Chief of Staff

Baird & Warner•Chicago, IL

23h•$125,000 - $4,140,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief of Staff is a senior, licensed real estate professional who serves as the strategic and operational partner to the leader of a top real estate team based out of the Baird & Warner Lincoln Park office. This role functions as the connective tissue between leadership, clients, operations, and growth initiatives. Blending executive support, real estate operations, marketing execution, and client experience oversight, the Chief of Staff ensures that the business runs efficiently while maintaining a high-touch, polished presence with clients and partners. This individual brings structure to a fast-paced environment, anticipates needs before they arise, and translates vision into execution across systems, people, and processes. This is a highly visible, client-facing role requiring discretion, strong judgment, independence, and professionalism.

Requirements

Active Illinois Real Estate License
5+ years of residential real estate sales experience with end-to-end transaction knowledge
3+ years in real estate operations, executive support, or business management
Demonstrated ability to work independently while managing competing priorities
Exceptional organization, communication, writing, and presentation skills
Strong client-facing professionalism and discretion
Valid driver’s license and reliable, fully insured vehicle

Responsibilities

Executive Partnership & Business Operations Act as the primary operational and strategic partner to the Team Leader, ensuring priorities and initiatives move forward effectively
Manage calendars, scheduling, appointment preparation, and daily workflow coordination
Serve as a central communication hub, filtering distractions while ensuring timely follow-up and responsiveness
Develop, document, and continuously improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) and internal workflows
Train, onboard, and support team members while reinforcing accountability and performance standards
Track KPIs, reporting, and goal progress to support productivity and business growth
Lead Management & Business Development Support Work directly with active buyers to establish search criteria, review property opportunities (TAN, Zenlist, etc.), and communicate relevant listings
Oversee incoming leads and inquiries, ensuring prompt response, accurate CRM tracking, and follow-up
Support lead generation and conversion efforts, including CRM optimization, outreach initiatives, and email/drip campaigns
Assist with research, preparation, and logistics for networking events, speaking engagements, and expansion opportunities
Maintain and nurture relationships with vendors, partners, and industry contacts
Proactively identify opportunities to improve systems, efficiency, and growth outcomes
Marketing, Listing & Brand Execution Execute and manage marketing initiatives across digital, print, social media, and video platforms
Coordinate listing launches including photography, staging, signage, MLS preparation, and marketing materials
Ensure brand consistency and messaging alignment across all client-facing touchpoints
Prepare listing presentations and CMAs using Cloud CMA and related tools
Support social media execution, content creation, video production, and performance tracking
Licensed Real Estate & Transaction Support Serve as a licensed resource supporting clients throughout the buying and selling process
Coordinate showings, listing appointments, inspections, appraisals, walk-throughs, and open houses
Conduct MLS searches, property research, market analysis, and pricing support
Provide post-showing feedback, client updates, and timeline management to ensure smooth transactions from start to close
Client Experience & Relationship Management Act as a primary point of contact for clients, delivering a high-touch, professional service experience
Manage client communications, follow-ups, gifting, surveys, and milestone touchpoints
Demonstrate high emotional intelligence when working with clients, team members, and vendors
Strengthen client loyalty, referrals, and long-term relationships through consistent communication and service excellence
Project, Vendor & Budget Oversight Manage relationships with photographers, stagers, contractors, signage vendors, printers, and marketing partners
Oversee marketing and operational budgets
Lead special projects and process improvements from concept through execution
Take full ownership of assigned initiatives, making informed decisions and proactively reporting progress