Community Manager - Student Housing

University Partners - Richmond, VA

Full-time - Mid Level

Richmond, VA

Educational Services

About the position

The Community Manager position at University Partners is a pivotal role that encompasses a wide range of responsibilities aimed at ensuring the effective operations and management of student housing properties. This position represents a significant investment by the company and requires a dedicated individual who can oversee various aspects of property management. The Community Manager is tasked with preparing and implementing a comprehensive business-marketing plan for the property each year, which includes setting marketing occupancy goals and projecting expenses. Approval for any expense overages must be obtained prior to incurring additional costs. Maintaining budgeted occupancy levels at the established rental rates is crucial, as is preparing and monitoring the operating budget. The Community Manager is responsible for reporting on the status of the property, including variance and occupancy reports on a monthly basis, and achieving the highest possible Net Operating Income (NOI) through effective cost control and revenue maximization. In addition to financial oversight, the Community Manager is responsible for collecting specified rents, managing delinquent accounts, and filing evictions when necessary. This role also includes direct deposit accounting functions, such as invoicing residents and submitting requests for refund checks. Regular training and weekly meetings for all staff members are essential to ensure that the team is well-informed and aligned with the property’s goals. The Community Manager must supervise the maintenance of buildings and grounds to uphold the community's standards and arrange for necessary alterations and upkeep as approved by the Regional Manager. The hiring, training, and retention of leasing consultants, maintenance staff, and other onsite personnel fall under the Community Manager's purview. Performance evaluations for subordinate associates are also part of the responsibilities. The Community Manager collaborates with Human Resources regarding associate welfare, benefits, and any required disciplinary actions. Additionally, the role involves approving the purchasing of supplies and services for the property, working with the Regional Manager and Maintenance Supervisor on specifications and contracts for major repairs, and addressing resident issues, including disputes and maintenance requests. Developing and implementing resident retention, marketing, and advertising programs are key components of this position, as is responding to after-hours or emergency calls as necessary. The Community Manager plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the community and its employees by monitoring all outputs, including community events, communications, and overall community appearance.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and implement a business-marketing plan for the property each year including marketing occupancy goals.
• Project expenses and obtain approval prior to any expense overage.
• Maintain budgeted occupancy levels at budgeted rental rates.
• Prepare and monitor operating budget and report on status of property such as variance and occupancy reports on a monthly basis.
• Achieve the highest possible NOI through effective cost control and maximizing revenue.
• Collect specified rents, delinquent rents, and file evictions as necessary.
• Direct deposit accounting functions including invoicing residents and submitting requests for refund checks.
• Conduct regular training and weekly meetings for all staff members.
• Supervise maintenance of buildings and grounds to ensure community is kept up to highest standard.
• Responsible for the hiring, training, and retention of leasing consultants, maintenance, groundkeeper personnel, onsite management personnel, and security if required.
• Perform subordinate associates' performance evaluations.
• Work with Human Resources regarding associate welfare, benefits, and any required disciplinary action of subordinates.
• Arrange for and approve purchasing of supplies, services, and goods for use on property.
• Work with Regional Manager and Regional Maintenance Supervisor on specifications and contracts for major repairs.
• Attend to resident issues, including roommate/neighbor disputes, renewal terms, maintenance repairs, etc.
• Develop and implement resident retention, marketing, and advertising programs.
• Respond to after hours or emergency calls as necessary.
• Monitor all output; community events, communication to residents/guarantors, social media, and overall community appearance.
• Approve all leasing activity and ensure Leasing Consultants and Assistant Community Manager are completing required documents correctly.
• Perform Assistant Manager, Account Manager, and Leasing Consultant job as needed.
• Assist with eviction of residents in compliance with court order and directions from Lawyer.
• Create a positive environment for the staff and promote a quality living experience for the residents.
• Understand, comply with, and enforce the Company Safety Policies & Fair Housing Laws.
• Provide recommendations for capital improvements and manage completion of work with approvals given by Company.
• Maintain market knowledge and relationships with competitors. Complete market survey monthly.
• Organize & implement a successful plan for community Move-In and Move-Outs both throughout the year and during the main summer turnover of lease contracts.
• Delegate Entrata data entry to staff for completion of traffic leads, follow up, work orders, leasing applications, and resident data.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, and governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, rent per square foot and other basic algebraic functions.
• Ability to read and understand operating statements and budgets.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of frequently conflicting priorities and distractions while keeping the community running smoothly.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to deal with residents in an empathetic, professional manner.
• A good understanding of customer service concepts and applicability will be necessary in this role.
• Composure/ability to function in time of crisis or emergency situations.
• Computer literate and knowledgeable in Microsoft Word/Excel/Entrata.

Nice-to-haves

• None

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid holidays
• Flexible scheduling
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee discount programs