Job Overview:

 

We are seeking an experienced and highly organized Director of Forward Planning & DRE to join our FirstService Development Advisors (FSDA) team. This leadership position requires a strong, proactive individual with the ability to drive growth, and team success. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of community management and the Department of Real Estate budget creation and processes, as well as a proven track record of employee and client retention, financial performance, and strategic business development.

 

The Director of Forward Planning & DRE will have an oversight of key operational areas, including team management, financial performance, marketing, and business expansion. This is a revenue-generating role and an active consulting position that requires a strong business acumen, communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

 

The successful candidate will be instrumental in advancing the FirstService Residential brand, enhancing market visibility, and upholding our commitment to service excellence, diversity, and professionalism.

 

Compensation: $105K-$115K

FirstService Residential will compensate the successful candidate in accordance with the posted range. The salary or wage paid to the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience, education, and specific job responsibilities. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

 

Job Responsibilities:

 

Partner with FSDA leadership to drive the business’s overall success by setting and achieving key performance indicators (KPIs) across financial performance, client transition, employee retention, and market expansion. Ensure the alignment of California regional service lines and products with organizational objectives, continually meeting or exceeding annual financial, client retention, and service line expansion goals. Drive the growth of FSDA’s service offerings in market, and contribute to the organization’s competitive positioning. Collaborate with the FSDA Leadership team and Marketing to develop and manage a comprehensive business development and marketing plan to promote FSDA’s DRE services, brand awareness, and market growth. Manage the on-boarding of FSDA services into FirstService Residential’s pipeline of new developments, ensuring the seamless integration of these services to accelerate business growth. Oversee the preparation and management of FSDA business development plans for DRE services, ensuring alignment with FSDA strategies and growth targets. Develop and nurture relationships with key clients to drive both client retention and expansion, ensuring high levels of satisfaction. Drive financial performance by managing key metrics and achieving targeted performance margins in line with the business plan. Work closely with FSDA leadership to ensure that contracts, pricing models, and service terms align with business strategies and mitigate risk. Oversee employee development, retention, and satisfaction strategies, ensuring a positive and productive work environment for the FSDA team. Cultivate strong, long-lasting relationships with clients, ensuring high levels of service delivery and satisfaction that lead to repeat business and referrals. Ensure compliance with all contractual and legal requirements related to FSDA’s services, with a deep understanding of service contracts, pricing structures, and risk mitigation. Approve payroll and ensure adherence to internal processes and timelines for the team’s areas of responsibility. Serve as the FSDA liaison to regional California FirstService Residential teams and the Training department to provide training, resources, and support for developing communities, DRE budgets, and the annexation process. Participate in internal councils and strategy groups as needed to contribute to the evolution of company policies, procedures, and initiatives

Leadership and Supervisory Responsibility:

The Director will have direct oversight of the Management and Budget Consultant(s), with the number of direct reports fluctuating based on business needs. Staff supervision and team building skills recognizes strengths and weaknesses of key staff members and adjusts job descriptions, positions, structures and training accordingly to maximize individual as well as company performance.  Actively supports key HR processes, including retention, recruitment, onboarding, and separation, with a focus on developing talent that aligns with the organization’s needs and strategic direction. Drives alignment of resource planning to prepare and identify resources/ personnel required for growth within margin guidelines for new business and succession.  Experience with the business development of new clients including generating target lists, cultivating leads and opportunities, business development strategies, and presentations.  Demonstrates industry expertise with established professional relationships, specifically in association budgeting and management planning, to reinforce FirstService Development Advisors' market position and competitive advantage. Champions key company initiatives, department goals, and other strategic planning initiatives to ensure alignment with long-term business objectives.

Company Initiatives:

Industry Involvement: Active participation in local relevant industry organizations such as BIA, ULI, and CAI is a critical component of this role. The Director should leverage these affiliations to advance FirstService Development Advisors' business interests, network with key industry stakeholders, and stay informed on industry trends and best practices. Company Engagement: The Director is expected to attend and engage in all designated company meetings and events, including supervisor meetings, team meetings, and other key events as required. This includes contributing to company culture, supporting team goals, and ensuring alignment with broader organizational objectives.

Skills & Qualifications:

Highly organized. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Strong team leadership skills. Ability to think and work independently as well as part of a team  A background in staff supervision, ability to train, develop and educate staff.  Proficient in understanding association budget formats, governance models, staffing models and pricing options and experience with the implementation of such.  Proven industry networking experience through the participation and/or exposure to various industry committees, organizations, and/or functions.  Demonstrates awareness of variables which could affect contract stability.  Is a leader in developing a proactive and creative strategy to alleviate loss of business. Must be able to travel overnight primarily between regional offices in California and any other travel required for the Company's determined benefit.  This job requires consistent and significant business development activity, which is mostly in the evenings and at times requires travel and overnight stays.  Other requirements as assigned. 

Education and Experience:

Associate or bachelor’s degree in finance, business, communications, or related field - preferred but not required. Minimum 4 years of related experience preferred in community association forward planning, budgeting, and consulting experience including expert knowledge in the various facets of California Department of Real Estate budget creation and processing. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, with an emphasis on Excel. Strong organizational and management skills. Able to develop client relations, client management, and consultation skills. Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail. Skilled in oral presentation and written communication Valid California driver’s license and state mandated insurance. Industry designation preferred but not required; CCAM and/or other CAI designations. 

Physical Requirements & Working Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Must have finger dexterity for typing/using a keyboard. Work is performed in a variety of environmental conditions, with exposure to outdoor temperatures, weather variations, traffic and equipment noise, equipment vibrations, vehicle and/or chemical fumes, chemicals such as cleaning solvents and grease, machinery and their moving parts and dust. Work duties may require the ability to stand or walk on hard surfaces for frequent and prolonged periods of time. Must be able to respond to requests and communicate to staff, coworkers, clients, and vendors. Consistent and regular attendance required. Some exposure to dust and noise. Some heavy lifting, standing, climbing.  Hours over and above normal office hours will occur, including evenings, holidays, and some weekends. Schedule is subject to change based on business needs.

Tools & Equipment Used:

Computers and general office equipment. The Director of Forward Planning & DRE will utilize a range of software tools common to project management and tracking, business development, financial analysis, and marketing.

Travel:

Must be able to travel overnight primarily between regional offices in California and occasional travel throughout our operational areas and regions in the US any other travel required for the Company's determined benefit. 

What We Offer:

 

Medical, dental, and vision plans (full time and part time 30+ hours) Part time 20+ hours qualify for dental and vision 401K match Time off including vacation, sick, and company paid holidays Pet insurance available Verizon discount Tuition reimbursement Legal services Free emotional wellbeing and daily life assistance support for all associates Domestic partner coverage Health savings account Flexible spending account

  

About Us:

FirstService Residential transforms the property management landscape by providing professional association management services to over 9,000 residential communities across the United States and Canada.

Our dedication to associate satisfaction and growth is recognized by our Great Place to Work certification, exemplifying our commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture. Our 19,000 associates can count on competitive salaries, top-tier medical, dental, and retirement benefits, career training, and support for continued professional development.

Experience exceptional service with a fulfilling career in property management with FirstService Residential.

To learn more about our company and culture, please visit www.fsresidential.com/california

 

Disclaimer:

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This is not an all-inclusive job description; therefore, management has the right to assign or reassign schedules, duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

 

FirstService Residential is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, parental status, ancestry, disability, gender identity, veteran status, genetic information, other distinguishing characteristics of diversity and inclusion, or any other protected status.

Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with federal and state laws, as well as applicable local ordinances.

All offers of employment with FirstService Residential are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.