About the Eames Institute

The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity is a nonprofit public charity dedicated to advancing the dynamic legacy of 20th-century designers Ray and Charles Eames. By sharing the things the Eameses made and loved, along with their joyful and rigorous approach to life and work, we seek to inspire creative problem-solving that positively shapes our world. 

With our vast collections, digital and print offerings, an extensive program of events, and the Eames Ranch, we aim to demonstrate the enduring value of the Eameses’ philosophy and invite people to explore their curiosity, ask questions, and implement creative solutions to the challenges of today.

About the Role

The Director of Properties is responsible for overseeing and managing an array of real estate properties, ensuring their deferred maintenance, operational efficiency, upkeep, and value appreciation from acquisition through operational phases. This role requires a deep understanding of property management, including, but not limited to, facilities care and development, land management, agricultural stewardship and production and all future planning.

Key Responsibilities

Properties Portfolio Management

• Oversee the performance and management of a portfolio of real estate assets, including ranch/agricultural, commercial, and residential properties in Petaluma, Novato, Richmond, and San Francisco, Calif.
• ​​Oversee daily operations of all properties, including: 
• HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, and building systems.
• Janitorial, landscaping, waste, and general maintenance.
• ​​Ensure properties are safe, functional, compliant, and well-presented (“ready state”).
• Establish preventive maintenance programs and service schedules.
• Develop and implement strategies to maximize the value and cost efficiencies of the properties.
• Monitor the financial performance of properties through budgeting, forecasting, and analysis. 
• Monitor and control budgetary expenses to align with the financial goals and necessities.
• Support senior leadership: Collaborate with the Head of Land & Partnerships to identify and evaluate new investment opportunities, dispositions and portfolio optimization.

 Richmond Property Operations

• Coordinate and oversee the daily operations of the properties, including leasing, maintenance, and tenant relations. 
• Oversee all leases, contracts, and vendor agreements.
• Implement cost-effective property management practices to optimize operating expenses while maintaining quality.
• Liaise between construction management, architects and project managers, as needed throughout the campus development. 
• Participate actively in the campus planning process. 

 Novato Property Operations

• Closely monitor and oversee the care for all aspects of the property through phases of construction, including basic maintenance, property access, security and hosting standards are met. 
• Oversee facilities and groundskeeper contracts, as needed.
• Stabilize all basic systems throughout the property prior to renovations.
• Collaborate with leadership to support the Design & Construction phases.

Ranch Property Operations

• Closely monitor and oversee the care for all aspects of the 1195, 1251, and 1295 properties, including landscape and facilities, ensuring top-notch maintenance standards are met. 
• Collaborate with leadership on ranch and agricultural pursuits.
• Act as the point person to maintain these properties at a “ready-state” at all times throughout the construction and operational phases intersecting with hosting responsibilities as collaborating with other teams.. 
• Oversee Facilities Technician responsibilities and Ranch Hand positions on all aspects of facilities maintenance (preventative), including budget, contract negotiation and relationships with vendor contracts, which includes overseeing work product, schedules, and administrative/billing processes.
• Provide guidance and thought partnership to the Senior Farm Manager to oversee implementation of best practices in sustainability initiatives, including contributing knowledge, teaching relevant staff, delegating, and rolling up your sleeves collaboratively to support implementation of land management practices, including community grazing, fire resilience, restoration, and infrastructure projects. 

Security and Risk Management

• Identify and mitigate risks associated with property ownership, including legal, regulatory, and environmental concerns.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to real estate management.
• Implement strategies for risk minimization, tool safety, general safety training, and disaster recovery planning.
• Manage contract security and systems.

Organization & Culture

• The Director of Properties serve as our in-house expert on real estate portfolio management and compliance.
• The Director of Properties will develop systems and tools to streamline internal and external communication, collaboration, planning, execution, and reflection for the portfolio of properties.
• The Director of Properties will leverage personal and team member strengths in maintaining and elevating the properties and the experiences of our internal and external guests and communities. 

Required education, skills, abilities, competencies

• Success in this role requires an individual who is an incredibly strong problem-solver, has respect and empathy for their colleagues, and can be extremely agile in their approach to an array of projects of all scales.
• Exceptionally strong communication skills, including the ability to provide helpful and clear direction and decision-making to employees and strategic partners from a variety of education, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
• High-level ability to motivate and inspire others; ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse disciplines and backgrounds.
• Strong competencies related to problem-solving and being results-driven. 
• 10+ years of experience in real estate property management or portfolio management.
• Experience with multi-use properties.
• Experience in land management and/or agricultural production a plus
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in property management and facilities management software (Yardi, MRI, etc.) and financial analysis tools.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience negotiating leases, contracts, and vendor agreements to optimize outcomes with the ability to build and maintain relationships with property owners, neighbors, tenants, and internal clients and investors.

Essential Functions:

• This position is expected to be primarily onsite at one of the Institute’s main properties (Petaluma, Novato, Richmond, or occasionally San Francisco), working Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm, with occasional evenings and weekends per event schedule.
• Regularly required to walk, stand, sit, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, and reach.
• Must be able to access mechanical rooms, rooftops, crawl spaces, and construction sites.
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs and work at heights.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25–50 pounds as needed.
• Ability to use tools, equipment, and handheld devices for inspections and documentation.
• Must be able to visually inspect facilities, read gauges, plans, and technical documents.
• Ability to hear alarms, warnings, and equipment sounds.
• May be exposed to:
• Dust, noise, chemicals, fumes, and varying temperatures.
• Outdoor weather conditions.
• Active construction environments.

• Ability to communicate effectively with others via phone, video conference, and in person.
• Requires regular travel between multiple properties/sites. 
• Must be able to respond to emergencies after hours, including evenings and weekends.

What We Offer 

• Salary range for this role is $150,000 - $175,000
• The Eames Institute offers a competitive benefits package, including…
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• 401k employer match
• Commuting benefits
• Wellness stipend (annual) 
• Professional development stipend (annual) 
• $500 match for charitable giving, for every year of service up to five years
• Unlimited paid time off policy in addition to fourteen paid holidays

Benefits are subject to change at the employer’s discretion.

This job description is intended to describe the general requirements for the performance of this job. It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. The Eames Institute may change the job duties, including the location and schedule, at its discretion.  

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The Eames Institute values diversity, inclusion & belonging for all, and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We strive to create a workplace that empowers people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to feel respected, valued, and able to contribute at the highest level.