What are the responsibilities and job description for the New Development Specialist - Student Housing position at University Partners?
About University Partners
University Partners is a leading owner, operator and manager of student housing communities across the U.S., overseeing more than 25,000 beds across 50 properties. We are focused on delivering exceptional living experiences and building connected communities across the country. We combine innovation, people-first leadership, and a genuine passion for student success to create environments where residents and teams thrive.
Position Overview
We’re looking for a hands-on, dynamic leader who’s passionate about student housing and thrives on driving leasing performance. The Manager of New Development & National Leasing Specialist supports new development and leasing teams across multiple markets, providing on-the-ground leadership, training, and operational excellence. This role offers extensive travel opportunities and the chance to make a direct impact on University Partners’ national portfolio.
What You’ll Do
University Partners is a leading owner, operator and manager of student housing communities across the U.S., overseeing more than 25,000 beds across 50 properties. We are focused on delivering exceptional living experiences and building connected communities across the country. We combine innovation, people-first leadership, and a genuine passion for student success to create environments where residents and teams thrive.
Position Overview
We’re looking for a hands-on, dynamic leader who’s passionate about student housing and thrives on driving leasing performance. The Manager of New Development & National Leasing Specialist supports new development and leasing teams across multiple markets, providing on-the-ground leadership, training, and operational excellence. This role offers extensive travel opportunities and the chance to make a direct impact on University Partners’ national portfolio.
What You’ll Do
- Drive pre-leasing performance through effective virtual and hard-hat tours, proactive lead nurturing, follow-up strategies, and early lease conversions
- Collaborate closely with marketing teams to execute pre-opening campaigns, digital outreach, university-focused promotions, and launch events that generate awareness and traffic before construction is complete
- Build and maintain relationships with universities, student organizations, local businesses, and community partners to strengthen referral pipelines ahead of opening
- Monitor market dynamics, competitor lease-ups, pricing shifts, absorption rates, and construction timelines to influence pre-lease strategy and pacing
- Ensure pre-leasing offices, temporary model spaces, renderings, digital tours, and the overall prospect experience reflect a polished, accurate, and compelling vision of the future community
- Provide flexible support across new development assets during critical phases such as pre-leasing launch, delivery of units, hard-hat tour setup, and initial move-ins
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related field preferred (high school diploma required)
- 4 years of experience in new development lease up within the student housing industry, across multiple properties and markets strongly preferred
- Knowledge and proven success in sales methodology: building rapport, overcoming objections, and closing the deal
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
- Experience with Entrata software preferred
- A motivated closer who thrives on setting and achieving goals
- A natural mentor who builds strong, supportive relationships
- Detail-oriented, organized, and adaptable to changing needs
- Energetic and collaborative, with a passion for creating great resident experiences
- A road warrior who enjoys hands-on engagement and travel