Director, Specialty Leasing and Brand Partnerships

Position Title: Director, Specialty Leasing and Brand Partnerships

Location: 2 Locations

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

Req ID: R279-2025

Description:

Kimco Realty is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Director of Specialty Leasing and Brand Partnerships, which may alternatively be based out of our Jericho, NY, Philadelphia, PA or Washington, D.C. locations, to lead ancillary revenue-generating initiatives across our premier Lifestyle Collection assets. Reporting to the VP of Marketing & Communications, this role focuses on developing and executing strategies to maximize income from key categories such as sponsorships, brand activations, advertising, temporary leasing, and unique pop-up concepts. This role is pivotal in enhancing the value of Kimco’s Lifestyle Collection assets and establishing Kimco as a premier partner for high-profile brands.

The ideal candidate will bring expertise in managing specialty leasing and marketing programs at high-end retail or mixed-use properties, with a strong background in sponsorships and strategic brand partnerships. Additionally, the role requires operational rigor, including managing contracts, documentation, and cross-departmental collaboration to ensure successful execution.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy

• Develop and execute innovative specialty leasing strategies, including naming rights, sponsorships, event/brand activations, static and digital ad sales, vending, and temporary/pop-up leasing concepts.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with high-profile brands, agencies, and local businesses to secure long-term sponsorship agreements aligned with the Lifestyle Collection’s vision.
• Audit and ensure all programs and partnerships uphold the premium brand positioning of the centers.
• Create scalable frameworks to extend successful sponsorship and leasing programs across other Lifestyle or non-Lifestyle centers.
• Benchmark against other high-end centers to identify missed opportunities and maintain competitive positioning.
• Stay informed about industry trends and emerging opportunities in specialty leasing and brand partnerships to keep Kimco ahead of the curve.

Execution

• Lead negotiations for specialty leasing agreements, ensuring optimal financial outcomes and alignment with brand goals.
• Manage contracts, documentation, and legal workflows in collaboration with the legal department.
• Partner with the construction department to define scopes of work, budgets for tenant improvements, and monitor build-out progress post-lease execution.
• Leverage technology, including Salesforce CRM, for lead capture, deal evaluation, approvals, and leasing pipeline reporting.

Collaboration

• Facilitate cross-departmental alignment to integrate specialty leasing efforts with broader operational and strategic goals.
• Work closely with the Lifestyle marketing team to promote sponsorship opportunities and ensure cohesive messaging.
• Collaborate with tenants on co-marketing initiatives or joint sponsorship opportunities that drive mutual success.
• Partner with the VP of Specialty Leasing and property management leadership to inform the selection and implementation of advertising infrastructure such as digital kiosks, large format screens and other assets.
• Collaborate with regional Specialty Leasing Directors on revenue opportunities that fall under existing national programs (i.e., EV Charging)
• Provide regular reporting on revenue generated from specialty leasing and sponsorship initiatives, offering insights and recommendations for growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field; or equivalent, relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in specialty leasing, sponsorships, or marketing partnerships within high-end retail or mixed-use properties, with established industry relationships.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful sponsorship and specialty leasing programs.
• Strong negotiation, sales, and relationship management skills.
• Proficiency with Salesforce CRM, marketing platforms, and leasing technology is a plus.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and results-driven professional with strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to travel regularly within the lifestyle portfolio

Compensation

The role offers a competitive compensation package, including a base salary, commission structure, and comprehensive benefits, with opportunities for professional growth and development.

About Us:

Kimco's mission is to create destinations for everyday living that inspire a sense of community and deliver value to our many stakeholders.

Kimco Realty® (NYSE: KIM) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) and leading owner and operator of high-quality, open-air, grocery-anchored shopping centers and mixed-use properties in the United States. The company’s portfolio is strategically concentrated in the first-ring suburbs of the top major metropolitan markets, including high-barrier-to-entry coastal markets and rapidly expanding Sun Belt cities. Its tenant mix is focused on essential, necessity-based goods and services that drive multiple shopping trips per week.

Publicly traded on the NYSE since 1991 and included in the S&P 500 Index, the company has specialized in shopping center ownership, management, acquisitions, and value-enhancing redevelopment activities for more than 65 years. With a proven commitment to corporate responsibility, Kimco Realty is a recognized industry leader in this area. As of December 31, 2024, the company owned interests in 568 U.S. shopping centers and mixed-use assets comprising 101 million square feet of gross leasable space.

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