What are the responsibilities and job description for the Property Manager for Galewood Residential position at Novak Construction?
Location: Chicago, IL (Onsite, Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm)
Position Overview
Galewood Residential is seeking a Property Manager to oversee operations of our brand-new residential community as it transitions from construction to full occupancy. This is an exciting opportunity for a detail-oriented and customer-focused professional to take a new development through its initial build-out phase, assist with the property’s readiness, and establish operational excellence prior to and during lease-up.
The position will begin in January, with the building’s hard opening scheduled for early spring. During the first year, leasing will be managed by our lease-up partner. The Property Manager will focus on operational setup, resident experience, and vendor coordination, with leasing responsibilities added after the first year.
About Novak Construction & Galewood Residential
Novak Construction, founded in 1980 and headquartered in Chicago, is a premier national general contractor, developer, and construction management firm. Novak specializes in delivering complex, high-profile projects across retail, industrial, institutional, healthcare, and mixed-use sectors. With decades of experience and a strong commitment to quality and community, Novak has expanded its portfolio to include residential developments that reflect its dedication to craftsmanship, long-term value, and resident satisfaction.
Galewood Residential, owned and developed by Novak Construction, is a new multifamily community featuring a 125-unit modern apartment building and 25 spacious townhomes located in Chicago’s Galewood neighborhood. Developed and managed by an experienced residential team, Galewood Residential combines elevated living with community-focused design. Our mission is to create a well-managed, welcoming, and pet-friendly environment for residents from the very first day of occupancy.
Key Responsibilities
Novak Construction provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.
Position Overview
Galewood Residential is seeking a Property Manager to oversee operations of our brand-new residential community as it transitions from construction to full occupancy. This is an exciting opportunity for a detail-oriented and customer-focused professional to take a new development through its initial build-out phase, assist with the property’s readiness, and establish operational excellence prior to and during lease-up.
The position will begin in January, with the building’s hard opening scheduled for early spring. During the first year, leasing will be managed by our lease-up partner. The Property Manager will focus on operational setup, resident experience, and vendor coordination, with leasing responsibilities added after the first year.
About Novak Construction & Galewood Residential
Novak Construction, founded in 1980 and headquartered in Chicago, is a premier national general contractor, developer, and construction management firm. Novak specializes in delivering complex, high-profile projects across retail, industrial, institutional, healthcare, and mixed-use sectors. With decades of experience and a strong commitment to quality and community, Novak has expanded its portfolio to include residential developments that reflect its dedication to craftsmanship, long-term value, and resident satisfaction.
Galewood Residential, owned and developed by Novak Construction, is a new multifamily community featuring a 125-unit modern apartment building and 25 spacious townhomes located in Chicago’s Galewood neighborhood. Developed and managed by an experienced residential team, Galewood Residential combines elevated living with community-focused design. Our mission is to create a well-managed, welcoming, and pet-friendly environment for residents from the very first day of occupancy.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee transition of property from construction site to operational residential community
- Set up leasing office and ensure readiness for opening
- Coordinate with facilities and vendors to establish essential services (internet, pest control, snow removal, etc.)
- Manage building systems, including door fob access and vendor connectivity
- Collaborate with vendor during lease-up phase; prepare leases, approve applications, and coordinate move-ins once residents are approved
- Assign parking, distribute tenant notices, and handle resident communications
- Supervise on-site Facilities Manager
- Maintain accurate records in property management software (AppFolio preferred)
- Ensure excellent customer service and resolve resident concerns professionally and promptly
- Enforce lease terms and community policies while maintaining a positive resident experience
- Partner with ownership and leadership to proactively identify and implement operational solutions
- 3–5 years of residential property management experience preferred
- Experience managing new construction or lease-up properties a plus
- Proficiency with AppFolio (or similar systems such as Yardi)
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Customer-focused and solutions-oriented mindset
- Ability to lead staff and manage vendor relationships effectively
- Capable of enforcing lease terms while maintaining positive resident relations
- Familiarity with leasing processes and renewals (experience in leasing is a plus)
- Must be comfortable working in a pet-friendly environment (dogs on site)
- $75,000 base salary plus commission for new leases and renewals
- Eligible for a performance-based bonus as part of our annual performance review process
- Comprehensive benefits package includes:
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- Complimentary disability, life and AD&D insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Accident and critical Illness insurance
- Complimentary Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Novak Construction provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.
Salary : $75,000