Director of Operations & Executive Broker

Baird & Warner•Chicago, IL

17d

About The Position

The Director of Operations and Executive Broker is a strategic, licensed real estate professional who serves as the operational backbone and executive partner to the Team Leader, based out of the Baird & Warner Lincoln Park office. This role blends high-level business operations, marketing execution, client experience management, and hands-on real estate transaction support. This individual oversees day-to-day operations, drives business growth initiatives, ensures operational excellence across systems and processes, and delivers an exceptional client experience from first contact through closing out in the field. They act as a central communication hub, create structure in a fast-paced environment, and proactively anticipate the needs of both clients and the Team Leader. This is a highly visible, client-facing role requiring professionalism, discretion, strong judgment, and the ability to operate independently.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary operational partner to the Team Leader, ensuring priorities, schedules, and initiatives are executed seamlessly
Manage calendars, scheduling, appointment preparation, and daily workflow coordination
Act as a central communication hub, shielding the Team Leader from unnecessary interruptions while ensuring timely follow-up
Develop, document, and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training materials
Train and onboard new team members; hold team members accountable to workflows and performance expectations
Monitor KPIs, reporting, and goal alignment to support business growth and productivity
Work with active buyers to set up search criteria, review potential property matches (TAN, Zenlist, etc) and communicate those opportunities to the buyers.
Support lead generation and conversion strategies, including CRM optimization, outreach campaigns, email marketing, and drip campaigns
Oversee all incoming leads and inquiries, ensuring prompt follow-up and accurate tracking
Assist with research, preparation, and logistics for networking, speaking engagements, and business expansion opportunities
Maintain and manage vendor, partner, and industry relationships
Continuously identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, systems, and business development outcomes
Execute and oversee marketing plans across digital, print, social media, and video platforms
Coordinate listing launches including photography, staging, signage, MLS preparation, and marketing collateral
Ensure brand consistency and messaging alignment across all client-facing materials
Prepare listing presentations and CMAs using Cloud CMA and other tools
Support social media strategy execution, content creation, video shoots, and analytics tracking
Serve as a licensed resource supporting clients throughout the full buying and selling process
Coordinate buyer showings, listing appointments, inspections, appraisals, walk-throughs, and open houses
Manage MLS searches, property research, market data analysis, and pricing support
Provide post-showing feedback, client updates, and timeline management to ensure smooth transactions from start to close
Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, delivering a high-touch, polished service experience
Manage client communications, follow-ups, gifting, surveys, and milestone touchpoints
Demonstrate high emotional intelligence when working with clients, vendors, and team members
Reinforce client loyalty, referrals, and long-term relationship building through consistent communication and service excellence
Oversee photographers, stagers, contractors, signage vendors, printers, and marketing partners
Manage marketing and operational budgets
Lead special projects and process improvements from concept through completion
Take full ownership of assigned initiatives, making timely decisions and proactively reporting progress