Job Description

Position: Executive Director, Residential Operations
Department: Columbia Residential
Job Type: Officer of Administration
Report to: Associate Vice President
Salary Range: $200,000.00

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President, Columbia Residential, the Executive Director of Residential Operations will direct Columbia Residential strategies to ensure all residents have a safe, clean, well-managed residence while operating each building at maximum efficiency. Responsible for the overall operations of over 150 assets and staff of 300 employees including 32BJ Union personnel.

The Executive Director will lead and work with the Directors of Operations and Assistant Directors, meeting regularly to communicate ongoing matters, address immediate needs and issues, strategize for upcoming projects, identify training activities, and promote continuous team building to ensure that Columbia Residential can maintain the highest possible standard of building conditions and facilities management.

The Executive Director will partner with the AVP of Columbia Residential, the Directors of Leasing Services and Operations, and the Director of Residential Construction to plan future initiatives and to budget forward-thinking strategies to keep Columbia Residential competitive in the market. The Executive Director will also maintain a constructive and highly interactive relationship with the Leasing leadership team to maximize portfolio value and deliver to the needs of upcoming and ongoing turn seasons.

The Executive Director oversees not only day-to-day operations of the portfolio, but also close financial management of the various sub-portfolios under his/her supervision and adherence to the overall portfolio budget and established financial benchmarks and metrics.

In collaboration with the Leasing leadership team, the Executive Director will provide the vision to the AVP with enhancements and the implementation of internal systems to improve efficiency, improve the resident experience, offer support with University partners and provide staff with effective tools to accomplish their tasks.

The Executive Director also has the responsibility to implement, train, and manage the Residential Operations Staff on the department’s policies and procedures, and will collaborate with the Directors of Operations to ensure all Residential Operations employees have the knowledge and tools necessary to complete their jobs at the level of the standards set by Columbia Residential. The Executive Director will provide leadership and direction to Residential Operations staff to ensure that effective and best practices are followed.

The Executive Director is responsible for implementing change that affects all Residential Operations employees and for developing the change management processes set by the department.

This position is designated as “Essential Personnel” and is required to report to campus to their normal work location (or an alternate site if necessary) for work during an emergency closure even if the closure occurs during a time that they are not regularly scheduled to work.

Responsibilities

• The Executive Director will establish and lead Columbia Residential operation’s program to produce a predictable fiscal outcome. This will be accomplished by employing fundamental budgeting, planning, benchmarking, monitoring, and forecasting processes that ensure tight financial management of budgets at portfolio levels. The Executive Director will be also responsible for the development of capital planning strategies that best utilize the available space and deliver competitive and desirable products to its residents.
• The Executive Director will execute business strategy in a consistent manner, meeting or exceeding internal goals and benchmarks, and industry standards. The Executive Director will establish programs that will produce lower operational risk and costs, thus creating value for our residents. Focuses on process optimization through training, team building, and culture change to sustain measurable improvements; develops systems to measure and monitor residents’ satisfaction.
• Responsible for the creation of policies and procedures for short- and long-term planning; manages designated programs, services, and activities; analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of property operations; works to ensure areas of responsibility meet or exceed established goals and objectives. Management of the operations, maintenance, and preventive maintenance efforts; creation and measuring of compliance with company policies and procedures; ensure compliance with any and all local, state, and or national codes and regulations; ensure that the physical aspects of the building(s), HVAC, electrical, plumbing and amenities are maintained in a Neat, Clean and Working order at all times; conducts scheduled property visits, works with the Directors of Operations to increase proficiency/performance of the community and maintains oversight of all operations.
• Manage and Supervise the Directors of Operations for Columbia Residential, working with the team to ensure the highest possible standard of building conditions, customer service, and facilities management are accomplished. Met and direct regularly with the Directors to communicate ongoing matters, address immediate needs and issues, strategize for upcoming projects, identify training opportunities, and promote continuous team building.
• Develops and facilitates the execution of the strategic vision for the operations; drives the profitability and operational excellence of Columbia Residential by using leadership skills, market knowledge, and analysis to coach, mentor, and develop the operations team for their individual and portfolio performance. Provide field leadership insight into the functional area performance of their portfolio and personnel.
• Implement and deliver training programs to the Residential Operations employees to ensure all staff members are capable of the duties in their assigned role. Develop training programs that provide opportunities for growth in such areas as job skills and leadership.
• Lead regular meetings with the Residential Operations staff to celebrate achievements. Ensure that all staff maintains the highest quality of workmanship and professionalism; take prompt action to correct any deficiencies.
• Carry out any other duties as and when requested by the Associate Vice President.
• Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Columbia Residential the Executive Director will lead a team of officers and union staff of approximately 300 employees. Directly supervises activities of 5 Directors of Operations and 1 Director of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing: Subordinates including 6 Assistant Directors, 4 Administrative Assistants, and Building Superintendents.
• Directly responsible for the management of annual operating expenditures more than $100 Million and revenues more than $170 Million. Additionally responsible for the development, preparation, and monitoring of the residential yearly budget plans with a total value of more than $280 Million per year. As well as, responsible for budgeting and forecasting revenue and expenses for Columbia Residential Buildings and other facilities. Responsible for capital planning and forecasting of $20 Million per year.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required (advanced degree highly desirable).
• Minimum 8-10 years of Multifamily Property Management or related experience required.
• High degree of personal and professional integrity; customer focused (internal and external); experience in managing high end real estate portfolios in an urban environment; extensive knowledge of regulations and laws related to the operation of building in New York City and State; demonstrated organization, facilitation, verbal and written communication, and presentation skills.
• Takes initiative; ability to grasp concepts; organized and thorough in work; ability to multi-task and manage workload; attention to detail; ability to address and resolve problems proactively; uses good judgment and knows when to involve others.
• Expertise in Financial Analysis and Data Management.
• Knowledge of current applications and technology related to asset management and real estate operations; informed on technology trends in areas of responsibility.
• Experience in a fast-paced environment requiring rapid decision-making and flexibility.
• Experience in negotiating and overseeing large complex contracts and ensuring compliance in vendors for budget.
• Must be a self-starter with demonstrated ability to meet or exceed productivity norms.

HOW TO APPLY

Email your updated resume in MS Word format with 3 references ASAP to: BillBurgess@TheBurgessGroup.com. Any questions reply to email or call: 212.406.2400. Agency is an equal opportunity employer.