Operations Specialist

Overview

At CLS Living, our mission is simple: to deliver an unparalleled resident experience and foster an exceptional workplace environment. We are committed to building a world-class team of passionate individuals who thrive in a culture of positivity, creativity, and continuous growth.

Each day brings new opportunities to innovate, lead, and make a meaningful impact. We take pride in our vibrant, design-forward communities and in the devoted teams who manage them with care and integrity. Our success starts with our people—and when our team thrives, our residents do too.

Company Benefits & Perks

We believe in rewarding our team with benefits that support both personal and professional well-being:

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 401(k) with Company Matching

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Health Savings Account (HSA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Life Insurance & Parental Leave

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Relocation Assistance

• Professional Development & Advancement Opportunities

• Supportive, Fun, and Flexible Work Environment

• Access to an Unmatched Company Culture that values individuality and innovation

Responsibilities

The Job At-A-Glance:

We are seeking an Operations Specialist to join the CLS Living corporate team. Reporting to the SVP of Operations, this role will support a variety of operational functions across our portfolio of student housing properties. The position requires 85–90% travel.

The ideal candidate will be technically proficient with a strong working knowledge of building and mechanical systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Support student housing properties with on-site management functions as assigned.

• Assist in the development and distribution of property operations resources.

• Implement strategic marketing plans and support leasing efforts, including marketing execution.

• Ensure property management software is accurate, up to date, and fully utilized.

• Partner with General Managers to build and maintain high-performing, collaborative teams.

• Maintain professional standards of management, communication, and reporting.

• Deliver first-class customer service to prospects and residents; ensure requests are handled promptly and professionally.

• Foster a professional, friendly, and welcoming office environment.

• Assist with lease processing, administration, and general administrative duties.

• Support collections, evictions, and other legal/administrative processes as needed.

• Contribute to the development of the company’s core strategic plan.

• Fill in for open property positions as needed across the portfolio.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Note: The activities listed above are representative but not all-inclusive.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For

You thrive on sharing your knowledge and shaping a better future for CLS Living. You serve as the number-one ambassador of the CLS Culture and Vision within your community. You have the personal drive to be your best and the ambition to grow within our company.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree OR 3–5 years of experience in student housing with a supervisory or higher management role OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Proven ability to lead, inspire, and motivate a dynamic team with a strong customer-centric mindset.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

• Entrepreneurial mindset—creative and willing to challenge the status quo to meet the needs of our residents and company.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational and analytical skills.

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Entrata software.

• Exceptional customer service skills.

• Excellent time management with the ability to prioritize work effectively.

Who You Are

We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on environment and who sees every challenge as an opportunity to improve the resident experience. The ideal candidate will:

• Be a passionate mentor and team builder, invested in the growth and development of others.

• Act as an ambassador of the CLS Living culture, bringing energy, pride, and leadership to the community.

• Have a personal drive to excel, grow within the company, and take ownership of their role.

• Possess an entrepreneurial spirit, always looking for innovative ways to enhance operations, resident satisfaction, and property performance.

• Demonstrate a solutions-first mindset, handling challenges with professionalism and integrity.

 CLS Living is very proud to be recognized as a certified Great Places to Work company. CLS Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.