Development Community Manager - Student Housing

About University Partners

University Partners is a vertically integrated student housing investment, development, and management firm with a nationwide portfolio. We specialize in creating high-performing student communities through thoughtful design, operational excellence, and strong local leadership. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for leaders who thrive in fast-paced environments and want to build something from the ground up.

The New Development Community Manager is responsible for leading all onsite operations for a newly developed student housing community from pre-opening through stabilization. This role plays a critical part in driving lease-up performance, building the onsite team, and establishing operational standards that support long-term success.

This position requires a hands‑on, adaptable leader who can manage competing priorities, partner cross‑functionally, and deliver results during a high‑growth phase.

• 3+ years of experience as a Community Manager in student housing environment
• Prior lease‑up experience is required
• Proven ability to lead teams in fast‑paced, seasonal leasing environments
• Strong understanding of student leasing cycles, operational execution, and financial performance
• Experience with property management systems such as Entrata or similar
• Strong communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to adapt quickly and lead through change

• Lead pre‑opening and lease‑up efforts, including readiness planning, staffing, and operational setup
• Execute leasing strategies to meet occupancy, pre‑leasing, and revenue goals aligned with the academic calendar
• Monitor leasing performance, traffic, conversion, and pricing trends; adjust strategy in real time
• Partner with marketing teams on outreach, events, and campus engagement initiatives

• Recruit, hire, train, and manage onsite teams including Leasing Consultants and Maintenance staff
• Establish performance expectations, schedules, and accountability across the team
• Coach team members on student‑focused leasing, customer service, and resident engagement

• Manage operating budgets, expenses, and revenue in alignment with ownership expectations
• Review financial reports, rent rolls, and variance explanations; recommend corrective actions
• Ensure accurate leasing data, resident files, and reporting within property management systems

• Oversee resident relations, service standards, and issue resolution in a student environment
• Ensure compliance with Fair Housing, student housing regulations, and company policies
• Maintain a safe, well‑managed community during peak leasing and move‑in periods

• Partner with Development, Construction, Asset Management, and Regional leadership during transition from build to operations
• Coordinate vendors, service providers, and campus‑facing partners
• Serve as the primary onsite representative for internal stakeholders and ownership

• Opportunity to lead a new community during a critical phase of growth
• High visibility and partnership with senior leadership
• Ability to build teams, culture, and processes from the ground up
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Relocation or housing accommodation support may be considered, depending on the project.

If you’re energized by lease‑ups, student housing, and building something new, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to be part of a growing team shaping the future of student living.