Property Operations Manager

Summary

University Center is a unique 1700+ bed multi-use student housing complex located in the heart of downtown with academic year residents from 5 master leased universities along with individual leasing, a full-service on-site dining center and market, as well as retail tenants. During the summer, the building transforms into a short-term stay and hoteling facility for interns, groups, corporate clients, and more. With 150+ staff and several departments, University Center is truly a unique and rewarding experience with many areas to learn and grow!

We are seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Property Operations Manager to join our Operations Department. The ideal candidate will have an understanding of student housing management principles and a demonstrated ability to lead leasing and marketing efforts.

Business Expertise

• Proven track record of success in sales, finance, and/or management within the multi-family housing, hospitality, or retail industries.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and maintain exceptional customer service relationships with a diverse clientele.
• Proven expertise in crafting and executing effective online and social media advertising campaigns, complemented by on-site marketing strategies.
• Demonstrated proficiency in creating engaging graphics, flyers, and other promotional materials that resonate with target audiences.
• Proficient in a wide range of property management software systems, ensuring seamless management of Property Operations.
• Self-motivated and highly organized individual with a proven ability to take initiative, manage responsibilities, and lead projects to completion, both independently and as a collaborative team player.
• Adaptable and capable of prioritizing tasks effectively under pressure in fast-paced and ever-changing environments.

What You’ll Do

Leasing & Marketing Management

• Oversee the leasing process for individual units (approximately 100-200 beds annually), incorporating marketing strategies, relationship building, and collaboration with university partners.
• Maintain active and engaging social media platforms and web pages for the property, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information, and actively manage the property's online reputation.
• Conduct informative and engaging tours for prospective residents, including summer housing options, for both individuals and groups, as well as university partners and other clients.
• Develop and implement comprehensive annual leasing and marketing plans for individual leasing units, encompassing strategic initiatives, creative campaigns, and targeted outreach.
• Oversee the execution of building-wide marketing strategies in collaboration with all relevant departments, ensuring a cohesive and effective brand presence.
• Provide comprehensive marketing and branding support for all departments, including social and on-site advertising, collateral creation, promotional product ordering, and outreach leasing initiatives.
• Work with all departments on their communication, marketing, and promotional needs. Oversee marketing and brand management efforts for the property including online advertising, collateral creation, promotional product ordering, etc. for outreach leasing, on-campus renewal efforts, summer housing, residence life programming, and more.
• Accurately prepare and have a thorough knowledge of all lease-related paperwork and processes, including managing annual updates.

Financial Management

• Effectively manage resident delinquency, collection processes, and reporting, ensuring timely resolution of outstanding balances.
• Accurately track and manage leasing concessions and marketing spend, ensuring optimal resource allocation and cost control.
• Post and audit all resident charges and payments in a timely manner, maintaining accurate and up-to-date property management system records.
• Monitor the timely receipt and reconciliation of collections, including distribution of notices, outreach, filing of evictions, bad debt follow-up, and other necessary procedures.
• Achieve the highest possible net operating income through the implementation of effective cost-control measures and revenue enhancement strategies, identifying trends and recommending appropriate adjustments.

Operations & Administration

• Manage and oversee the implementation of 3rd party renter's insurance policies and compliance for all individual leased residents.
• Accurately prepare and convey all leasing, operational, and financial data and reports, ensuring timely and comprehensive communication with relevant stakeholders.
• Complete weekly, monthly, and quarterly Peak reporting (lease file audits, risk analysis, etc.), providing timely and insightful data for informed decision-making.
• Demonstrate responsiveness and receptivity to the needs, goals, and objectives of residents, team members, and investors, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Work closely with the Housing Team to ensure maximum house bed occupancy while maintaining compliance with master lease agreements and accommodating summer client needs.
• Assist with move-out/in processes and large-scale property events, ensuring smooth transitions and seamless operations.
• Perform various administrative tasks as needed or as directed and any additional responsibilities as required.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s Degree or high school diploma/equivalent with additional courses/experience.
• Minimum two years full-time applicable experience in sales and leasing, property management, or finance/collections/customer service experience in real estate, hospitality, or retail industries.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional customer service skills with a proven track record of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
• Must be willing to obtain required Illinois Leasing license within 120 days.

Physical Requirements

• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery (i.e., phone, copy machine, etc.)
• The person in this position frequency communicates with students and parents. Must be able to exchange accurate information.

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