Student Development Manager

Dinerstein Companies•Auburn, AL

About The Position

The Student Development Manager leads the initial lease-up of owner-managed student housing communities in The Dinerstein Companies portfolio. The role oversees brand awareness, marketing, and pre-leasing strategies at development properties and coordinates with the National Director of Student Development, Strategy Manager, Marketing team, and other company support functions to implement company policies, procedures, and lease-up strategies. The position requires ongoing relocation to new markets and may involve responsibility for multiple lease-ups depending on market timing and property delivery schedules. As the on-site leader for marketing and leasing, the Student Development Manager works with company teams to launch properties, support leasing operations, and manage relationships with vendors and customers. The role also contributes to portfolio-wide initiatives, new development planning, market research, operational improvements, and the transition of properties into ongoing operations. The position reports to the National Director of Student Development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 3 years of professional experience.
2–3 years of experience in student housing; lease-up project experience is identified as ideal.
Willingness to relocate and travel based on development assignments.
Experience successfully managing an on-site team.
Willingness to learn new software or cloud-based programs that improve leasing efficiencies.
Interest in assisting with portfolio-wide initiatives beyond assigned properties.
Experience communicating with diverse audiences, including residents, parents, staff, executives, and partners.

Nice To Haves

Experience with student housing lease-up projects.

Responsibilities

Lead lease-up efforts at development properties in the student housing portfolio.
Collaborate on the design and layout of temporary leasing offices, model unit staging, and signage.
Participate in creating and reviewing collateral, print work, and promotional materials for property launches.
Identify and lead brand awareness efforts before and after the temporary leasing office opens.
Manage property positioning through social media, marketing events, and advertising.
Maintain knowledge of the property and evaluate competitive market trends.
Oversee hiring, onboarding, and training of the Leasing Manager and part-time Community Assistants and Marketing Assistants.
Implement TDC policies and procedures and provide ongoing training to reporting staff.
Communicate with the National Director to execute property marketing and leasing strategies.
Analyze leasing, revenue, and digital marketing reports and provide feedback to refine lease-up strategies.
Address and resolve customer service concerns in a timely, professional manner.
Process vendor invoices and maintain vendor contracts, property expense budgets, and revenue forecasts.
Participate in opening new student developments as they enter the operating portfolio.
Assist with updating policies, procedures, and systems to improve on-site leasing efficiency.
Travel to new development markets for planning, pre-launch, and property positioning efforts.
Collaborate on market research for current and future development markets and develop data-driven leasing strategies.
Identify marketing, brand awareness, and leasing best practices for portfolio-wide implementation.
Assist with onboarding the property Community Manager and transitioning the property to opening and building operations.
Participate in bi-annual managers meetings and maintain ongoing communication with the TDC Student Team.