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Core Spaces

Director of Maintenance Operations - Student Housing

Core Spaces, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290

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Core Spaces (Core) Core Spaces is more than a real estate company—it’s a people company. Building relationships is as important as building properties. From researchers and architects to designers and operators, Core is made up of risk takers and dreamers who are on a mission to invent the future of living. Our six cultural values guide us every day: PUSH (Invent Better Places to Live), GRIT (We Got This), LIFT (Help Each Other Win), SHINE (Bring Your Full Self), UPHOLD (Never Break Trust), GROW (Always Get Better). Everything Core does stems from this culture of collaboration and innovation, and the drive to constantly improve the resident experience.

What We Do Founded in 2010, Core is a vertically integrated real‑estate investment manager focused on acquiring, developing, and managing student housing and build‑to‑rent (“BTR”) sectors. Its residential communities feature world‑class amenities, progressive design, and hospitality‑driven service. Core’s student housing portfolio includes over 59,000 beds currently owned or managed, with a pipeline of over 50,930 beds in various stages of development. Core’s BTR division has over 3,000 homes under development, now leasing or in its pipeline in high‑growth metros nationwide.

Benefits That Matter

A culture that provides you with a sense of belonging

Hybrid and remote work options

Competitive pay that values your contributions

Annual incentive to reward your achievements

Unlimited paid PTO and 15 paid holidays, including your birthday

Paid parental leave that begins after 90 days

Paid volunteer time off

Monthly workshop weeks; fewer meetings & more collaboration

Robust health plan options that begin within at least 30 days of employment

Monthly phone reimbursement

Wellness allowance and perks, including a yearly subscription to a meditation app

Environment that provides you a voice to share your perspectives

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support services

401(k) with match and Roth option

Position Overview The Director of Maintenance Operations – Student Housing leads and oversees maintenance operations across the student housing portfolio, ensuring exceptional service delivery, operational excellence, and safety compliance. The role manages all Regional Maintenance Supervisors, drives strategic initiatives to enhance asset performance and resident satisfaction, and supports new developments and transitions while upholding brand standards.

What You Will Do

Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all maintenance functions across the portfolio.

Manage and support Regional Maintenance Supervisors and onsite teams.

Develop, implement, and maintain preventive maintenance programs.

Oversee capital project planning, budgeting, and execution.

Ensure compliance with OSHA, LOTO, SDS and all safety protocols.

Establish and monitor KPIs for maintenance efficiency, work‑order turnaround, and resident service quality.

Standardize maintenance policies, procedures, and training.

Optimize work‑order management systems.

Partner with construction and operations teams to oversee transition of new developments, including warranty management.

Lead vendor and contractor management, negotiating service agreements.

Collaborate with Operations, Asset Management, and Facilities teams.

Support recruiting, hiring, and development of supervisors and staff.

Ensure properties are ready for move‑ins, turn processes, and inspections.

Provide leadership and solutions for emergency response and crisis management.

Travel regularly (50–70%) to visit properties, conduct audits, and support onsite teams.

Perform related duties and special projects as assigned.

Must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds, with regular bending and stooping.

Ideally, You’ll Have

7+ years of maintenance leadership experience within student housing, multifamily, or hospitality.

5+ years managing maintenance operations across multiple properties or regions.

Strong understanding of student housing operations, turn management, and high‑volume maintenance processes.

You’ll Crush It If You Have Experience With

Developing and managing large‑scale maintenance teams across multiple regions.

Technical or vocational training in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or related fields.

EPA I & II, HVAC certifications, or other relevant industry credentials.

Implementing work‑order management software and maintenance tracking tools.

Overseeing capital project budgets and long‑term maintenance planning.

Physical Demands

Ability to walk, stand, crouch, and move on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting objects up to 20 pounds.

Ability to drive or travel to various community locations.

Manual dexterity and visual acuity for inspections and detailed work.

Organizational Structure Reports to: Vice President, Maintenance Operations Direct Reports: Regional Maintenance Supervisors

Disclaimer Please note that job responsibilities, reporting lines, and duties outlined in this job description are subject to change to meet the evolving needs of the organization.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Core Spaces celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment. We do not discriminate and believe every individual should be proud of who they are and the community they represent.

Pay Range USD $140,000.00 – USD $150,000.00 per year.

Additional Compensation Employees may be eligible for discretionary bonuses, typically 20% of base salary annually, depending on individual and organizational performance.

Compensation Disclosure The compensation range listed reflects the base salary or hourly rate that we reasonably and in good faith expect to offer for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as education, experience, skills, certifications, seniority, geographic location, and business needs. This role may be eligible for additional forms of compensation, including bonuses, commissions, stipends, or non‑cash incentives, depending on position and performance. Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other role‑based offerings, subject to eligibility requirements. All compensation components are subject to change based on business needs or market conditions.

Seniority Level Director

Employment Type Full‑time

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