Senior Director of Property Management

Description

Who we are

Fairlawn is a vertically integrated firm specializing in real estate investment, management, and development. Based in Chicago and Champaign, Illinois, we have a more than 10-year track record in value-add projects, development, student housing, and build-to-rent communities. With a portfolio of approximately 5,600 units and $700 million in assets under management, Fairlawn has established a strong presence across Illinois and Indianapolis. We are actively expanding into additional Midwest markets. 

Job Overview

As the Senior Director of Property Management, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our diverse property portfolio, encompassing residential, commercial, and student housing assets. Based in either Champaign or Chicago, this high-impact leadership position offers the opportunity to drive significant operational and financial performance improvements, while fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will lead and mentor a large, cross-functional team, champion strategic initiatives, and ensure our properties set the standard for quality and compliance.

What will you do? 

• Exemplify the core values of Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It and Always Improve
• Lead, manage, and hold accountable large, cross-functional property management teams
• Foster a high-performance culture emphasizing teamwork, collaboration, and accountability
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategic plans for property operations, including optimization of existing processes as well as building and leading the implementation of new processes, establishing goals, objectives, and key performance indicators
• Address underperforming properties and improve operational efficiency by identifying issues, implementing solutions, and driving sustainable results
• Develop and execute a comprehensive staffing plan to optimize staffing levels and support the growth and operational needs of the property management portfolio
• Recruit, develop, and retain top talent within the Property Management Department fostering a culture of excellence and high performance
• Optimize property performance through effective lease administration, rent collection, and resident retention strategies
• Develop and manage property budgets and financial forecasts; monitor and analyze financial performance and identify opportunities for improvement
• Implement best practices for property maintenance, repairs, and capital improvements
• Travel to existing properties on a regular basis to connect with our front-line teams, identify potential areas for improvement and implement action plans for sustained high performance
• Assist with managing the due diligence and closing processes, including the review and analysis of leases, operating information, legal documentation, property condition assessments and other property-related information
• Participate on our Senior Leadership Team, collaborating with leaders across various disciplines to address issues and drive the company’s strategic priorities  
• Leverage technology to streamline operations and improve efficiency
• Ensure compliance with all Fair Housing Laws including local, state, and federal housing regulations 
• Pivot, roll up your sleeves and jump in where needed!

Requirements

Who you are – We’d love to hear from you if you have the following: 

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (finance, marketing, business, economics, engineering) is required, with a graduate degree being a plus
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in a professional setting, including a minimum of 7 years in real estate (preferably in multi-family property management, but also in development or asset management)
• Proven team leadership experience with at least 5 years in direct people management, including experience overseeing managers who lead their own teams
• Senior leadership experience at another company, demonstrating a track record of driving significant improvements and strategic initiatives
• In-depth knowledge of the multi-family property management industry, including current market trends, best practices, and regulatory requirements
• Strong financial acumen and analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of effectively conveying complex information to diverse stakeholders
• Proficiency with relevant technology, including property management software and Microsoft Office Suite (intermediate to advanced Excel skills). The ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and drive tech-enabled efficiencies
• Superior attention to detail, h