Job Description

Position Summary

The Director of Property Management provides strategic and operational leadership for the property management department, overseeing all properties to ensure they are safe, compliant, well-maintained, and financially sustainable. This role supervises property management staff, develops and implements policies and procedures, ensures regulatory compliance, and leads the launch of new property management business lines in new developments. The Director serves as a key liaison with internal and external stakeholders and champions a culture of high performance, accountability, and tenant services.

As this is a newly established department, the Director will be responsible not only for operational oversight but also for architecting and building out the department’s structure, processes, and culture from the ground up. This role requires a proactive, entrepreneurial leader who thrives in dynamic environments, is comfortable with ambiguity, and can design and implement systems and workflows while driving day-to-day operations.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Operations

• Develop and implement the vision, strategy, and goals for the property management department, aligning with organizational priorities and best practices.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of all properties, ensuring maintenance, safety, compliance, and tenant satisfaction standards are met.
• Lead and support the property management team across multiple properties, supervising 5–7 property managers or supervisors depending on portfolio size and complexity.
• Direct the implementation and scaling of new business lines and property management systems in new and existing buildings, including onboarding, training, and technology integration.
• This position requires a leader who is comfortable with ambiguity and rapid change, able to develop and implement new systems and structures while simultaneously managing ongoing operations. The Director must possess the vision and resilience to build a high-functioning department from inception, adapting quickly to challenges and driving continuous improvement
• Develop, implement, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) and risk management protocols for property operations.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal housing laws, including Fair Housing, ADA, LIHTC, and HUD requirements.
• Oversee capital improvements, renovation projects, preventive maintenance, and long-term asset preservation strategies in collaboration with the asset management team.
• Manage emergency preparedness and response for all properties.

Department Build-Out & Organizational Design

• Lead the structural development and operational build-out of the Property Management department, including defining roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines in alignment with organizational strategy and goals.
• Develop and document foundational policies, procedures, and best practices to establish a scalable, high-performing department.
• Identify and implement technology, tools, and resources necessary for efficient department operations.
• Foster a culture of innovation and adaptability, encouraging staff to contribute ideas for continuous improvement and process optimization.
• Assess departmental needs and make recommendations for future staffing, resource allocation, and structural adjustments as the department evolves.
• Serve as a change agent, effectively communicating vision, goals, and progress to staff and stakeholders during the department’s formative stages.

Financial Management

• Prepare and oversee property operating and capital budgets, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and cost controls.
• Monitor and analyze property performance metrics, including occupancy, rent collection, lease enforcement, and turnover timelines; prepare regular reports for senior leadership.
• Review and approve expenditures, contracts, and vendor agreements.
• Ensure accurate, timely operational and financial reporting, leveraging data analytics for decision-making.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain property management staff in alignment with company standards.
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish training programs and promote professional development, ensuring staff maintain current certifications and regulatory knowledge.
• Conduct regular meetings and performance appraisals, providing clear feedback and recognition.

Resident & Stakeholder Relations

• Cultivate relationships with all stakeholders, including residents, support services team, public funders, community groups, owners, vendors, sub-contractors, government agencies, and housing authorities.
• Oversee leasing and management of new developments, ensuring compliance during resident selection and rent-up periods.
• Address resident concerns and ensure high levels of tenant satisfaction and retention.

Technology & Process Improvement

• Champion the adoption and effective use of property management software (e.g., Yardi) and digital tools.
• Streamline workflows and standardize processes to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
• Stay informed of market trends, technology advancements, and regulatory changes, adapting practices as needed.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Public Administration, or related field; Master’s degree (MBA, MPA) or Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in property management, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or director-level role, preferably in affordable or permanent supportive housing.
• Demonstrated knowledge of property operations, housing regulations, lease administration, and tenant relations.
• Professional certifications preferred: Fair Housing Certification, Certified Professional of Occupancy, LIHTC Specialist, CPM.
• Proficiency with property management software (Yardi preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience in affordable housing, HUD, LIHTC, or nonprofit housing environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

• Deep knowledge of property management principles, affordable housing programs, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Advanced organizational design, strong project management and change management skills.
• Demonstrated experience in launching or building out new departments, business units, or major operational initiatives, preferably in a property management or reals estate context.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in environments with evolving structures, processes, and priorities.
• Excellent negotiation, vendor management, and contract administration skills.
• Technological proficiency with property management and reporting systems.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities, including conflict resolution and emotional intelligence.
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates empathy, patience, and cultural sensitivity while providing respectful and equitable service to vulnerable communities.
• Flexibility and adaptability to evolving industry trends, market conditions, and organizational needs.

Other Requirements

• Must secure fingerprint image screening and annual TB screening.
• Must be able to meet physical requirements of the position, which may include lifting up to 50 lbs.

Mission Essential

• Demonstrate behavior that supports the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
• Adhere to all company, property, and department programs, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain current knowledge and certifications required for quality management and regulatory compliance.
• Communicate effectively and model integrity, fairness, and ethical business practices

Excellent compensation and industry leading healthcare benefits to support your physical and mental well-being.

ECS will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records as consistent with San Francisco's Fair Chance Ordinance.

ECS values a workplace where every individual is respected, supported, and given equal opportunity to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

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