Position Profile

Chief Operating Officer (COO) Baltimore, Maryland

The Towner Management Company is seeking a visionary, mission-oriented and seasoned leader who will serve as the Chief Operating Officer and successfully lead Towner into its next phase of measured growth and stability.

The Organization

The Towner Management Company was founded in 1992 and manages approximately 1,300 multi-family and scattered site residential units in 40 different properties. Our communities are primarily located in Baltimore City. They include housing for seniors, families, formerly homeless individuals, students, artists and commercial tenants. Towner Management manages property for the Housing Authority of Baltimore City, Enterprise Community Partners, Homes for America, Episcopal Housing Corporation, Druid Heights Community Development Corporation, The Reinvestment Fund and several other owners. It also manages properties that have been developed by its real estate development affiliate, French Development Company. The majority of the properties managed by Towner Management are located in Baltimore City. Although market-rate units are included in its inventory, most of the rental properties managed by Towner are rent-restricted and occupied by low and moderate- income residents, some of whom participate in subsidized rent programs (e.g. PBRA, PBV, HCVP, Public Housing, Baltimore City Department of Social Services, and the Baltimore City Office of Homeless Services). Towner is experienced in the full range of management activities required to provide high quality service to the residents of these subsidized rent programs. Towner maintains a professional property management staff of approximately 60 employees to lease, manage and maintain its portfolio. The company is governed by a three- member Board of Directors and has an annual budget of $3.3 million in total revenue. The mission of the company is two-fold: 1) to provide quality housing and property management services and 2) to create a work environment and culture where employees take pride in their work and are afforded opportunities for growth and success.

The Position The COO is appointed by and reports to the Board of Directors which consists of the Chief Executive Officer and company founder, Jay French; the President, Gardiner Fraker; and Vice-President, James French. The positions that report to the COO are the Regional Property Manager, the Property Managers, the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Facilities Management and the General Counsel whose duties include oversight of risk management, compliance, reporting and human resources. Key Responsibilities

 Provide leadership, guidance and supervision to the Regional Property Manager, the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Facilities Management and the General Counsel;  Be a highly visible leader committed to developing training programs for company employees at all levels in order to raise the standards of performance and ensure consistency and accountability;  Monitor annual property budget performance with Regional PM, Director of Facilities Management. Review annual budgets prepared by the CFO;  Analyzes monthly performance measures report prepared by the CFO and be able to present key findings to the Board and articulate follow-up actions;  Attends and presents at quarterly Board meetings goals and strategic objectives and updates on progress;  Prepares company goals and strategic objectives annually with senior management team;  Preside over regular senior management meetings to discuss company priorities, monitor progress and promote cross-department collaboration and esprit de corps;  Establishes budgets and management practices for new real estate developments, ensures smooth transition from development to operations while also ensuring all lease-up schedules are met.  Participates in monthly company financial performance reviews with CFO;  Monitors market conditions and oversees rent increases;  Continually enhances industry knowledge and expertise through property management publications, trainings, networking events, trade group association membership and webinars;  Promotes communication and collaboration between departments to ensure positive company culture;  Main point of contact for owners and community partners;  Solicits new business opportunities through existing relationship, fostering new relationships and ensuring a positive reputation within the industry;  Primary ambassador and public face for the company –attends networking events, sits on trade organization committees, i.e. MAHC and HAND, presents at conferences;  Uses knowledge of industry practices, tenant landlord law, standards, procedures, new legislation to constantly update and improve Towner Policies and Procedures Manual and train and hold employees accountable to adhering to the policies and procedures so that company exposure to liability is minimized and operational efficiencies are maximized.  Participate in the recruitment, interview, selection, and evaluation process to ensure that Towner is and remains an employer of choice

Experience and Attributes

 Able to provide visionary and strategic leadership and translates that vision into measurable goals and definitive actions that advance the mission of the company  A strong passion for people, for problem solving and for taking on challenges;  Exceptional interpersonal and networking skills, business acumen and the ability to negotiate;  Skill in community involvement and engagement and in building strategic partnerships and collaborations;  Experience with administrative and fiscal management, budgeting and operations;  Demonstrates effective delegation of staff responsibilities and a system of follow up and accountability;  Inspiring and inclusive leadership style with demonstrable track record of managing and supporting staff;  Experience working with a Board of Directors and supporting engaged and effective governance;

Near Term Priorities – first 6-12 months

 Quickly understand the business and financial model and approach of Towner and learn the structure of the organization;  Further develop the Towner Policies and Procedures Manual and conduct trainings with staff to convey essential information;  Establish strong working relationship with the Board of Directors, staff, owners, partners and other stakeholders;  Assess the organization’s operations and staffing structure and make recommendations to the Board that are fiscally prudent and practical

Job Requirements

 A minimum of 10 years successful experience leading a property management company or division with a focus on affordable housing; demonstrated ability to manage staff; expertise with local, State and Federal housing regulations; strong Section 8, FHA Multifamily, Public Housing and Low Income Housing Tax Credit knowledge and experience; established relationships with HUD, MD DHCD and affordable housing providers; experience and familiarity with Baltimore City neighborhoods; solid understanding of accounting requirements; working knowledge of MS Office and YARDI Voyager property management software; strong written and verbal communication skills  Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university required. Masters of Business Administration (MBA) preferred.  All applicants must pass our background checks and drug screening.

Job Conditions Position is in an urban environment. Position experiences interruptions, need for frequent shifting priorities and deadlines. Requires site visits and use of own vehicle. Must provide proof of valid driver’s license and vehicle liability insurance. Competitive salary and benefits package.

To Apply Send resumes and salary requirements for immediate consideration to [email protected] . For more information about The Towner Management Company, please visit our website at www.thefrenchcompanies.com

The Towner Management Company, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from women and persons of color are encouraged. Resume reviews will begin immediately.