Chief Financial & Operating Officer

Eau Claire, Wisconsin (Onsite)
Executive Compensation Package | $300,000+ Base Salary + Performance Bonus + Equity Participation

Pathway Talent Partners is partnering with a real estate investment, development, and property management organization to identify a Chief Financial & Operating Officer.

This is a rare executive leadership opportunity to join an established and growing multifamily real estate platform with a substantial portfolio of owned and managed assets, an active development pipeline, and a long-term vision for continued expansion throughout the Midwest and beyond.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CFO/COO will serve as a strategic business partner and key member of the executive leadership team. This executive will lead both the financial and operational functions of the organization, helping drive profitability, organizational scalability, capital strategy, and operational excellence across a diversified real estate portfolio.

About the Opportunity

Our client is a privately held real estate development, investment, asset management, and property management company with a strong track record of developing and operating multifamily communities. The organization is entering a significant phase of growth and seeks an experienced executive who can help guide the company through its next stage of expansion and institutional maturity.

This role is ideal for a highly strategic yet hands-on leader who can effectively navigate executive-level decision-making while remaining engaged in the day-to-day drivers of performance across financial, operational, and development activities.

Position Overview

The Chief Financial & Operating Officer will provide leadership across finance, accounting, capital markets, property operations, asset management, development support, and corporate infrastructure. The successful candidate will play a critical role in aligning people, processes, technology, and capital to support continued growth, maximize portfolio performance, and create long-term shareholder value.

This individual will regularly interact with lenders, investors, development partners, ownership groups, and internal leadership teams while serving as the CEO's trusted advisor and second-in-command.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Growth

• Partner closely with the CEO to develop and execute long-term strategic initiatives.
• Translate organizational goals into scalable operational and financial plans.
• Establish company priorities, KPIs, and performance metrics.
• Drive alignment across development, construction, property management, asset management, and corporate functions.
• Lead organizational planning, operational improvements, and scalability initiatives.
• Evaluate growth opportunities, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and market expansion opportunities.

Financial Strategy & Capital Markets

• Develop and execute the organization's long-term financial strategy and capital plan.
• Lead enterprise forecasting, budgeting, cash flow management, and financial planning efforts.
• Build and maintain relationships with lenders, investors, family offices, private equity groups, and capital partners.
• Structure debt, equity, joint venture, and investment arrangements.
• Oversee financing for development projects, refinancings, and acquisitions.
• Optimize capital allocation and capital structure across the portfolio.
• Support investor relations and capital raising initiatives.

Real Estate Development & Investment Oversight

• Partner with development teams on underwriting, feasibility studies, and investment analyses.
• Evaluate acquisition, development, disposition, and recapitalization opportunities.
• Monitor project budgets, schedules, returns, and performance metrics.
• Ensure development and operational activities align with investment objectives and profitability goals.

Property Management & Asset Operations

• Provide executive oversight of the property management platform.
• Drive performance across multifamily communities, including occupancy, revenue growth, resident retention, and expense management.
• Establish operational reporting standards and key performance indicators.
• Identify opportunities to improve NOI, operational efficiency, and portfolio performance.
• Ensure consistency in operational standards across all communities.

Finance, Accounting & Corporate Infrastructure

• Lead accounting, treasury, financial reporting, budgeting, tax compliance, and audit functions.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting for ownership, investors, and lending partners.
• Improve systems, reporting capabilities, technology platforms, and internal controls.
• Implement scalable processes and infrastructure that support future growth.

Risk Management & Governance

• Oversee enterprise risk management, insurance programs, lender compliance, and corporate governance.
• Manage liquidity, debt exposure, and capital risk.
• Maintain strong financial controls and operational accountability across the organization.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Build, mentor, and develop high-performing finance, accounting, and operations teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support succession planning and leadership development initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to ownership and executive leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Real Estate, Economics, or related field required.
• MBA, CPA, CFA, or other advanced credentials preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in finance, operations, real estate, or investment management.
• Significant experience within multifamily real estate development, investment, property management, or related sectors.
• Proven success leading both financial and operational functions in a growth-oriented organization.
• Deep understanding of construction financing, institutional debt, equity structures, and real estate capital markets.
• Experience overseeing large-scale real estate portfolios and significant development investments.
• Track record of scaling systems, teams, and infrastructure to support organizational growth.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and strategic planning abilities.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first 24 months, the successful executive will:

• Strengthen organizational infrastructure to support continued growth.
• Improve portfolio performance and profitability.
• Enhance property management, asset management, and executive reporting capabilities.
• Expand lending and capital partner relationships.
• Secure financing for future development opportunities.
• Improve forecasting accuracy and executive decision-making tools.
• Drive initiatives that increase NOI and long-term shareholder value.
• Help position the organization for its next phase of growth and institutional sophistication.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary of $300,000+
• Executive performance bonus
• Long-term equity participation
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous paid time off
• Relocation assistance available
• Executive-level growth and leadership opportunity