Assistant Director of Operations and Leasing - University Housing

Assistant Director of Operations and Leasing - University Housing

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University Housing - Family and Graduate Housing

University Housing provides an essential element of the Illinois experience, with hundreds of employees across seven units working together to build and maintain safe, healthy and welcoming homes for our residents. We value the many diverse voices, opinions, experiences and identities of the Illinois community, and our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is woven into each of our interactions, programs and decisions.

The Family & Graduate Housing team manages the housing units and leasing process for the students and their families living in our graduate-upper division residence halls and apartment complexes. This role is responsible for the leadership, management, and coordination of a residential community in the University Apartments.

They will work collaboratively with colleagues on campus to support the University Housing mission and vision, build safe, inviting communities through leadership, supervision, crisis management, and implementation of a residential curriculum.

For more information regarding employment at University Housing, please visit our recruitment website at University Housing Recruitment.

Job Summary

Responsible for the overall operations of leadership, property management, and administrative functions for Family & Graduate Housing's three apartment communities of 1,122 units, serving graduate students and families from over seventy countries. Supervisors engage and implement University Housing's inclusion, culture, and climate initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership and Administration

• Lead development and implementation of resident services and operational strategies for university owned apartment, including full-year and short-term leasing.
• Oversee and direct financial planning and reporting for annual apartment revenue of $9.5 million, including analysis of income and financial performance.
• Develop and analyze strategies to optimize revenue through occupancy management and rate development.
• Lead and implement University Housing’s inclusion, culture, and climate initiatives.
• Direct the training, supervision and evaluation of leasing staff and provide professional development to improve staff competencies.
• Direct operations to align with strategic priorities, designate unit goals and identify performance metrics.
• Primary liaison for Family & Graduate Housing (FGH) with external vendors for services, such as furniture rental.
• Represent University Housing and FGH in public meetings or on committees and cultivate positive public relations.

Leasing Strategy and Operations

• Direct the leasing of all apartments and resident billing accordance with applicable laws, policies and procedures.
• Administer reporting and analysis leasing and occupancy strategies.
• Direct the utilization of housing management system for apartment operations.
• Collaborate with technology product mangers to develop and implement leasing processes and reporting.
• Oversee door access control and key management systems for the apartment communities.
• Primary emergency contact for emergency relocations and critical incidents in the apartments.
• Coordinate relocation of residents experiencing facility issues and ensure apartment availability for emergency relocation after business hours.
• Develop and implement business practices and communication strategies to continuous improvement in operations and service delivery.
• Review and approve policy or procedural exceptions and serve as appeal agent for other operational decisions.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with key performance partners.

Residential Community Engagement

• Develop and coordinate communication with residents through correspondence, publications, policies, procedures, and website content.
• Communicate with residents regarding ongoing and upcoming facility-related projects, ensuring clear and timely updates.
• Develop community partnerships with local organizations that provide support and services to low income populations.
• Evaluate the residents’ experience and analysis feedback to improve community engagement and satisfaction.
• Collaborate with marketing to promote apartment offerings and housing options for new and returning graduate students.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Six (6) years of full-time work experience in student affairs, customer service, hospitality, leasing, or related field.
• Experience supervising staff or leading teams.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and contribute to a welcoming residential community.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions to improve operational effectiveness.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree higher education administration, business or communication or related field.
• Background in higher education or student affairs, with an understanding of the unique needs of graduate students and their families.
• Experience in policy formulation and implementation relevant to housing operations and student services.
• Supervisory experience with full-time staff in a residential or customer service environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Effective communication skills with a broad range of audiences, including students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Knowledge of property management and Fair Housing regulations.
• Ability to work independently and make data-informed decisions with a focus on operational outcomes.
• Ability to foster welcoming residential communities through engagement efforts that respond to residents' needs and experiences.
• Ability to develop staff and create inclusive work environments and customer experiences.
• Proficiency in using various software and databases, including housing management systems, and reporting tools.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $70,000 to $80,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.

Shift

Monday – Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm. Some evening and weekends are required during periods of increased operational demand.

This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 5, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position.

Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.

Candidate Documents

When submitting your application, please submit a cover letter, resume and names/contact information for three professional references.

For further information about this specific position, please contact Ashley Carper at [email protected]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next.

Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation.

Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security.

Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Learn about Champaign-Urbana, our campus and the community we hope you choose to live and work in.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates.

Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion.

Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected].

Requisition ID: 1038990

Job Category

Education & Student Services

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu