Manager, Property Operations

Department: Operations

Reports to: Senior Vice President, Property Management

FLSA Status: Exempt

The anticipated salary for this position starts at $70,000+. The final pay will be determined based on several factors, including qualifications, experience, education, and years within the job or industry, with a strong emphasis on maintaining internal equity.

Who we are and what we’re about:

KU Endowment is an independent, nonprofit organization and the official fundraising foundation for the University of Kansas.  We partner with donors in providing philanthropic support to build a greater KU.
 

As an employee of KU Endowment, you’ll witness firsthand the power of our donors’ generosity.  You will join a talented and fun group of people who are inspired to help KU through the support of loyal alumni and friends.  This support fuels excellence, enabling students and faculty to develop innovative programs and research that distinguish the university.  We connect the philanthropic passions of donors with the needs of students, faculty and programs – and everyone benefits.
 

People are engaged. Purpose is ignited.  Lives are changed.

What we are looking for:

This position is responsible for the internal management of various real estate holdings of KU Endowment. Provides asset management assistance and support to the Senior Vice President. Performing related duties as assigned, this position plays a key role in ensuring that KU Endowment’s property and management operations are carried out efficiently, professional and in alignment with the overall goals of the organization. The individual in this role provides direct supervision and administrative oversight of the Property Assistant.

The individual in this position is expected to embrace KU Endowment’s stated core values – collaboration, curiosity, empowerment, and excellence – and demonstrate support for them through professional interactions and activities. 

Hybrid Work Environment: 

Following the initial training period, this position offers a hybrid work schedule, with the flexibility to work remotely for part of the week. However, the role requires multiple days per week on-site at our Lawrence, KS office to ensure effective collaboration, team engagement, and alignment with organizational goals. 

What’s a typical day look like?

• General management of the KU Endowment mineral interest portfolio of approximately 3500 interests and 500 active wells in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming. Oversee lease administration, division orders, ownership transfers, and seismic permit activity. Monitor and ensure the accurate receipt and deposit of mineral rentals, royalties and working interest payments. 
• Manage a single working/operating interest including the monthly accounting process and providing timely, accurate, detailed monthly payments to interest owners. Maintains division orders and contact with all owners as necessary including the purchase and consolidation of minor interests. 
• Administer monthly and annual reimbursement processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Oversee the Property Assistant with the preparation and payment of KU Endowment Oil and Gas taxes as well as daily administrative functions.
• Participate in KU planning processes for new construction and renovations. Reviews and manages consultant and construction contracts with emphasis on risk management; compliance with insurance requirements; maintenance of construction budgets; payment and tracking of construction invoices; and acceptance of completed work.
• Oversee the day-to-day management of various real estate holdings of KU Endowment. Works directly with property managers and various vendors to ensure that the holdings of KU Endowment are managed and maintained in a manner that reflects KU Endowments desired outcomes, including issuing, tracking, and following up on rent notices.
• Support the Senior Vice President and Assistant Vice President with insurance risk analysis and the preparation of materials necessary for binding appropriate coverages.   
• Assist with meetings of the Property Management Committee, including the preparation of meeting materials and minutes.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance which is essential to the successful performance of this role.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

What’s required to be considered:

• Considerable knowledge of modern office practices and procedures required.
• Ability to supervise staff and workflow, establish and maintain effective working relationships with KU and Med Center staff at all levels, creating a highly positive and professional image for KU Endowment.
• Ability to independently initiate, organize and follow through with tasks and meet multiple deadlines.
• Possess proficient writing and organizational skills to produce complex correspondence and documents. 
• Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships inside and outside KU Endowment.
• Ability to adapt to new procedures and technology.

What separates the best from the rest? 

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred; equivalent professional experience in office management will be considered.
• Supervisory experience is preferred, with demonstrated ability to lead and support team members effectively.
• Familiarity with the oil and gas industry and construction management is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• A valid driver’s license. 
• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel between multiple locations for training, donor meetings, networking, events and/or work-related activities.
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to directions and safety hazards.
• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office productivity machinery such as computers, keyboards and a mouse, laptops, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. 
• This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to move files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.
• The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• The person in this position frequently communicates with donors, colleagues, students, and general public. Must be able to communicate with others effectively.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as light-up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional travel is required and can include the following, evenings, weekends, as a regular part of the job. 

KU Endowment is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job as regulated by ADA. If you require accommodation for any part of the application process or during employment, please contact humanresources@kuendowment.org to discuss your needs.

We’ve got you covered:

KU Endowment offers a competitive salary with an excellent benefit package including: 

• 100% employer-paid pension plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) matching program
• Section 125 flexible benefits 
• Generous paid leave including holidays, personal and sick leave
• Volunteer and community engagement opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Legal & ID Theft protection
• Critical Illness
• Accident and Hospital Indemnity insurance 
• KU education assistance 
• Free parking

Sounds good, right? What’s next?

Please include your resume and cover letter when applying for this position on our website at https://www.kuendowment.org/careers.

Questions regarding this vacancy may be addressed to:
 

Human Resources
KU Endowment
PO Box 928
Lawrence, KS 66044-0928
Email: humanresources@kuendowment.org
 

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled.  Because of the sensitive nature of KU Endowment business and the importance of our reputation with donors, KU Endowment conducts a comprehensive review of applicants.  By submitting your application, you authorize us to conduct reference checks and a review of available public information.  Employment is contingent upon background and reference checks that KU Endowment finds acceptable.