be dedicated to leading and managing our group’s public charter school facilities investments, which include both national and regional programs. In the portion of the portfolio that focuses regionally in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, there are over $200M in assets, with the majority in Arkansas. We are looking to grow this portfolio to help high-quality and high-potential public charter schools that serve lower income families to acquire facilities at a lower cost.

The other approximately 20% of the role will be overseeing charitable investments in Workforce Housing in Northwest Arkansas and other charitable land acquisitions and donations for public use. The primary purpose of the Workforce Housing investments is to provide access to mixed-income housing developments for individuals and families living and working in the region, who meet income eligibility requirements. These housing developments use a mix of funding streams (philanthropic capital, public financing, and private capital) and involve partnering with non-profit and select mission-aligned for-profit developers. For the portion of the portfolio, this role will work collaboratively with other co-investors and their teams.

The ideal teammate will have significant experience and expertise managing commercial real estate assets and public charter school facilities, including managing teams and consultants overseeing leasing, project design, construction, and property management. As the Director, you will ensure quality control and proper execution, while working collaboratively and also managing one other team member.

This role will also serve on the WPPG management team.

This position requires up to 20% travel and otherwise is an in-office role in the Bentonville office consistent with Walton Personal Philanthropy Group policy (minimum 4 days in-office per week).

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

We believe every associate should have access to success. Creating an environment centered on trust, respect, and bringing people together is critical to this belief.

Our aspirations are as follows:

• Create an environment where we hire, retain, and bring to the table people with diverse backgrounds, viewpoints and lived experiences to create a more successful organization.
• Ensure fairness, equity, and access to success for all our associates.
• Create an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, safe, able to engage honestly.

About the Position

The Director of Philanthropic Real Estate will lead the organization’s charitable real estate strategy, managing initiatives to support the expansion and sustainability of public charter school facilities in a three-state region and workforce housing in Northwest Arkansas. This includes overseeing complex real estate transactions, advanced financing models, and diverse real estate portfolios while engaging with high-level stakeholders. The individual will report directly to the Chief Philanthropy Officer and ensure excellence in the execution of services and solutions.

What You Will Do

You will demonstrate strong advisory, project management, problem-solving, communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, instilling confidence and becoming a trusted advisor for stakeholders. Key responsibilities include:

Strategic Vision and Leadership

• Lead the long-term charitable real estate strategy to align with organizational goals and community impact objectives.
• Serve as the senior leader for philanthropic real estate projects related to public charter school facilities and workforce housing, including acquisition, development, and financing.
• Effectively anticipate opportunities, needs, and issues; conduct comprehensive research and analysis, guiding decisionmakers through a thoughtful process to understand options and the ramifications of choices and make appropriate recommendations to mitigate risk

Complex Real Estate Transactions

• Oversee high-value charitable real estate transactions, including acquisitions, lease negotiations, and development agreements.
• Lead due diligence processes, zoning compliance, and risk assessments.
• Cultivate relationships with senior-level stakeholders, including developers, investors, attorneys, and government agencies.
• Work with the Construction and Design team on complex development projects

Advanced Financing and Funding Solutions

• Design and implement innovative financing models, including tax credits, public-private partnerships, and philanthropic funding.
• Leverage public financing tools to maximize project impact and affordability.
• Develop funding strategies for large-scale, multi-year projects.

Portfolio and Risk Management

• Manage a diverse real estate portfolio, ensuring financial sustainability and operational efficiency.
• Implement risk management strategies, including property insurance and liability assessments.
• Regularly evaluate and optimize portfolio performance.

High-Level Stakeholder Engagement

• Strengthen relationships with senior charter school leaders, funders, policymakers, and community stakeholders.
• Serve as a thought leader, providing expert guidance on real estate and financing matters.

Who We Are Looking For

You must possess strong financial and business acumen, with exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills. You will have the highest degree of professional integrity, sound judgment, and a proven record of success. This is a position that may evolve over time. Comfort operating within ambiguity and an entrepreneurial spirit are critical for success.

Qualifications Required for Your Success

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in real estate development or related fields, with 10 years of work in public charter school facilities strongly preferred
• Knowledgeable about and experienced in all areas of real estate transactions, including purchases and sales, construction management, leasing, architecture/engineering, maintenance, etc.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills at the senior leadership level.
• 10+ years experience managing direct reports
• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Finance, Urban Planning, or a related field; master’s degree or law degree with specialization in property law degree strongly preferred.

Personal Attributes

• Humility, flexibility, and the ability to be a champion for organizational change
• Commitment to an in-office work culture and leading with positivity
• Visionary leader with the ability to manage large, complex initiatives
• Collaborative and engaging leader who inspires trust and confidence
• Passionate about equitable access to education and supporting underserved communities.
• Ability to bring a growth-mindset to the work and to learn from and teach others

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and detailed cover letter highlighting their qualifications, leadership experience, and interest in the role to Nicole Hamm at . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement, background check and credit check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States on your first day of work.

Benefits Information

Benefits Information: We offer a comprehensive and generous benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401 (k) retirement plan, and paid time off.

About Walton Enterprises

Walton Enterprises supports the personal, philanthropic and business activity for the Walton family. We are a family-led organization, supporting multiple generations of Sam & Helen Walton’s family.

Walton Enterprises is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.