Community Manager - Student Housing

University Partners; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

University Partners in Columbia, SC is seeking a Community Manager to oversee the operations of a residential property, driving occupancy and NOI while coordinating marketing, budgeting, and staff supervision.

The role requires strong leadership, budgeting, and customer service, with emphasis on compliance, move-ins/outs, and a well-maintained community. Experience in property management is valued, and a collaborative approach is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in property management or related field is preferred.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with a focus on customer service.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and implement a business-marketing plan for the property including occupancy goals.
• Monitor budgeted occupancy levels and report variances monthly.
• Supervise staff and oversee leasing, maintenance, and resident relations.
• Handle resident issues, move-ins/move-outs, and ensure compliance with policies.

Skills

Budget management

Marketing planning

Team leadership

Customer service

Negotiation

Operational planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Word/Excel/Entrata

Job description

Job Purpose

The Community Manager position encompasses a wide range of duties. The Associate is responsible for the operations and management of the property, which represents a major investment by the Company.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare and implement a business-marketing plan for the property each year including marketing occupancy goals
• Project expenses and obtain approval prior to any expense overage
• Responsible for maintaining budgeted occupancy levels at budgeted rental rates
• Prepare and monitor operating budget and report on status of property such as variance and occupancy reports on a monthly basis
• Responsible for achieving the highest possible NOI through effective cost control and maximizing revenue
• Collect specified rents, delinquent rents, and file evictions as necessary
• Direct deposit accounting functions including invoicing residents and submitting requests for refund checks
• Conduct regular training and weekly meetings for all staff members
• Arrange for alterations, maintenance upkeep, and/or reconditioning of property as needed and approved by Regional Manager
• Supervise maintenance of buildings and grounds to ensure community is kept up to highest standard
• Responsible for the hiring, training, and retention of leasing consultants, maintenance, groundkeeper personnel, onsite management personnel, and security if required
• Perform subordinate associates’ performance evaluations
• Work with Human Resources regarding associate welfare, benefits, and any required disciplinary action of subordinates
• Arrange for and approve purchasing of supplies, services, and goods for use on property. Work with Regional Manager and Regional Maintenance Supervisor on specifications and contracts for major repairs
• Attend to resident issues, including roommate/neighbor disputes, renewal terms, maintenance repairs, etc.
• Develop and implement resident retention, marketing, and advertising programs
• Respond to after hours or emergency calls as necessary
• Work to maintain integrity of community and its employees by monitoring all output; community events, communication to residents/guarantors, social media, and overall community appearance
• Approve all leasing activity and ensure Leasing Consultants and Assistant Community Manager are completing required documents correctly
• Perform Assistant Manager, Account Manager, and Leasing Consultant job as needed
• Assist with eviction of residents in compliance with court order and directions from Lawyer
• Create a positive environment for the staff and promotes a quality living experience for the residents
• Understand, comply with, and enforce the Company Safety Policies & Fair Housing Laws
• Provide recommendations for capital improvements and manage completion of work with approvals given by Company
• Maintain market knowledge and relationships with competitors. Complete market survey monthly
• Organize & implement a successful plan for community Move‑In and Move‑Outs both throughout the year and during the main summer turnover of lease contracts
• Delegate Entrata data entry to staff for completion of traffic leads, follow up, work orders, leasing applications, and resident data. Ensure the integrity of the data

Qualifications

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, and governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, rent per square foot and other basic algebraic functions. Ability to read and understand operating statements and budgets
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of frequently conflicting priorities and distractions while keeping the community running smoothly. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to deal with residents in an empathetic, professional manner. A good understanding of customer service concepts and applicability will be necessary in this role
• Composure/ability to function in time of crisis or emergency situations
• Computer literate
• Knowledgeable in Microsoft Word/Excel/Entrata
• High degree of professionalism and demeanor
• Even tempered
• Team player
• Flexible
• Patient
• Have an open mind
• Organized
• Detail oriented
• Firm, fair and consistent
• Good listening skills
• Good communication skills
• Time management skills
• Negotiation skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Able to work weekends when needed
• Able to work overtime as job requires
• Able to maintain confidentiality
• Able to follow directions from a supervisor
• Able to interact well with others
• Able to understand and follow posted work rules and procedures
• Able to accept constructive criticism
• Able to lead and manage others

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience

Other and/or Preferred Education/Experience

• None

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• None

Budget Responsibility

• Develop the budget and/or make recommendations that affect the allocation of funds
• Administer the budget and/or make expenditure decisions once the budget has been approved
• Monitor the budget and/or track the budget once it has been adopted
• Coordinate the budget and/or participate in the data collection and organization of budget materials

Job Performance and Success Factor Requirements

Business Management & Organizational Development – 16.67%

Cooperation, Influence, Teamwork & Business Relationships – 16.67%

Decision Making/Initiative – 16.67%

Staff Management & Development – 16.67%

Job Knowledge and/or Job Specific Skills – 16.67%

Professional/Technical/Communication Skills – 16.67%

Working Environment and Physical Demands

Office environment, Outdoors environment, Mechanical facility, Changing weather conditions, Toxic or caustic chemicals, Odors or fumes, Electrical current, Loud machine/Equipment noise, Above ground level, Confining spaces

Physical Demands

Walking, Sitting, Standing, Climb or balance, Lifting under 10 lbs., Lifting over 10 lbs., Reach with hands & arms, Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, Talk or hear, Travel Outside the area

Supervisory Responsibility

Does this job have supervisory responsibilities? Yes

Are there subordinate supervisors reporting to this job? Yes

Total employees directly and indirectly supervised by this position: 1 to 10