Part Time Customer Support Specialist

Part Time Customer Support Specialist – Fairlawn (Smile Student Living)

Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Customer Support Specialist to join our awesome team at Smile Student Living. The ideal candidate will embody Fairlawn’s core values:
Be Kind, Own It, Be Flexible, and Always Improve.

What will you do?

• Exemplify the core values of Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It and Always Improve
• Deliver excellent phone, text and email communications to customers
• Respond to all inquiries via multiple channels
• Serve as a resource for tenants as front‑line customer service
• Perform timely follow‑up with customers to ensure the highest‑quality service and build customer relationships
• Resolve issues directly as much as possible and escalation to appropriate team members as needed
• Provide a great customer experience through outstanding service and cost consciousness
• Learn and ensure compliance with all Fair Housing Laws including local, state, and federal housing regulations (training provided)
• Pivot, roll up your sleeves and jump in where needed

Why should you work here?

• Competitive Pay – we are ready to invest in you!
• The option to participate in our 401(k) Retirement Plan with a company match
• Company events to promote team cohesion
• The opportunity to work for a growing organization where you are valued and have a direct impact
• Quarterly off‑site meetings with your manager to celebrate wins, solve issues and ensure you are set up for success – the process is rewarding, and the results are great for your career

Requirements

Who you are – We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Have at least 2 years of customer service experience
• Have a high school diploma or GED (associate's degree preferred)
• Are proficient with relevant technology (e.g., Microsoft Office, App Folio, Outlook) and can easily adapt to changing technology
• Can work overtime as needed during high demand times and capacity shortages
• Demonstrate superior attention to detail, high energy and a positive attitude
• Have an ability to give and receive real‑time feedback with a positive mindset
• Have a proven ability to multi‑task and succeed in a very fast‑paced environment
• Demonstrate clear and effective communication
• Embody our core values:
  Be Kind, Be Flexible, Own It and Always Improve

Some Additional Things You Will Need

• Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation (limited in‑town personal vehicle usage for errands, out‑of‑county mileage reimbursed at the Federal rate)
• Availability to work longer hours and weekends during prime leasing season and turnover (specific dates vary from year to year)
• Must be able to perform the physical functions of the position: walking properties, completing physical inspections, delivering resident communications, and showing properties

Fairlawn is a vertically integrated firm focusing on real estate investment, management, and development. Based in Chicago and Champaign, Illinois, and managing a portfolio of 5,700 units with an asset value of $850 million, Fairlawn has a 10‑year record in value‑add projects, student housing, and build‑to‑rent communities. Fairlawn's best‑in‑class student housing brand, Smile Student Living, manages 3,400 beds at the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign and is a key player in student housing in the region.

Fairlawn has established a strong presence across Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky and is actively expanding into additional Midwest markets.

We are seeking candidates who demonstrate a strong alignment with the requirements listed above. While meeting all qualifications is preferred, we understand that exceptional candidates may bring comparable experience and skills to the table, including prior experience  value diversity of thought and experience, and we are committed to considering all applicants (internal and external) and selecting the most qualified applicant for the role.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.