Community Manager in Walled Lake, Michigan at M SHAPIRO REAL ESTATE GROUP

Property Manager

The Property Manager (PM) leads day-to-day property operations and the on-site team to preserve and enhance property value, deliver an exceptional resident experience, and achieve property, ownership, and M. Shapiro Real Estate (MSRE) objectives. This hands-on role is accountable for meeting or exceeding budgeted occupancy and net operating income (NOI) goals through effective leasing, marketing, maintenance coordination, collections, evictions, resident retention, and expense management. The successful candidate brings a proven record of leading leasing and maintenance teams, executing marketing strategies with an emphasis on social media, and delivering excellent customer service. Sound judgment, a consistent sense of urgency, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment are essential. This job description outlines the primary responsibilities, qualifications, and scope of the position; it is not intended to limit the duties that may be assigned.

ob Duties

• Perform the responsibilities outlined in the Leasing Consultant, Assistant Property Manager, and Leasing Manager job descriptions.

• Oversee property management, operations, marketing, and leasing activities, ensuring team members follow Company systems, procedures, timelines, and reporting formats.

• Conduct daily operations in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements, including Fair Housing and accessibility requirements, and Company policies. Maintain required compliance documentation and promptly escalate concerns through designated management channels.

• Provide ongoing training, daily coaching, and feedback to on-site leasing consultants, assistant property managers, leasing managers, and maintenance personnel.

• Respond to online reviews the same day, maintain accurate pricing and sales incentives across the property website and advertising, and ensure photography is current and effectively presented. Monitor social media to maintain a strong online reputation and presence.

• Promote resident satisfaction and retention by responding to residents and prospective residents the same day and addressing complaints, questions, requests, and service issues with a constructive, solution-oriented approach.

• Plan and host monthly resident events that support renewal, revenue, and branding objectives, including evening and weekend events as needed.

• Process rental applications in accordance with Company policy and review application cancellations, rejections, and denials weekly.

• Address negative trends with actionable solutions and recognize achievements to reinforce successful practices.

• Maintain current knowledge of the community, competing properties, and market trends, and ensure the leasing team develops the same expertise.

• Conduct property tours, secure leases, and coordinate a seamless move-in experience for new residents.

• Manage lease renewals and move-outs, including renewal offers and follow-up, lease expiration tracking, move-out inspections, final account reviews, and security deposit processing, in accordance with applicable requirements and Company policy.

• Maximize net operating income through effective cost controls and revenue improvement initiatives; identify trends and recommend appropriate strategies and adjustments.

• Prepare annual operating budgets and monitor performance against the budget and pro forma through monthly financial reporting, analysis, and forecasting.

• Assess capital improvement needs, obtain bids, and ensure approved projects meet quality standards and comply with Company policy and contract requirements.

• Follow Company purchasing procedures and spending approval limits, obtain required authorizations before committing funds, verify completed work and invoice accuracy before approval, and maintain required vendor documentation.

• Conduct comprehensive asset management, market, administrative, and physical property reviews, and prepare a monthly SWOT analysis identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, with an action plan to address findings.

• Complete other required accounting, financial, and administrative reports accurately and on time, in accordance with Company policies and procedures.

• Monitor preventive maintenance schedules to ensure timely completion.

• Monitor open and overdue work orders, coordinate timely completion with the maintenance team, verify work quality, and follow up with residents to confirm service concerns have been addressed.

• Lead weekly team meetings to review priorities, resolve obstacles, assign action items, and track follow-through.

• Inspect vacant apartments undergoing make-ready work daily to ensure quality standards are met and turnover is completed within ten business days of move-out.

• Increase revenue and occupancy by driving leasing results, analyzing pricing daily using available tools, including rent optimization software when applicable, and developing and implementing marketing plans.

• Conduct interviews, hire qualified candidates, and manage formal performance processes in accordance with Company policy, including annual performance reviews, employee development plans, performance improvement plans, disciplinary actions, and coaching documentation.

• Conduct competitive property visits at least quarterly to identify opportunities for improvement and refine property strategy.

• Prepare and analyze accurate, timely weekly reports covering vacancies, traffic, market surveys, social media tracking, recruiting, and delinquency.

• Evaluate property risks and direct emergency response efforts during a crisis.

• Process daily accounts receivable, accounts payable, and legal documentation related to rent collection in accordance with Company policies. Review, analyze, and process utility invoices.

• Use Yardi Voyager, Leasing Pad, and other required systems to manage daily operations and maintain accurate, current property records.

• Protect property assets by completing the daily property checklist and ensuring the community, apartments, and amenities meet Company curb appeal standards.

• Perform other duties and special projects assigned by MSRE corporate personnel.

Job Requirements

• Work effectively under pressure, anticipate operational challenges, and address issues proactively.

• Plan operational priorities 30 to 60 days in advance to keep the team prepared, aligned, and focused on results.

• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing demands effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrate strong attention to detail and effective sales skills.

• Support and contribute to the success of the community team.

• Use a service-oriented approach to address objections, resolve resident concerns constructively, and prevent escalation.

• Demonstrate excellent written, verbal, and customer service skills, with the ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively to individuals and groups.

• Demonstrate expert proficiency with standard office equipment, including telephones, calculators, copiers, and computers, as well as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and the Yardi suite.

• Apply creative thinking, analytical skills, and practical experience to develop strategic marketing plans.

• Demonstrate a proven record of analyzing marketing performance, achieving established goals, and delivering measurable results.

• Demonstrate strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including the ability to provide consistent coaching and feedback to on-site team members.

• Demonstrate financial acumen and experience in monthly financial reporting, variance analysis, budget preparation, and forecasting.

• Possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for local travel. Be willing to travel for training and Company assignments at properties within a thirty (30) mile radius, or in other states as needed.

• Maintain regular attendance and participate in planning and supporting Company functions.

• This is a full-time position. Weekend and extended evening hours, as well as occasional holidays, may be required to meet operational needs.

• The Property Manager must participate in after-hours emergency coverage, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and remain reachable during assigned on-call periods to coordinate responses to urgent property-related incidents and work-related team member emergencies in accordance with Company procedures. Backup coverage will be designated for approved absences and other periods of unavailability, consistent with applicable leave and accommodation requirements.

Required Education/Experience/Credentials:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college education preferred.

• Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) or Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation preferred.

• Expert-level knowledge of federal Fair Housing requirements and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• Sales: At least one (1) year of experience.

• Accounting: At least two (2) years of experience in accounting or business finance.

• Leasing: At least two (2) years of experience.

• Property Management: At least two (2) years of experience as a Property Manager supervising more than four (4) direct reports.

Reporting Relationship

• Reports directly to the Regional Manager.