General Manager (New Development)

New Development General ManagerUp Campus Management is hiring a New Development General Manager to oversee the successful launch, lease-up, and ongoing operations of Blume on Ivy, a brand-new, purpose-built student housing community in Charlottesville, Virginia.This role is responsible for the overall performance of the property, including financial results, occupancy and revenue goals, leasing and marketing, facilities management, team leadership, and regulatory compliance. The General Manager plays a critical onsite leadership role in establishing operational standards, preparing the community for opening, and guiding the property through initial lease-up and stabilization.This position is ideal for an experienced student housing professional who thrives in new development environments, understands the complexities of launching a new community, and can balance strategic oversight with hands-on operational leadership.About The RoleThe New Development General Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of property operations while ensuring alignment with the property business plan, ownership expectations, and Up Campus Management standards.This role leads the onsite team and partners closely with regional leadership, corporate departments, and development partners to ensure operational readiness, achieve financial and leasing goals, deliver an exceptional resident experience, and protect the property's long-term value.What You'll Be Responsible ForNew Development Launch & Operational Readiness:Lead onsite operational preparations for the opening of a newly developed student housing communityCoordinate with regional leadership, development partners, and corporate teams to support a successful transition from construction to property operationsEstablish property procedures, staffing plans, resident service standards, and operational workflows ahead of openingOversee initial move-in planning, unit readiness, resident communications, and opening logisticsIdentify and resolve operational challenges throughout pre-opening, initial lease-up, and stabilizationFinancial Performance & NOI Management:Take ownership of the property's financial performance, including Net Operating Income (NOI), occupancy, revenue, and expense managementPrepare and manage annual operating budgets, forecasts, and monthly variance analysesReview financial statements with regional leadership and ownership, identifying opportunities to improve performanceOversee accounts receivable, delinquency, collections, and other financial controlsManage vendor expenses, purchase orders, invoices, and contracts within established spending authorityEvaluate rental rates, concessions, and market conditions to support revenue and occupancy goalsLease-Up Strategy, Marketing & Occupancy Performance:Oversee leasing and marketing performance throughout pre-leasing, active lease-up, and stabilizationPartner with the Leasing & Marketing Manager and corporate teams to implement effective sales, marketing, and occupancy strategiesMonitor leasing traffic, applications, conversions, signed leases, and occupancy trends to identify opportunities for improvementReview competitor activity, market surveys, pricing, and concessions to maintain a competitive positionEnsure leasing practices, prospect follow-up, and property management records are accurate and consistent with company standardsSupport campus and community partnerships that strengthen brand awareness and leasing performanceProperty Operations, Facilities & Resident Experience:Oversee day-to-day property operations to ensure an exceptional prospect and resident experiencePartner with the maintenance team to coordinate preventive maintenance, unit inspections, work orders, and property upkeepOversee vendor and contractor relationships, service quality, and maintenance-related expendituresConduct regular property inspections to maintain appearance, safety, and operational standardsLead move-in, move-out, and annual turnover planning, including scheduling, unit readiness, vendor coordination, and quality controlAddress resident concerns and ensure timely resolution of service issuesTeam Leadership & Development:Recruit, train, supervise, and develop a high-performing onsite property management teamEstablish clear performance expectations, accountability measures, and service standardsConduct regular team meetings, performance evaluations, and individual coaching sessionsCoordinate staffing and operational priorities to support lease-up, opening, and ongoing property operationsFoster a collaborative, service-oriented culture focused on achieving property goalsRisk Management, Compliance & Reporting:Ensure compliance with Fair Housing laws, landlord-tenant regulations, safety requirements, and company policiesMaintain accurate resident files, leases, financial records, and operational documentationOversee property safety inspections, emergency preparedness, incident reporting, and risk mitigationConduct regular audits of property management systems and operational recordsPrepare accurate weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports on occupancy, financial performance, property operations, and key initiativesCommunicate property performance, operational challenges, and strategic recommendations to regional leadership and ownershipWhat We're Looking ForRequired Qualifications:Bachelor's degree or comparable relevant experience in student housing, property management, or a related fieldAt least three years of new development lease-up experience or one year of lease-up experience at a property with 600 or more bedsExperience managing stabilized student housing propertiesDemonstrated experience overseeing property operations, including leasing, resident services, facilities, and team performanceStrong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and Net Operating Income (NOI) managementExperience supervising, coaching, and developing onsite property management teamsWorking knowledge of Entrata or comparable property management softwareKnowledge of Fair Housing requirements, landlord-tenant regulations, and property risk management practicesStrong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skillsPreferred Qualifications:Experience launching a newly developed student housing community through initial lease-up and stabilizationExperience coordinating property opening, operational readiness, initial move-ins, and resident onboardingExperience overseeing large-scale student housing communities with 600 or more bedsExperience managing vendor relationships, maintenance operations, and property turnoverFamiliarity with the Charlottesville student housing market and local university communityExperience preparing financial and operational reports for regional leadership and ownershipThe Ideal Candidate:Results-driven leader who takes ownership of property performance, financial outcomes, and resident satisfactionProactive and adaptable, with the ability to navigate the challenges of opening and stabilizing a new developmentStrong operational and financial decision-maker who balances revenue goals with expense managementHands-on leader who builds, coaches, and holds teams accountableHighly organized and capable of managing competing priorities, deadlines, and property launch milestonesCommitted to delivering an exceptional resident experience while protecting the long-term value of the propertySchedule & Work Environment:Full-time, onsite position in Charlottesville, VirginiaGenerally scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, based on operational needsEvening and occasional weekend availability required, particularly during property opening, move-in, and peak leasing periodsOccasional travel may be requiredExempt positionCompensation & Benefits:Annual base salary of $80,000–$95,000 + Bonus OpportunitiesFlexible PTO and 18 paid holidaysMedical, dental, and vision insuranceHSA option401(k) with 3% employer Safe Harbor contributionEmployer-paid life/AD&D and long-term disability insuranceVoluntary supplemental insuranceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Benefits and bonuses are