Chief Operating Officer

Washington Intern Student Housing (WISH); Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington Intern Student Housing (WISH) in Washington, DC, seeks a COO to lead daily operations across properties and residential life services.

You will oversee housing assignments, facilities, maintenance, and student programs, work with senior leadership on plans, budgets, and KPIs, and mentor operations teams. This on-site role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication with partner schools and vendors to ensure safe, efficient housing.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience overseeing cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in student housing, hospitality, property management, or higher education services is beneficial.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, or related field; advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations across properties and residential life services.
• Oversee housing assignments, facilities, maintenance, and community programs.
• Partner with senior leadership to develop and implement business plans, optimize processes, and align operations with growth.
• Oversee budgeting and financial performance related to operations and monitor KPIs.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Operational management

Communication

Staff development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Company Description

Washington Intern Student Housing (WISH) is a leading provider of intern housing and residential life services in Washington, D.C., offering an immersive and affordable internship experience. WISH manages one of the largest portfolios of fully furnished row houses, townhomes, and apartments in the nation’s capital, creating safe and active student communities year-round. The organization partners with colleges and universities each semester to provide housing and the Washington Intern Study Experience (WiSE), which integrates academic credit, internships, networking, and community. WISH supports interns with free weekly activities, professional events, and tours, while connecting them to a national alumni network of more than 30,000 former students. This environment helps interns develop professionally and personally, with accessible pathways to secure housing and begin their D.C. journey.

Role Description

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a full-time, on-site role based in Washington, D.C., responsible for overseeing daily operations and ensuring delivery of high-quality intern housing and residential life services. The COO will manage operational workflows across properties, including housing assignments, facilities, maintenance, and community programs, to maintain safe, efficient, and student-focused environments. This role will collaborate closely with senior leadership to develop and implement business plans, optimize processes, and align operations with organizational growth and strategic goals. The COO will oversee budgeting and financial performance related to operations, monitor key performance indicators, and use data to drive improvements. Additional responsibilities include leading and mentoring operational teams, maintaining strong relationships with partner schools and vendors, and ensuring compliance with local regulations and organizational policies.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the office to ensure efficient and effective business operations
• Supervise and direct staff responsible for sales, marketing, administrative, and facilities functions
• Oversee administrative processes to ensure the office operates efficiently
• Foster effective communication and collaboration across departments
• Oversee sales process for programs and individuals to achieve occupancy goals
• Oversee sales, marketing, and social media initiatives, including sourcing prospective leads through weekly news, housing applications, and other outreach efforts
• Direct sales initiatives by establishing and maintaining relationships with prospective and current undergraduate and graduate school clients and partner organizations
• Lead marketing and promotional campaigns across print, digital, and social media platforms
• Oversee the organization of marketing distribution lists and promotional materials
• Maintain regular communication with the maintenance team regarding service requests and property needs
• Be familiar with schools, organizations, and students housed at properties
• Available to be on call as needed
• Assist with tours for any interested in the properties
• Complete special projects as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience overseeing cross-functional teams, with the ability to coach, motivate, and develop staff.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with internal stakeholders, educational partners, vendors, and student residents.
• Experience in student housing, hospitality, property management, or higher education services is highly beneficial.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.