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 5,500 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.

We are seeking a highly motivated Property Operations Manager to join our awesome team! The ideal candidate will embody Fairlawn’s core values: Be Kind, Own It, Be Flexible, and Always Improve. The Property Operations Manager will lead a centralized team who provide key operational support to properties across Fairlawn and will be accountable for being an expert in our property management, property onboarding, and property offboarding processes. The position, reporting to the Head of Property Management, will be based out of our Corporate Office in Champaign, IL with expected travel throughout the portfolio which currently includes properties throughout Central Illinois and Indianapolis, IN.

What will you do?

• Exemplify our core values of Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It and Always Improve
• Lead and manage a team of Property Operations Specialists which includes coordinating work, prioritizing tasks, and allocating responsibilities between staff and self accordingly
• Train new team members in Leasing, Resident Services, Facilities Management and Accounts Receivable
• Oversee Property Onboarding and Offboarding procedures
• Work cross functionally: form relationships, collaborate and problem solve issues with other departments as needed (e.g., Human Resources, Marketing & Sales, Facilities Management, Acquisitions, Project Management, Accounting)
• Assist Property Onboarding Manager in setting up and staffing new Leasing Offices to ensure the on-site teams are fully functional as of day of closing
• Provide supplemental on-site and virtual staffing support during the onboarding phase of a new property (usually 90 days post-closing)
• Train a team of Property Operations Specialists to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job duties effectively
• Dispatch and schedule Property Support tickets
• Serve as an expert in our Property Management Process
• Provide flex on-site or off-site support to teams as needed, including filling in for roles during capacity gaps, property onboarding and augmenting capacity during high demand times
• Provide support on frontline operations including answering calls, scheduling appointments, handling resident requests, showing residences to prospective residents, and providing any needed administrative support
• Provide a great customer experience through outstanding service and cost consciousness
• 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!

Why should you work here?

• Competitive Pay. 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 five to seven years of property management and leasing experience
• Have at least three years of experience successfully supervising a team
• Have a High School diploma or GED (bachelor’s degree preferred but not required)
• Are proficient with relevant technology (e.g. Microsoft Office, AppFolio, Outlook) and can easily adapt to changing technology
• Have experience working with financials, budgets, customer service, and sales skills
• Have demonstrated experience coaching and training successful teams
• 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
• Can work independently and also 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:

• Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation
• Availability to work longer hours and weekends during peak times including onboarding new properties and summer turnover
• Ability to travel and work outside your home office often on short notice
• Must be able to complete the physical functions of the position, not limited to: the ability to sit for long periods of time at a computer and extensive keyboarding, ability to walk properties, complete physical inspections, deliver resident communications and show properties

We are seeking candidates who demonstrate a strong alignment with the requirements listed above. While meeting all qualifications is preferred, we understand that exceptional candidates may bring comparable experience and skills to the table including prior experience at Fairlawn. We value diversity of thought and experience, and we are committed to considering all applicants [internal and external] and to identifying and selecting the most qualified applicant for the role.

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