Real Estate Specialist at Manulife in Full Time Remote, IL

Job description

The Real Estate Specialist is responsible for the ownership, coordination, compliance, and operational oversight of agricultural real estate assets across North America, managing a broad range of activities associated with the acquisition, ownership, operation, and disposition of assets. The role works closely with Agriculture leadership, VPs, Regional Managers, Ranch Managers, Ranch Administrators, Acquisitions & Dispositions, investment teams, finance, operations, legal, accounting, and other internal and external partners to ensure assets are managed efficiently, compliance obligations are met, risks are appropriately managed, and transaction activities are executed successfully. The position requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to independently manage multiple initiatives across a geographically diverse portfolio. The Real Estate Specialist plays a critical role in preserving asset value, managing risk, maintaining regulatory compliance, and supporting effective transaction execution. The role serves as a central point of coordination across the organization, helping ensure consistency, accountability, and effective management of real estate activities throughout the asset lifecycle. Position Responsibilities: Real Estate Asset Administration Maintain complete and accurate real estate records, including ownership documents, easements, access agreements, licenses, leases, legal descriptions, surveys, title information, and related property files. Coordinate the review, tracking, and management of easements, rights-of-way, boundary matters, access agreements, encroachments, and other property-related issues. Monitor and track real estate obligations, restrictions, and contractual requirements affecting portfolio assets. Support asset managers in addressing property-specific matters as they arise. Appraisal & Valuation Coordination Manage the appraisal process for owned and managed properties. Coordinate engagement of third-party appraisers and maintain appraisal schedules. Collect and organize property information required for valuation activities. Track appraisal deliverables and distribute reports to appropriate stakeholders. Maintain appraisal records and valuation databases. Property Compliance & Risk Management Monitor real estate tax obligations and coordinate with accounting and external parties to help ensure accurate and timely payment of property taxes and assessments. Track regulatory permits, licenses, reporting requirements, and compliance obligations affecting real estate assets. Monitor ongoing litigation, disputes, claims, or regulatory matters affecting portfolio properties and coordinate information requests among legal counsel and internal teams. Support risk management initiatives related to property ownership and operations. Transaction Management & Asset Integration Coordinate with the Acquisition and Disposition team on transaction activities from contract execution through closing and post-closing integration. Support property onboarding activities following acquisitions, including transfer of contracts, permits, licenses, records, and operational documentation. Assist in resolving post-closing matters and outstanding transaction issues. Operational & Cross-Functional Support Assist as needed with property-level due diligence efforts for acquisitions, dispositions, financing activities, and strategic projects. Track real estate licensing and continuing education requirements for applicable managers and licensed personnel. Support internal audits, compliance reviews, and reporting activities. Partner with Health, Safety, and Environmental teams to coordinate required training and compliance initiatives. Prepare reports, presentations, and summaries for management as requested. Support other special projects and initiatives related to portfolio management and real estate operations. Required Qualifications: Education Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business A