Director of Operations & Executive Broker chez Baird & Warner

Description

The Director of Operations and Executive Broker is a strategic, licensed real estate professional who serves as the operational backbone and executive partner to the Team Leader, based out of the Baird & Warner Lincoln Park office. This role blends high-level business operations, marketing execution, client experience management, and hands-on real estate transaction support.

This individual oversees day-to-day operations, drives business growth initiatives, ensures operational excellence across systems and processes, and delivers an exceptional client experience from first contact through closing out in the field. They act as a central communication hub, create structure in a fast-paced environment, and proactively anticipate the needs of both clients and the Team Leader.

This is a highly visible, client-facing role requiring professionalism, discretion, strong judgment, and the ability to operate independently.

Key Responsibilities:

Executive & Operational Leadership

● Serve as the primary operational partner to the Team Leader, ensuring priorities, schedules, and initiatives are executed seamlessly

● Manage calendars, scheduling, appointment preparation, and daily workflow coordination

● Act as a central communication hub, shielding the Team Leader from unnecessary interruptions while ensuring timely follow-up

● Develop, document, and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training materials

● Train and onboard new team members; hold team members accountable to workflows and performance expectations

● Monitor KPIs, reporting, and goal alignment to support business growth and productivity

Business Development & Lead Management

● Work with active buyers to set up search criteria, review potential property matches (TAN, Zenlist, etc) and communicate those opportunities to the buyers.

● Support lead generation and conversion strategies, including CRM optimization, outreach campaigns, email marketing, and drip campaigns

● Oversee all incoming leads and inquiries, ensuring prompt follow-up and accurate tracking

● Assist with research, preparation, and logistics for networking, speaking engagements, and business expansion opportunities

● Maintain and manage vendor, partner, and industry relationships

● Continuously identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, systems, and business development outcomes

Marketing & Brand Management

● Execute and oversee marketing plans across digital, print, social media, and video platforms

● Coordinate listing launches including photography, staging, signage, MLS preparation, and marketing collateral

● Ensure brand consistency and messaging alignment across all client-facing materials

● Prepare listing presentations and CMAs using Cloud CMA and other tools

● Support social media strategy execution, content creation, video shoots, and analytics tracking

Real Estate Operations & Transaction Support

● Serve as a licensed resource supporting clients throughout the full buying and selling process

● Coordinate buyer showings, listing appointments, inspections, appraisals, walk-throughs, and open houses

● Manage MLS searches, property research, market data analysis, and pricing support

● Provide post-showing feedback, client updates, and timeline management to ensure smooth transactions from start to close

Client Experience & Communication

● Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, delivering a high-touch, polished service experience

● Manage client communications, follow-ups, gifting, surveys, and milestone touchpoints

● Demonstrate high emotional intelligence when working with clients, vendors, and team members

● Reinforce client loyalty, referrals, and long-term relationship building through consistent communication and service excellence

Project, Vendor & Budget Management

● Oversee photographers, stagers, contractors, signage vendors, printers, and marketing partners

● Manage marketing and operational budgets

● Lead special projects and process improvements from concept through completion

● Take full ownership of assigned initiatives, making timely decisions and proactively reporting progress

Qualifications:

● Active Illinois Real Estate License

● 5+ years of residential real estate sales experience with comprehensive transaction knowledge

● 3+ years in real estate operations, executive support, or business management

● Proven ability to operate independently while managing multiple priorities

● Exceptional organization, communication, writing, and presentation skills

● Strong client-facing professionalism and discretion

● Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle, fully insured

Work Environment & Schedule

● Combination of in-office, on-site, and field-based work

● Core hours with flexibility required for evenings and weekends based on client and business needs

Position Summary:

This role is ideal for a highly capable, licensed real estate professional who thrives as a strategic partner—not just a support role—and who enjoys owning operations, driving growth, and delivering an elite client experience.

Salary Range:

$125k-140k