Director, Community Management

CityIrvineStateCaliforniaJob LocationIrvine Regional Office (Derian)Position TypeRegular

The Director of Community Management will lead operations for a large, complex portfolio, with full accountability for maximizing net operating income, developing top talent, and driving competitive advantage.  This role is responsible for executing and evolving the Company’s investment and operating strategy while partnering closely with Revenue Management, Sales, Marketing, Finance, Development, HR, Legal, Technology and other key functions.  The Director requires a balance of strategic vision, operational excellence, and innovative thinking to deliver best-in-class results across the portfolio.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Financial

• Own full P&L responsibility for a large-scale portfolio including appropriate escalation to senior leadership and course correction when performance gaps are identified.
• Ensure achievement of the organization's philosophy, mission, strategy, and annual goals and objectives through the organization down to the individual asset level.
• Drive NOI growth by optimizing revenue performance, controlling expenses, and scaling innovative business practices.
• Oversee the annual operating plan and budget, aligning execution with financial and strategic objectives.
• Promote innovation to maximize revenue streams; capture an ever-changing target market(s) and scale key initiatives quickly and effectively.
• Maintain a deep understanding of local market dynamics (competition, supply pipeline, demand drivers, major tenants, market absorption) for managed assets.  
• Continuously evaluate and improve organizational processes, identify opportunities for efficiency, scalability, and innovation.

Customer Service

• Ensure superior resident experiences by setting service standards that create differentiation and competitive advantages.
• Strengthen brand reputation and market presence to position the company as the preferred choice for residents.  
• Establish enhanced standards, deployment and accountability for implementation and evaluation of high-quality resident experiences. This includes leveraging technology, top-tier engagement with site staff, and superior community relations.
• Ensure compliance with Fair Housing, Landlord-Tenant regulations, OSHA, and company policies.

Team Management

• Lead a team of General Managers (who themselves are responsible for a portfolio of assets) throughout the portfolio and ensure the execution of the strategic plan is being implemented effectively.
• Ensure achievement of the organization's philosophy, mission, strategy, and annual goals and objectives through the organization down to the individual asset level.
• Inspire teams through coaching, mentoring, career development, and career pathing, cultivating a culture of high performance and accountability.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.  
• 7+ years of leadership experience in operations, asset management, or portfolio management.
• Proven track record of P&L accountability and delivering NOI growth.
• Significant leadership experience managing complex and multi-level teams that are geographically dispersed.
• Strong business and financial acumen with advanced analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate and influence within matrixed organizations, which require significant influencing and collaboration skills.

WHAT THE JOB REQUIRES:

• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, balancing competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Frequent engagement with residents, clients, and stakeholders requiring strong communication and professional presence.
• Requires the ability to work Monday through Friday. Entails in-person office requirements located at Essex's corporate office in San Mateo, Woodland Hills, Bellevue, or Irvine.
•  Requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods. Involves the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers.
• Ability to perform frequent property walk-throughs, which may involve extended walking and the use of stairs for prolonged periods of time.
• This role requires frequent travel between local collection properties, sometimes to multiple properties within a day. Additional travel may also be required for trainings, conventions, court, meetings, or other locations as the job requires. 

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Leadership expertise in planning, organizing, and directing large functional teams, with a mix of direct and matrixed reports. Approves subordinate's recommendations for staff recruitment, selection, promotion, advancement, corrective action and termination. Effectively recommends same for direct reports to next level management for review and approval.
• Skilled in talent management, including recruitment, development, coaching, performance management, and retention. Monitors appropriate staffing levels and reports on utilization and deployment of human resources. Leads and supports staff in areas of staffing, selection, training, development, coaching, mentoring, measuring, appraising and rewarding performance and retention.
• Leads by example and models behaviors that are consistent with the Company's values.
• Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communication, with the ability to present information clearly and persuasively, address sensitive issues with professionalism, and consistently deliver timely, reliable, and customer-focused service.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and strategic decision-making skills with the ability to interpret complex data and drive outcomes
• Proven success in setting standards, achieving results, and building long-term business impact.

All full-time regular associates are offered competitive salaries, experience career growth, and are eligible for benefit packages that include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, 401k employer match, excellence rewards, wellness programs, and much more. With our 12 paid holidays and 15 PTO days, work/life balance is a priority! Additionally, most positions are eligible for a housing discount of 20%.

Essex provides great communities in which to live, work and invest. We are a purpose-driven company, and we pride ourselves on promoting an internal culture of growth and opportunity by engaging, enabling, and empowering our teams. Working at Essex is not a destination. It is a journey where you can confidently build your career.

New hires generally start between $157,000.00 - $205,000.00 per year. The final salary offer will be determined after reviewing relevant factors, including but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience; internal equity; and other business and organizational needs.

This role is also eligible to participate in Essex’s discretionary Annual Bonus program that is commensurate with the level of the position.