New Development Lease Up Manager - Student Housing

University Partners; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Housing accommodation support

Job summary

University Partners is seeking a New Development Community Manager to lead all onsite operations for a brand-new student housing community from pre-opening through stabilization. You will shape lease-up performance, build the onsite team, and set operating standards that drive long-term success.

The role requires a hands-on leader who can balance competing priorities, collaborate cross-functionally, and deliver results during a high-growth phase.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a Community Manager in student housing.
• Prior lease-up experience is required.
• Proven ability to lead teams in fast-paced, seasonal leasing environments.
• Strong understanding of student leasing cycles, operational execution, and financial performance.
• Experience with property management systems such as Entrata or similar.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt quickly and lead through change.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-opening and lease-up efforts, including readiness planning, staffing, and operational setup.
• Execute leasing strategies to meet occupancy, pre-leasing, and revenue goals aligned with the academic calendar.
• Monitor leasing performance, traffic, conversion, and pricing trends; adjust strategy in real time.
• Partner with marketing teams on outreach, events, and campus engagement initiatives.
• Recruit, hire, train, and manage onsite teams including Leasing Consultants and Maintenance staff.
• Manage operating budgets, expenses, and revenue in alignment with ownership expectations.
• Review financial reports, rent rolls, and variance explanations; recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure accurate leasing data, resident files, and reporting within property management systems.
• Oversee resident relations, service standards, and issue resolution in a student environment.
• Coordinate vendors, service providers, and campus-facing partners.
• Serve as the primary onsite representative for internal stakeholders and ownership.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Organization

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Leasing best practices

Tools

Entrata

Job description

About University Partners

University Partners is a vertically integrated student housing investment, development, and management firm with a nationwide portfolio. We specialize in creating high-performing student communities through thoughtful design, operational excellence, and strong local leadership. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for leaders who thrive in fast-paced environments and want to build something from the ground up.

Position Overview

The New Development Community Manager is responsible for leading all onsite operations for a newly developed student housing community from pre-opening through stabilization. This role plays a critical part in driving lease-up performance, building the onsite team, and establishing operational standards that support long-term success.

This position requires a hands-on, adaptable leader who can manage competing priorities, partner cross-functionally, and deliver results during a high-growth phase.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a Community Manager in student housing environment
• Priorlease-up experience is required
• Proven ability to lead teams in fast-paced, seasonal leasing environments
• Strong understanding of student leasing cycles, operational execution, and financial performance
• Experience with property management systems such as Entrata or similar
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to adapt quickly and lead through change

Key Responsibilities

Lease-Up & Student Housing Operations

• Lead pre-opening and lease-up efforts, including readiness planning, staffing, and operational setup
• Execute leasing strategies to meet occupancy, pre-leasing, and revenue goals aligned with the academic calendar
• Monitor leasing performance, traffic, conversion, and pricing trends; adjust strategy in real time
• Partner with marketing teams on outreach, events, and campus engagement initiatives

Team Leadership & Staffing

• Recruit, hire, train, and manage onsite teams including Leasing Consultants and Maintenance staff
• Establish performance expectations, schedules, and accountability across the team
• Coach team members on student-focused leasing, customer service, and resident engagement

Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Manage operating budgets, expenses, and revenue in alignment with ownership expectations
• Review financial reports, rent rolls, and variance explanations; recommend corrective actions
• Ensure accurate leasing data, resident files, and reporting within property management systems

Resident Experience & Risk Management

• Oversee resident relations, service standards, and issue resolution in a student environment
• Ensure compliance with Fair Housing, student housing regulations, and company policies
• Maintain a safe, well-managed community during peak leasing and move-in periods

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Development, Construction, Asset Management, and Regional leadership during transition from build to operations
• Coordinate vendors, service providers, and campus-facing partners
• Serve as the primary onsite representative for internal stakeholders and ownership

Why Join University Partners

• Opportunity to lead a new community during a critical phase of growth
• High visibility and partnership with senior leadership
• Ability to build teams, culture, and processes from the ground up
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Relocation or housing accommodation support may be considered, depending on the project.