Director of Maintenance Operations - Student Housing

Core Spaces•Chicago, IL

46d•$140,000 - $150,000

About The Position

The Director of Maintenance Operations – Student Housing is responsible for leading and overseeing maintenance operations across the student housing portfolio, ensuring exceptional service delivery, operational excellence, and safety compliance. This role manages all Regional Maintenance Supervisors, driving strategic initiatives that enhance asset performance and resident satisfaction. The Director of Maintenance plays a key role in supporting new developments and transitions, ensuring brand standards are upheld across all student communities.

Requirements

7+ years of maintenance leadership experience within student housing, multifamily, or hospitality.
5+ years of experience managing maintenance operations across multiple properties or regions.
Strong understanding of student housing operations, turn management, and high-volume maintenance processes.

Nice To Haves

Developing and managing large-scale maintenance teams across multiple regions.
Technical or vocational training in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or related fields.
EPA I & II, HVAC certifications, or other relevant industry credentials.
Implementing work order management software and maintenance tracking tools.
Overseeing capital project budgets and long-term maintenance planning.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all maintenance functions across the Student Housing portfolio.
Manage and support Regional Maintenance Supervisors, ensuring they are equipped to lead onsite maintenance teams effectively.
Develop, implement, and maintain preventive maintenance programs to extend the life of property assets.
Oversee capital project planning, budgeting, and execution across the portfolio.
Ensure compliance with OSHA, LOTO, SDS, and all safety protocols across all student housing communities.
Establish and monitor KPIs to measure maintenance efficiency, work order turnaround time, and resident service quality.
Standardize maintenance policies, procedures, and training programs to ensure consistency across all sites.
Optimize work order management systems to ensure timely and high-quality service completion.
Partner with construction and operations teams to oversee the transition of new developments, including warranty management and vendor coordination.
Lead vendor and contractor management, negotiating service agreements for HVAC, landscaping, fire/life safety, and other essential services.
Collaborate with Operations, Asset Management, and Facilities teams to align maintenance strategies with portfolio goals.
Support recruiting, hiring, and development of Regional Maintenance Supervisors and onsite maintenance staff.
Ensure properties are fully prepared for move-ins, turn processes, and annual inspections.
Provide leadership and solutions for emergency response and crisis management situations.
Travel regularly (50–70%) to visit properties, conduct audits, and support onsite teams.
Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.
Must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds, with regular bending, stooping, and physical activity

Benefits

A culture that provides you with a sense of belonging
Hybrid and remote work options to promote work-life balance
Competitive pay that values your contributions
Annual incentive to reward your achievements
Paid unlimited PTO to disconnect or celebrate life milestones
Paid 15 holidays, including your birthday, to disconnect and celebrate
Paid Parental Leave that begins after 90 days
Paid volunteer time off to give back to your community
Monthly workshop weeks; fewer meetings & more collaboration
Robust health plan options that begin within at least 30 days of your employment
Monthly phone reimbursement
Wellness allowance and perks, including a yearly subscription to a meditation app
An environment that provides you a voice to share your perspectives
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for access to confidential support services
Company retirement options including 401(k) + matching & Roth account option