Baird & Warner | Lincoln Park

Supports real estate team leadership through operational, client, and marketing functions, ensuring efficient business processes and high-quality client service. | Requires active Illinois real estate license, 5+ years of residential real estate sales, and 3+ years in real estate operations or business management. | Position Overview The Chief of Staff is a senior, licensed real estate professional who serves as the strategic and operational partner to the leader of a top real estate team based out of the Baird & Warner Lincoln Park office. This role functions as the connective tissue between leadership, clients, operations, and growth initiatives. Blending executive support, real estate operations, marketing execution, and client experience oversight, the Chief of Staff ensures that the business runs efficiently while maintaining a high-touch, polished presence with clients and partners. This individual brings structure to a fast-paced environment, anticipates needs before they arise, and translates vision into execution across systems, people, and processes. This is a highly visible, client-facing role requiring discretion, strong judgment, independence, and professionalism. Core Responsibilities: Executive Partnership & Business Operations • Act as the primary operational and strategic partner to the Team Leader, ensuring priorities and initiatives move forward effectively • Manage calendars, scheduling, appointment preparation, and daily workflow coordination • Serve as a central communication hub, filtering distractions while ensuring timely follow-up and responsiveness • Develop, document, and continuously improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) and internal workflows • Train, onboard, and support team members while reinforcing accountability and performance standards • Track KPIs, reporting, and goal progress to support productivity and business growth Lead Management & Business Development Support • Work directly with active buyers to establish search criteria, review property opportunities (TAN, Zenlist, etc.), and communicate relevant listings • Oversee incoming leads and inquiries, ensuring prompt response, accurate CRM tracking, and follow-up • Support lead generation and conversion efforts, including CRM optimization, outreach initiatives, and email/drip campaigns • Assist with research, preparation, and logistics for networking events, speaking engagements, and expansion opportunities • Maintain and nurture relationships with vendors, partners, and industry contacts • Proactively identify opportunities to improve systems, efficiency, and growth outcomes Marketing, Listings & Brand Execution • Execute and manage marketing initiatives across digital, print, social media, and video platforms • Coordinate listing launches including photography, staging, signage, MLS preparation, and marketing materials • Ensure brand consistency and messaging alignment across all client-facing touchpoints • Prepare listing presentations and CMAs using Cloud CMA and related tools • Support social media execution, content creation, video production, and performance tracking Licensed Real Estate & Transaction Support • Serve as a licensed resource supporting clients throughout the buying and selling process • Coordinate showings, listing appointments, inspections, appraisals, walk-throughs, and open houses • Conduct MLS searches, property research, market analysis, and pricing support • Provide post-showing feedback, client updates, and timeline management to ensure smooth transactions from start to close Client Experience & Relationship Management • Act as a primary point of contact for clients, delivering a high-touch, professional service experience • Manage client communications, follow-ups, gifting, surveys, and milestone touchpoints • Demonstrate high emotional intelligence when working with clients, team members, and vendors • Strengthen client loyalty, referrals, and long-term relationships through consistent communication and service excellence Project, Vendor & Budget Oversight • Manage relationships with photographers, stagers, contractors, signage vendors, printers, and marketing partners • Oversee marketing and operational budgets • Lead special projects and process improvements from concept through execution • Take full ownership of assigned initiatives, making informed decisions and proactively reporting progress Qualifications • Active Illinois Real Estate License • 5+ years of residential real estate sales experience with end-to-end transaction knowledge • 3+ years in real estate operations, executive support, or business management • Demonstrated ability to work independently while managing competing priorities • Exceptional organization, communication, writing, and presentation skills • Strong client-facing professionalism and discretion • Valid driver’s license and reliable, fully insured vehicle Work Environment & Schedule • Combination of in-office, on-site, and field-based work • Core business hours with flexibility required for evenings and weekends based on client and business needs Why This Role This position is ideal for a highly capable, licensed real estate professional who enjoys serving as a strategic partner—not just support—and who thrives in roles involving ownership, accountability, growth, and delivering an elevated client experience. Pay: $125,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year Benefits: • Health insurance • Paid time off Work Location: In person