We are seeking a highly motivated Lease-up Specialist to join our awesome team at Fairlawn Real Estate! The ideal candidate will embody Fairlawn’s core values: Be Kind, Own It, Be Flexible, and Always Improve.

Based in Champaign, IL, this Fairlawn team member will be accountable for ensuring the successful lease-up of our new construction and large-scale renovation properties. The ideal Lease-up Specialist candidate will be a creative self-starter radiating positivity, who can problem-solve and adjust marketing and sales approaches, as necessary.

What will you do?

• Exemplify the core values of Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It and Always Improve
• Manage day-to-day leasing operations for new construction and large-scale renovation projects
• Ensure seamless coordination between leasing and construction teams by managing unit availability and leasing schedules in tandem with construction and project managers.
• Engage prospective residents with comprehensive virtual and in-person tours of properties (including new developments still under construction). Explain features and amenities in a way that sparks their interest and highlights the benefits of living there
• Market all available units through approved channels, ensuring all listings are accurate, appealing and drawing traffic
• Proactively identify and recommend creative sales and marketing tactics to attract potential tenants, maintain closing ratios and meet or exceed budgeted occupancy
• Review and approve rental applications in compliance with set guidelines
• Prepare, review, and execute leases, making certain that all documents are accurate and executed in a timely manner
• Work cross functionally: form relationships, collaborate and problem solve issues with other departments as needed (e.g., Talent Management, Property Management, Marketing & Sales, Acquisitions, Project Management, Accounting)
• Own the delivery of excellent customer service via all front-line channels (walk ins, phone, email, text)
• Prepare move-in paperwork, confirm residences are move-in ready and ensure new residents are satisfied with their housing
• Assist Senior Managers with setting market rents, defining leasing goals and the renewals process
• Contribute to online content for property listings, property websites and social media
• Become knowledgeable on our properties versus competition and effectively communicate features to customers and clients
• Learn and ensure compliance with all Fair Housing Laws including local, state, and federal housing regulations (We provide training)
• Pivot, roll up your sleeves and jump in where needed!

Travel Required: Yes, Fuel your career with travel and growth! 50-75% of your time will be spent visiting properties across the Midwest, starting in Champaign-Urbana & Bloomington-Normal (Illinois) and Avon (Indiana). As we expand, so will your opportunities in this dynamic company.

Why should you work here?

• Competitive Pay: both base and variable compensation. We are ready to invest in you!
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance - Starting First Day of Employment - to access care for positive health outcomes and your overall wellbeing
• Employee sponsored benefits including Short Term Disability, Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, Flexible Spending, and H.S.A. Accounts to avoid costly medical expenses due to gaps and ensure that all your medical needs are met
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Match to invest in your future wealth and retirement
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holiday Pay to help you reset and come back rejuvenated and refreshed
• Monthly company events to promote team cohesion
• Wellness Days to focus on being your best self. We want you to have time to disconnect and recharge in a way that works for you
• The opportunity to work for a growing organization where you are valued and can have a direct impact
• Quarterly off-site meetings with your manager to celebrate wins, issue solve and ensure you are set up for success. Plus, the process is rewarding, and the results are great for your career

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

• Have at least three years of sales experience
• Have a bachelor's degree OR three years (in addition to sales experience) of leasing, property management or real estate experience.
• Have previous experience in new construction lease-ups (preferred)
• Are proficient with relevant technology (e.g. Microsoft Office, AppFolio, Outlook) and can easily adapt to changing technology
• Demonstrate superior attention to detail, high energy, and a positive attitude
• Have an ability to give and receive real-time feedback with a positive mindset
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Have an ability to work independently and also to work closely with other team members
• Embody our core values: Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It and Always Improve

Some additional things you will need:

• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Limited in-town usage of personal vehicle for errands, any out-of-County personal mileage reimbursed at the Federal rate
• Availability to work Saturdays & Sundays
• Availability to work longer hours and weekends during department and company peak seasons
• To serve as one of the emergency contacts for the community
• Must be able to perform the physical functions of the position, not limited to: ability to walk properties and work in and around construction sites, ability to sit for long periods of time at a computer, complete physical inspections and deliver resident communications

Physical Requirements:

• Execute on tasks independently, maintain concentration/focus on tasks.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• The ability to communicate orally with customers, vendors, management, and other co-workers.
• Occasionally moving objects up to 15 pounds around the office.
• Regular use of the telephone and e-mail for communication is essential.
• Hearing, vision, and speaking within normal ranges is essential for normal conversations, to receive ordinary information and to prepare or inspect documents.
• Good reasoning ability is important. Able to understand and utilize management reports, memos, and other documents to conduct business.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another. Includes but not limited to driving motor vehicle, standing, sitting, walking, and climbing stairs.

Fairlawn Real Estate is a fast-growing real estate firm managing approximately 5,000 units throughout Central Illinois and Indianapolis. Our company uses the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to run and help grow our business – the tools from EOS contribute to finding the right people and putting them in the right roles, effectively solving issues as they arise and building a culture of accountability. In short it gets everyone on the same page and working toward the same goals. If you have an ownership mindset and take pride in all the details, joining our team may be perfect for you!

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

INDMP