Real Estate Appraisal Program Manager

About the role

The Real Estate Appraisal Program Manager leads the City of Charlotte’s appraisal operations, overseeing staff, contracted appraisers, and valuation activities that support property acquisition and major capital projects. This role provides expert guidance on complex appraisal matters, ensures USPAP compliant valuation practices, and collaborates closely with internal partners to deliver accurate, defensible real estate assessments. The position serves as a senior technical authority, shaping appraisal strategy and supporting negotiations, litigation, and long-range portfolio decisions.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and directs the real estate appraisal program, managing appraisal and administrative staff and overseeing property valuations for acquisition and capital projects.
• Engages and manages independent fee appraisers and reviewers, ensuring the credibility and reliability of appraisal reports.
• Makes recommendations to management regarding property acquisitions and appraisals.
• Collaborates with the real estate management team, including Acquisition and Portfolio Management groups.
• Prepares cost estimates for City projects and oversees appraisal requirements for major real estate projects.
• Works closely with internal and external clients, including landowners, engineers, and legal teams, guiding appraisal work according to USPAP, laws, and policies.
• Collaborates with partner departments and consultants to ensure high-quality real estate appraisal services.
• Determines the priority of appraisal and consultant work and assigns tasks to in-house or contract fee appraisers.
• Manages the approval of appraisals and reviews, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Provides guidance and support to appraisers during the appraisal process and accompanies them on difficult assignments.
• Conducts field inspections to assess the cost-benefit of proposed projects and explains appraisal matters to internal stakeholders.
• Communicates with trial attorneys regarding property values and damages, prepares for mediation, and testifies as an expert witness when necessary.
• Reviews project information and works with agents and staff in the Acquisition Section to prepare detailed appraisal assignments.
• Hires, trains, mentors, and evaluates direct reports.
• Performs additional appraisal and property evaluation duties as required.

Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge and experience with condemnation appraisal procedures and before/after analyses.
• Thorough knowledge of various real estate appraisal methods for right-of-way purposes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present information persuasively.
• Considerable knowledge of local real estate markets and public land records.
• Ability to read and understand deeds, instruments of real estate conveyance, and engineering plans.
• Ability to make accurate cost estimates and manage multiple appraisals under pressure.
• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain professional relationships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least seven (7) years of related experience in right-of-way and real estate appraisal work, including four years in supervisory roles.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of related appraisal experience with an Associates Degree, or seven (7) years with a Bachelor’s Degree.
• Required certification as a North Carolina State General Appraiser.