Director of Property Operations (Student Housing)

Our SelectLeaders client is a private equity real estate investment and operating firm dedicated to delivering superior risk-adjusted returns through diligent analysis and operational expertise. Their specialization lies in the acquisition, repositioning, and management of "core-plus" and "value-add" income-producing properties with an exclusive focus on the dynamic student housing sector.Driven by a seasoned team of industry experts, boasts extensive experience in both the acquisition and management of real estate assets across diverse sectors.They are seeking a Director of Operations to oversee the operational performance of the firm's student housing portfolio through its in-house property management platform. This role will be responsible for ensuring that each property operates efficiently, meets financial and leasing objectives, and delivers a high-quality resident experience.The Director of Operations will supervise the Portfolio Manager and Property Management teams, driving operational excellence across leasing, marketing, maintenance, budgeting, and resident services. This individual will play a key leadership role in implementing operational strategies, improving property performance, and ensuring the consistent execution of company standards across the portfolio.This position requires a hands-on operator with strong leadership, financial, and organizational skills who can effectively bridge property-level execution with corporate objectives.ResponsibilitiesOversee the day-to-day operational performance of the student housing portfolio managed by third party property management ensuring properties meet occupancy, revenue, and operational targetsSupervise and support the Portfolio Manager and Property Managers, providing guidance on leasing strategy, operations, budgeting, and property performanceMonitor key performance indicators including occupancy, pre-leasing velocity, rental rates, concessions, delinquency, operating expenses, and NOIReview weekly operational reports and monthly financial statements to evaluate property performance and identify areas for improvementWork closely with the accounting team to review budget vs. actual performance and implement strategies to improve financial resultsLead the development and oversight of annual operating budgets and forecasts for the property portfolioOversee leasing and marketing strategies across the portfolio to ensure properties remain competitive within their respective marketsConduct regular site visits to properties to evaluate operational standards, leasing performance, maintenance quality, and resident experienceDevelop and implement operational processes, procedures, and best practices across the portfolio to improve efficiency and consistencyOversee staffing, hiring, onboarding, training, and development of property management teamsProvide leadership and performance management for onsite teams including Property Managers, Leasing Managers, and operational staffCoordinate with vendors, contractors, and service providers to ensure quality performance and cost efficiencyAssist with operational onboarding and transition of newly acquired properties into the management platformPrepare operational performance reports and portfolio updates for senior leadershipMonitor market conditions, competitive properties, and industry trends to inform operational and leasing strategiesSupport cross-department collaboration with acquisitions, asset management, accounting, and investor relations teamsOther: Be willing to aid in any other office matters which may arise outside of your scope of responsibilitiesExcellent organizational and time management skillsStrong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop property management teamsAbility to operate effectively in a fast-paced and entrepreneurial environmentQualificationsBachelor's degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Finance, or a related field5-7 years of experience in property management or real estate operations, with experience overseeing multiple properties or a portfolioStrong understanding of multifamily and/or student housing operations, including leasing, budgeting, and property performanceExperience leading and developing property management teamsProficiency in property management software such as Entrata, Excel, or similar systemsStrong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skillsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentWillingness to travel periodically to portfolio propertiesEnglish and Spanish preferredBenefits10 days PTO/Vacation first year, with 2-day increments per year up to a max of 15 daysHolidays: Major Federal HolidaysHealth, Dental, and Vision InsuranceWe may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.