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.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operational performance of the student housing portfolio managed by third party property management ensuring properties meet occupancy, revenue, and operational targets.
• Supervise and support the Portfolio Manager and Property Managers, providing guidance on leasing strategy, operations, budgeting, and property performance.
• Monitor key performance indicators including occupancy, pre-leasing velocity, rental rates, concessions, delinquency, operating expenses, and NOI.
• Review weekly operational reports and monthly financial statements to evaluate property performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Work closely with the accounting team to review budget vs. actual performance and implement strategies to improve financial results.
• Lead the development and oversight of annual operating budgets and forecasts for the property portfolio.
• Oversee leasing and marketing strategies across the portfolio to ensure properties remain competitive within their respective markets.
• Conduct regular site visits to properties to evaluate operational standards, leasing performance, maintenance quality, and resident experience.
• Develop and implement operational processes, procedures, and best practices across the portfolio to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Oversee staffing, hiring, onboarding, training, and development of property management teams.
• Provide leadership and performance management for onsite teams including Property Managers, Leasing Managers, and operational staff.
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and service providers to ensure quality performance and cost efficiency.
• Assist with operational onboarding and transition of newly acquired properties into the management platform.
• Prepare operational performance reports and portfolio updates for senior leadership.
• Monitor market conditions, competitive properties, and industry trends to inform operational and leasing strategies.
• Support cross-department collaboration with acquisitions, asset management, accounting, and investor relations teams.

Other:

• Be willing to aid in any other office matters which may arise outside of your scope of responsibilities.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop property management teams.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and entrepreneurial environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Finance, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in property management or real estate operations, with experience overseeing multiple properties or a portfolio.
• Strong understanding of multifamily and/or student housing operations, including leasing, budgeting, and property performance.
• Experience leading and developing property management teams.
• Proficiency in property management software such as Entrata, Excel, or similar systems.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel periodically to portfolio properties.
• English and Spanish preferred.

Benefits

• 10 days PTO/Vacation first year, with 2-day increments per year up to a max of 15 days.
• Holidays: Major Federal Holidays.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.