Vice President of Property Management

Who we are

Fairlawn is a rapidly growing real estate industry leader with approximately 5,500 units and 145 dedicated team members. With corporate offices in both Champaign, Illinois, and Chicago, our team is led by seasoned executives who excel in the acquisition, development, and management of a diverse range of properties across multiple regions in the Midwest. At Fairlawn, we believe in fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment where every team member can thrive and contribute to our shared success.

Job Overview

As the Vice President 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 Champaign, 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!

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, high energy, and a positive attitude are essential
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other team members
• Willingness to work overtime as needed during high-demand periods and capacity shortages

Why should you work here?

• Competitive Pay + Bonus Opportunity. 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 to 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

Some additional things you will need:

• Valid driver’s license and dependable vehicle. Limited in-town usage of personal vehicle for errands. Any out-of-county personal mileage reimbursed at the Federal rate
• Ability to travel to properties and for corporate meetings and events. Most travel will be flexible day trips and self-scheduled; however, some trips will require overnight stays and occasional last-minute travel
• Availability to work longer hours and weekends during prime leasing season and turnover. Specific dates vary from year to year

Must be able to complete the physical functions of the position which include:

• Execute 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
• Walk and inspect properties and units, mostly indoors with occasional outdoor requirements
• 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
• The job is performed mostly indoors in a traditional office setting. Activities include extended periods of sitting while working at a computer and fast-paced operations and events

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.

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.

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