Property Operations Specialist

Property Operations Specialist

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 6,000 units and $900 million in assets under management, Fairlawn has established a strong presence across Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. We are actively expanding into additional Midwest markets.

The new team member will join a team of support specialists and be accountable for being an expert in our property management process and providing key operational support across the Fairlawn Portfolio. The Property Operations Specialist position will be based out of our Corporate Office in Champaign, IL, with expected travel throughout Central Illinois, Indianapolis, IN, and Louisville, KY.

What will you do?

• Exemplify our core values of Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It and Always Improve
• Serve as an expert in our Property Management Process
• Align with on-site Property Managers to train new team members in Leasing, Resident Services, Facilities Management and Accounts Receivable
• Serve as a leader in our company among our teams
• Lead and Facilitate company training as needed
• Complete special assignments and projects directly impacting property management teams across the Fairlawn portfolio to ensure operational efficiency and financial performance
• 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 exceptional customer service and serve as an ambassador of the Fairlawn brand
• Assist in property onboarding tasks across different departments of the organization both before and after close
• 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!
• Additional monthly or quarterly incentive pay for meeting goals and supporting property performance
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance 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
• 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

Requirements

Who you are – We'd love to hear from you if you:

• Have at least three years of property management or industry-level experience
• Have at least one year of management experience, preferably in property management
• Have previous leasing & sales experience
• Demonstrate the ability to pivot and work at a variety of different settings
• 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
• 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 demonstrated experience coaching and training successful teams
• 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 by car, roughly 30% total out of state and 45% to our IL locations
• Must be able to perform the physical functions of the position, including but not limited to: 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.

Depending on the role requirements, offers of employment may be contingent upon one or more of the following: employment history verification, criminal background check, motor vehicle record check, education verification, or credit check.

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.