Director of Real Estate

Greystar is a leading, fully integrated global real estate platform offering expertise in property management, investment management, development, and construction services in institutional-quality rental housing. Headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, Greystar manages and operates over $350 billion of real estate in more than 260 markets globally. The company is the largest operator of apartments in the United States, managing over one million units/beds globally.

About the role

The Director, Real Estate Operations is a leadership role within Greystar's Management Services business, accountable for delivering operational and financial performance across a defined portfolio of assets within a Region. This role is directly responsible for maximizing asset performance through disciplined execution, oversight, and effective leadership of Regional Property Managers (RPMs).

Responsibilities

• Accountable for the operational execution and performance of the portfolio by ensuring strong team alignment with property-level strategies, regional goals, and organization initiatives.
• Hold RPMs accountable for conducting regular site visits and property inspections that validate standards, mitigate risks, and identify improvement opportunities.
• Prioritize and personally conduct site visits based on operational risk, performance gaps, and opportunities for the greatest impact.
• Review and actively manage key performance indicators (delinquency, turnover, make ready, etc.), addressing underperformance promptly through coaching, training, correction action, and tactical intervention.
• Ensure asset improvement plans are clearly defined, executed effectively and efficiently, and tracked with measurable outcomes and accountability.
• Be the trusted market expert, quickly identify trends, understand the operational impacts, and translate insights into action.
• Lead and actively participate in initiatives that improve operational effectiveness; identify opportunities, coordinate project teams, and implement new programs, policies, procedures, and practices.
• Adhere to timelines for reporting, accounting, etc., ensuring the team adheres as well.
• Ensure strong financial stewardship of the portfolio by training and mentoring RPMs on best practice budgeting, financial areas of risk, and financial storytelling.
• Review and approve all property-level budgets, key performance indicators, and financial performance, holding teams accountable for accuracy, discipline, and performance against the plan.
• Use data-driven insights to identify trends, risks, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Escalate potential risk issues appropriately and in a timely manner to drive corrective action.
• Make informed operational decisions based on sound, accurate financial analysis, partnering closely with RPMs to balance performance, risk, and long-term value.
• Partner closely with RPMs and Accounting to ensure accurate and timely reporting, removing obstacles and escalating issues or discrepancies for effective resolution.
• Provide clear, consistent communication to internal key stakeholders and external clients regarding financial performance, progress against goals, and recommended course correction.
• Model and reinforce Greystar's core values and leadership competencies, setting clear expectations for performance, accountability, and professionalism.
• Hire, develop, and retain high-performing RPMs and regional leaders capable of driving asset performance and leading strong on-site teams.
• Coach and develop direct reports through one-on-one meetings, team huddles, performance feedback, and targeted development plans.
• Hold leaders accountable for recruiting, onboarding, training, performance management, and talent assessment.
• Ensure consistent and compliant interpretation and application of HR policies and employment laws.
• Strengthen and sustain client relationships through proactive communication, transparency, and consistent delivery of results.
• Ensure proper preparation for client calls, visits, and meetings; prepare the team through coaching and guidance.
• Provide clients with clear updates, proactive insights, and action-oriented solutions promptly and professionally aligned to their investment objectives.
• Represent Greystar's brand, values, and service standards in all client and resident interactions.
• Ensure full compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal operational standards across the portfolio.
• Ensure audits are completed accurately and within established timelines; responsible for performing final review and confirming all action items have been appropriately addressed prior to approval.
• Proactively identify and mitigate operational and safety risks through inspections, daily incident reviews, and proactive follow-up with teams.
• Contribute to new business efforts through market knowledge, operational expertise, and performance credibility.
• Support underwriting and due diligence processes as needed to include transitions, dispositions, acquisitions, lease-ups, etc.
• Assist with pitch preparation and presentations, delivering confidently and effectively.

Requirements

• Typically, 10 or more years of increasing responsibility and complexity in relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in property operations or real estate management at the regional level or above, preferably in multi-family housing, with demonstrated ownership of portfolio performance.
• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field preferred. In lieu of a degree, minimum 5 years as a regional people leader with a proven track record in property operations or asset management, preferably within multi-family real estate, may be considered.
• Proven people leader with the emotional maturity to build trust, inspire, motivate, set clear expectations, and drive results through others.
• Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly across all levels of the organization.
• Resilient, adaptable leader skilled at identifying issues, escalating appropriately, developing solutions, and effectively managing organizational change initiatives.
• Strong understanding of property-level financials, budgets, and performance metrics with the ability to confidently present financial updates, budgets, and reports.
• Ability to analyze property and market asset performance data to deliver informed, data-driven recommendations.
• Relentless commitment to delivering exceptional service to team members, residents, and clients while maintaining strong operational discipline.
• Strong alignment with Greystar's values, brand, and culture.

Benefits

• Competitive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Disability & Life insurance benefits.
• Low (free basic) employee Medical costs for employee-only coverage; costs discounted after 3 and 5 years of service.
• Generous Paid Time off: 15 days of vacation, 4 personal days, 10 sick days, and 11 paid holidays. Plus your birthday off after 1 year of service. Additional vacation accrued with tenure.
• Onsite housing discount at Greystar-managed communities (subject to discount and unit availability).
• 6-Week Paid Sabbatical after 10 years of service (and every 5 years thereafter).
• 401(k) with Company Match up to 6% of pay after 6 months.

Pay

Many factors go into determining employee pay within the posted range including business requirements, prior experience, current skills, and geographical location.

Additional Compensation

• Corporate Positions: Eligible to participate in a quarterly or annual bonus program based on individual and company performance.
• Onsite Property Positions: Eligible to participate in weekly, monthly, and/or quarterly bonus programs.