Director, Real Estate

Greystar Management Services•San Francisco, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Greystar is a global real estate company specializing in property management, investment management, development, and construction services. Headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, Greystar manages over $300 billion of real estate in more than 265 markets globally. As the largest operator of apartments in the United States, Greystar manages over one million units/beds globally. The Director, Real Estate Operations is a leadership role within Greystar's Management Services business, responsible for delivering operational and financial performance across a defined portfolio of assets within a Region. This role maximizes asset performance through disciplined execution, oversight, and leadership of Regional Property Managers (RPMs). Reporting to a senior real estate operations leader, this role translates strategy into results by driving portfolio performance, strengthening client relationships, developing RPMs, and ensuring transparent communication to senior leadership. The Director ensures each asset meets or exceeds operational, financial, and resident experience expectations, partnering with internal leaders to ensure consistency, financial integrity, and alignment with Greystar's standards and values.

Requirements

Typically, 10 or more years of increasing responsibility and complexity in terms of relevant experience.
Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in property operations or real estate management at the regional level or above, preferably in multi-family housing, with demonstrated ownership of portfolio performance.
Proven people leader with the emotional maturity to build trust, inspire, motivate, set clear expectations, and drive results through others.
Demonstrated ability to hold self and teams accountable, navigate shifting team dynamics, and lead effectively with leadership courage through change.
Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly across all levels of the organization.
The ability to collaborate across teams and confidently engage with clients and stakeholders.
Resilient, adaptable leader skilled at identifying issues, escalating appropriately, developing solutions, and effectively managing organizational change initiatives with property-level impact.
Proven ability to provide clear direction, regular updates, and support throughout the change process while maintaining composure in fast-pace or high-pressure situations.
Strong understanding of property-level financials, budgets, and performance metrics with the ability to confidently present financial updates, budget, and reports clearly with internal stakeholders and clients.
Demonstrated ability to approach decisions with an investor mindset, understanding ownership objectives and tailoring strategies to achieve their specific financial and operational goals.
Ability to analyze property and market asset performance data to deliver informed, data-driven recommendations, recognized as a trusted operational and market expert with knowledge of local market and real estate trends, real estate dynamics, and operational impacts.
Relentless commitment to delivering exceptional service to our team members, residents, and clients while maintaining strong operational discipline.
Strong alignment with Greystar's values, brand, and culture, with a commitment to fostering accountability and performance, and promoting ongoing development, a growth mindset, and a climate that reflects these values across the Region.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field preferred.
In lieu of a degree, minimum 5 years as a regional people leader with a proven track record in property operations or asset management, preferably within multi-family real estate, may be considered.

Responsibilities

Accountable for the operational execution and performance of the portfolio by ensuring strong team alignment with property-level strategies, regional goals, and organization initiatives.
Hold RPMs accountable for conducting regular site visits and property inspections that validate standards, mitigate risks, and identify improvement opportunities.
Prioritize and personally conduct site visits based on operational risk, performance gaps, and opportunities for the greatest impact.
Review and actively manage key performance indicators (delinquency, turnover, make ready, etc) addressing underperformance promptly through coaching, training, correction action and tactical intervention.
Ensure asset improvement plans are clearly defined, executed effectively and efficiently, and tracked with measurable outcomes and accountability.
Lead and actively participate in initiatives that improve operational effectiveness; identify opportunities, coordinate project teams, and implement new programs, policies, procedures, and practices.
Ensure strong financial stewardship of the portfolio by training and mentoring RPMs on best practice budgeting, financial areas of risk, and financial storytelling.
Review and approve all property-level budgets, key performance indicators, and financial performance, holding teams accountable for accuracy, discipline, and performance against the plan.
Use data-driven insights to identify trends, risks, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
Escalate potential risk issues appropriately and in a timely manner to drive corrective action.
Make informed operational decisions based on sound accurate financial analysis, partnering closely with RPMs to balance performance, risk, and long-term value.
Partner closely with RPMs and Accounting to ensure accurate and timely reporting, removing obstacles and escalating issues or discrepancies for effective resolution.
Provide clear, consistent communication to internal key stakeholders and external clients regarding financial performance, progress against goals, and recommended course correction.
Model and reinforce Greystar's core values and leadership competencies, setting clear expectations for performance, accountability, and professionalism.
Hire, develop, and retain high-performing RPMs and regional leaders capable of driving asset performance and leading strong on-site teams.
Coach and develop direct reports through one-on-one meetings, team huddles, performance feedback, and targeted development plans.
Hold leaders accountable for recruiting, onboarding, training, performance management, and talent assessment.
Ensure consistent and compliant interpretation and application of HR policies and employment laws, partnering with appropriate stakeholders for guidance on employee relations matters.
Provide timely, specific, candid, and considerate feedback up, down, and across teams and within and across the Region.
Ensure timely corrective actions and fact-based terminations where required.
Foster team engagement, recognition, and a positive performance-driven culture while building bench strength and leadership readiness.
Strengthen and sustain client relationships through proactive communication, transparency, and consistent delivery of results.
Ensure proper preparation for client calls, visits, and meetings; prepare the team through coaching and guidance, joining client calls and meetings strategically to drive impact and resolution.
Provide clients with clear updates, proactive insights, and action-oriented solutions promptly and professionally aligned to their investment objectives.
Represent Greystar's brand, values, and service standards in all client and resident interactions, providing thoughtful senior leader guidance that supports ethical, sustainable, and value-aligned outcomes.
Ensure full compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal operational standards across the portfolio.
Ensure audits are completed accurately and within established timelines; responsible for performing final review and confirming all action items have been appropriately addressed prior to approval.
Proactively identify and mitigate operational and safety risks through inspections, daily incident reviews, and proactive follow-up with teams to ensure proper guidance and direction.
Display sound judgment when to escalate critical issues to appropriate parties and maintain ownership through resolution.
Maintain accurate documentation and reporting while staying current on legislative and industry changes.
Contribute to new business efforts through market knowledge, operational expertise, and performance credibility.
Support underwriting and due diligence processes as needed to include transitions, dispositions, acquisitions, lease-ups, etc.
Assist with pitch preparation and presentations, delivering confidently and effectively.
Promote Greystar's reputation for operational excellence and service quality in all external engagements.

Benefits

Competitive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Disability & Life insurance benefits.
Low (free basic) employee Medical costs for employee-only coverage; costs discounted after 3 and 5 years of service.
Generous Paid Time off.
All new hires start with 15 days of vacation, 4 personal days, 10 sick days, and 11 paid holidays.
Plus your birthday off after 1 year of service!
Additional vacation accrued with tenure.
For onsite team members, onsite housing discount at Greystar-managed communities are available subject to discount and unit availability.
6-Week Paid Sabbatical after 10 years of service (and every 5 years thereafter).
401(k) with Company Match up to 6% of pay after 6 months of service.
Paid Parental Leave and lifetime Fertility Benefit reimbursement up to $10,000 (includes adoption or surrogacy).
Employee Assistance Program.
Critical Illness, Accident, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance and Legal Plans.
Charitable giving program and benefits.
Benefits offered for full-time employees.