Property Manager

Fairlawn Management • Champaign, IL

9d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Property Manager to join our team at Fairlawn. This is a unique opportunity to lead the launch of Mosaic, a brand-new Class A student housing community currently under construction and scheduled to begin leasing for Fall 2027 occupancy. This role offers the rare chance to oversee a property from pre-opening through stabilization. The successful candidate will play a critical role in developing and executing a comprehensive leasing strategy, building a high-performing team, and establishing operational excellence from day one. The Property Manager will be responsible for all aspects of property operations, with an immediate and primary focus on successfully leasing the community to full occupancy for its inaugural year. This individual must be a highly driven sales professional, an effective leader, and a strategic operator capable of balancing aggressive leasing goals with exceptional resident experience and financial performance. The ideal candidate embodies Fairlawn's core values - Be Kind, Own It, Be Flexible, and Always Improve - and thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. Previous experience in student housing, new development lease-ups, or launching a new community is highly preferred and will be considered a significant advantage. Fairlawn is a vertically integrated firm focusing on real estate investment, management, and development. Based in Chicago and Champaign, Illinois, and managing a portfolio of 5,750 units with an asset value of $900 million, Fairlawn has a 10-year record in value-add projects, student housing, and build-to-rent communities. Fairlawn's best-in-class student housing brand, Smile Student Living, manages 3,400 beds at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is a key player in student housing in the region. Fairlawn has established a strong presence across Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, and is actively expanding into additional Midwest markets.

Requirements

• Have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Property Management, Business, Marketing, Hospitality, or a related field
• Have 3+ years of property management experience, preferably in student housing, multifamily housing, or a related residential environment
• Have proven success leading leasing teams and achieving aggressive occupancy goals
• Have strong sales, marketing, leadership, and relationship-building skills
• Have exceptional communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
• Are proficient with property management and leasing software platforms
• Embody our core values: Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It, and Always Improve
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Serve as an emergency contact for the property
• Availability to work longer hours and weekends during prime leasing season and turnover (specific dates vary from year to year)
• Must be able to perform the physical functions of the position resident communications, not limited to the ability to walk properties, complete physical inspections, deliver communications, and show properties

Nice To Haves

• Previous lease-up experience for a new development, student housing community, or major repositioning project is strongly preferred
• Experience managing a property during construction completion and operational startup is a significant plus

Responsibilities

• Exemplify the core values of Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It, and Always Improve
• Lead and execute all pre-leasing and lease-up initiatives to achieve occupancy goals for the community's opening year
• Develop and implement innovative marketing, outreach, and sales strategies targeting University of Illinois students and their families
• Build relationships with university organizations, student groups, and local stakeholders to maximize leasing opportunities
• Monitor leasing traffic, conversion ratios, and market trends while adjusting strategies to optimize results
• Manage all aspects of the leasing process, including prospect management, tours, follow-up, application approvals, and resident retention efforts
• Recruit, train, and motivate a high-performing leasing team focused on delivering exceptional results
• Oversee all day-to-day property operations, ensuring an exceptional resident experience
• Lead, develop, and mentor on-site team members while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Ensure compliance with company policies, Fair Housing regulations, and all applicable local, state, and federal requirements
• Manage operating budgets, expenses, revenue goals, and financial reporting
• Partner with ownership, development, and construction teams during the transition from construction to operations
• Coordinate community opening activities, resident move-ins, and operational readiness plans
• Maintain the highest standards of customer service, property appearance, and resident satisfaction
• Pivot, roll up your sleeves, and jump in where needed!

Benefits

• Competitive Pay
• Additional monthly or quarterly incentive pay for meeting goals and supporting property performance
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Employee sponsored benefits including Short Term Disability, Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, Flexible Spending, and H.S.A. Accounts
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Match
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holiday Pay
• Company events to promote team cohesion
• Wellness Days
• The opportunity to work for a growing organization where you are valued and can have a direct impact
• Quarterly off-site meetings with your manager

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree