Operations management Jobs in Chicago, IL

Asset Management & Property Operations Intern

The Asset Management & Property Operations Intern is a hybrid role designed to bridge on-site property management operations with portfolio-level asset management functions. This position provides hands-on exposure to affordable housing operations, financial performance monitoring, and data-driven decision-making.

The intern will support both departments through structured, task-based assignments focused on Yardi system utilization, financial and operational data review, and property performance tracking. Over time, the role will evolve from administrative and data validation tasks into deeper involvement in compliance, performance analysis, and operational strategy.

This role is ideal for candidates with backgrounds in urban planning, real estate, data analysis, or sustainability, who are interested in applying analytical skills within a mission-driven affordable housing environment.

Essential Job Functions include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Property Operations Support (Foundation Phase)

• Assist Property Management teams with:
• Data entry, file audits, and tenant record validation
• Work order tracking and operational reporting
• Leasing and occupancy reporting support
• Conduct basic Yardi data validation checks to ensure accuracy across properties
• Support site teams with administrative and reporting needs

Asset Management & Financial Review (Core Function)

• Perform Ledger Reviews:
• Identify discrepancies in charges, payments, and balances
• Flag unusual transactions for follow-up with accounting/site teams
• Conduct Rent Roll Reviews:
• Validate unit status, rent levels, subsidy accuracy, and occupancy
• Identify inconsistencies between rent roll, Yardi, and reported KPIs
• Assist with:
• Monthly financial package review preparation
• Variance tracking (budget vs. actuals)
• Delinquency and bad debt analysis

Yardi & Data Management (Key Skill Development)

• Complete Yardi Voyager training within first 12 weeks
• Maintain and audit:
• Tenant data
• Charge codes and lease structures
• Occupancy and leasing data
• Support troubleshooting of:
• Data inconsistencies
• Reporting errors
• System input gaps

Portfolio Performance & KPI Tracking

• Assist in tracking key metrics across the portfolio:
• Occupancy (physical & economic)
• Delinquency
• Vacancy loss
• Turn times
• Contribute to internal dashboards and reporting tools
• Support "watchlist" property tracking and performance improvement initiatives

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work directly with:
• Property Managers & Supervisors
• Accounting team
• Compliance team
• Third-party vendors
• Help ensure alignment between:
• On-site operations
• Financial reporting
• Compliance requirements

Advanced Responsibilities (Growth Phase) As proficiency increases, intern will:

• Assist with compliance file reviews (LIHTC/HUD basics exposure)
• Support coordination of corrections across teams
• Participate in identifying operational inefficiencies
• Contribute to process improvements and reporting standardization

Performance Management

• Weekly or bi-weekly check-ins with supervisor.
• Task completion tracking by property.
• Accuracy and consistency of data reviews.
• Growth in independent problem-solving and analysis.

Working Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Position experiences interruptions, need for frequent shifting priorities, and deadlines.

Physical Demands

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee in an office setting to successfully perform the essential functions of this job: talking, hearing, walking, sitting, standing, stooping, kneeling or crouching, reaching, handling; carrying and lifting objects, using office and computer equipment (visual contact and keyboard manipulation) as well as the telephone system.

Travel may be required for prospective developments and for meetings in the community.

Regular, predictable attendance is an imperative job function. Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or Master's (candidate) in a related field (Real Estate, Finance, or Design Disciplines such as Architecture or Urban Planning).
• Must possess strong analytical and organizational skills; be detail oriented and be able to work on numerous projects concurrently.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and other relevant software.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated interest in mission-driven real estate development, affordable housing, and/or community economic development.

Experience with data tools (Excel, GIS, or similar).

Success Factors

• Strong attention to detail (critical for Yardi + financial review).
• Ability to connect data to real-world operations.
• Proactive communication across teams.
• Willingness to learn systems and processes quickly.
• Analytical mindset with problem-solving ability.