Associate Director, Network Real Estate

When you join Verizon You want more out of a career. A place to share your ideas freely — even if they’re daring or different. Where the true you can learn, grow, and thrive. At Verizon, we power and empower how people live, work and play by connecting them to what brings them joy. We do what we love — driving innovation, creativity, and impact in the world. Our V Team is a community of people who anticipate, lead, and believe that listening is where learning begins. In crisis and in celebration, we come together — lifting our communities and building trust in how we show up, everywhere & always. Want in? Join the #VTeamLife. What you’ll be doing… The Associate Director of Real Estate for the AI Connect team will be responsible for leading the strategic acquisition, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance for real estate and external network infrastructure supporting next-generation AI connectivity. A core focus of this role is the end-to-end site acquisition strategy for Inline Light Amplification Station (ILA) properties along long-haul fiber routes, including securing land purchases and ground leases. You will have overall accountability for developing, negotiating, implementing, and operationalizing network real estate agreements while ensuring all infrastructure initiatives adhere to federal, state, and local regulatory standards. This may also include the evaluation of existing Verizon owned properties for redevelopment into ILA use. You will lead a high-performing team tasked with accelerating network build-outs, managing key relationships with government and regulatory authorities, and partnering cross-functionally across engineering, operations, and external partners to deliver scalable, ethical, and high-impact connectivity solutions. In this role, you will: Lead Long-Haul ILA Site Acquisition: Lead and oversee the strategy to secure ground leases and fee-simple land purchases for ILA sites Oversee Network Real Estate Transactions: Direct the drafting, negotiation, due diligence (title, environmental, zoning), and operationalization of commercial real estate contracts, land purchases, and long-term lease agreements. Lead and Develop Teams: Manage and mentor a team of real estate and regulatory professionals; oversee capacity planning, resource allocation, performance evaluations, coaching, and team status decisions. Drive Regulatory Compliance & Permitting: Manage the interpretation, evaluation, and monitoring of government regulations (e.g., FCC, environmental, and municipal zoning/permitting requirements) for ILA and network facilities, ensuring audit readiness and compliance metrics are achieved. Engage Regulatory & Municipal Partners: Cultivate strategic relationships with local municipalities, county jurisdictions, and regulatory bodies; facilitate community outreach and public hearings to navigate local land-use approvals and special use permits. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with long-haul fiber engineering, capacity planning, and outside plant (OSP) teams to align ILA real estate milestones with fiber build schedules and overall business needs. Continuous Improvement & Budgeting: Oversee real estate capital and operating expense budgets, vendor/turnkey site acquisition performance, and risk management strategies; implement streamlined processes to reduce cycle times. Drive the "Be BOLD" Standard: Solve real-world operational challenges with agility, promote thoughtful candor across all levels, and prioritize impactful, ethical outcomes over mere activity. This role can be located in any US based Verizon hub location. What we’re looking for… You'll need to have: Bachelor’s degree or four or more years of work experience. Six or more years of relevant work experience in network real estate, site acquisition, land purchase/lease negotiation, or infrastructure regulatory compliance. Proven experience managing and leading teams, including talent development and performance management. Demonstrated experience in negotiating commercial real estate transactions, fee-simple land acquisitions, and ground leases (specifically for telecom, utility, or outside plant facilities). Working knowledge of environmental due diligence (NEPA, Phase I/II ESA), title clearance, survey reviews, and municipal zoning/conditional use permitting. Willingness to travel up to approximately 25% of the time. A valid driver’s license. Even better if you have one or more of the following: Experience acquiring land or real estate specifically for long-haul fiber routes, ILA/ILA huts, data centers, or edge infrastructure. Master’s degree, Juris Doctor (JD), or professional real estate license/brokerage background. Proven track record in vendor management (e.g., site acquisition firms, title companies, environmental consultants) and capital budget oversight. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent credentials. Experience with process optimization methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean, or Agile project management). Strong persuasion, negotiation, and executive communication skills with the ability to navigate complex landowner negotiations and municipal hearings. Ability to thrive in an ambiguous, fast-paced environment and adapt to changing network deployment priorities If Verizon and this role sound like a fit for you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every “even better” qualification listed above. Where you’ll be working In this hybrid role, you'll have a defined work location that includes working from home and a minimum of three days per week in the office, which will be set by your manager. Employees are responsible for maintaining compliance with hybrid work policies. Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Equal Employment Opportunity Verizon is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to veteran status, disability or other legally protected characteristics. Benefits and Compensation Our benefits are designed to help you move forward in your career, and in areas of your life outside of Verizon. From health and wellness benefit options including: medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, AD&D insurance, identity theft protection, pet insurance and group home & auto insurance. We also offer a matched 401(k) savings plan, up to 8 company paid holidays per year and up to 6 personal days per year, paid parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition assistance, plus other incentives, we’ve got you covered with our award-winning total rewards package. Depending on the role, employees have the opportunity to receive compensation in the form of premium pay such as overtime, shift differential, holiday pay, allowances, etc. Newly hired employees receive up to 15 days of vacation per year, which grows with additional service. For part-timers, your coverage will vary as you may be eligible for some of these benefits depending on your individual circumstances. The salary will vary depending on your location and confirmed job-related skills and experience. This is an incentive based position with the potential to earn more. For part-time roles, your compensation will be adjusted to reflect your hours. The annual salary range for the location(s) listed on this job requisition based on a full-time schedule is: $114,000.00 - $219,000.00.