Michael Kivitz
Clayton
Summary
Results-driven leader with a robust background in strategic management and organizational growth, adept at developing and implementing effective business strategies that optimize processes and enhance team performance. Recognized for adaptability and a collaborative approach, consistently delivering measurable outcomes in fast-paced environments. Strong communication and problem-solving skills complement a commitment to fostering a productive and positive team culture, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and driving sustained success. Passionate about leveraging innovative solutions to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities for growth.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Strategic Partnerships
The Preiss Company
01.2024 - Current
- Direct responsibility for portfolio growth via third-party management opportunities
- Successfully added 7,000+ new beds to the Preiss management platform in 2024 and 2025
- Source new deals, both on and off market for internal acquisition or on behalf of clients with well-aligned interests for third-party management opportunities
- Work hand-in-hand with the Preiss investment team on acquisition opportunities
- Includes deal sourcing, market tours, business plan creation, underwriting review and enhancement via creative ideas to achieve returns in the range of 18-20% IRR on value-add opportunities
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency across departments (investments and operations)
- Oversaw cross-functional teams to drive project completion and meet organizational goals
- Assist clients who buy deals direct with underwriting and business plan assumptions.
- Perform due diligence for new acquisitions related to third-party management
- Oversight of unit inspections, lease audits and assist with organization of third party inspections upon request (PCR, Phase I, etc)
- Represent Preiss at industry conferences for multifamily and purpose built student housing (NMHC, Interface, Apartmentalize, IMN, etc)
- Building relationships with brokers, clients and partners alike to earn referrals to drive portfolio growth, both by bed-count/unit count and AUM
- Present RFP for third-party management opportunities tailored to the specific needs of the prospective client and asset
- Strong capabilities in providing market research, knowledge of the comp set, product differentiators and university trends
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale
- Recipient of 2025 Preiss Culture Champion Award (November 2025)
Regional Manager
The Preiss Company
10.2015 - 01.2024
- Property management oversight for portfolio of 18 multifamily assets valued at ~$1.2bn in 12 states comprising of 10,000+ student tenants
- Oversight, management, training and development of over 110 in place team members
- Mentored junior managers, providing guidance on performance management and team development.
- Portfolio occupancy average of 98% during tenure 7+ year tenure, collections rate of 98.5%
- Consistently exceed monthly leasing/sales goals to achieve annual occupancy targets exceeding 98%
- Developed and executed action plan for annual top line rent growth ranging between 4%-10% depending on market location and asset class
- Developed and executed opportunities to drive ancillary income and reduce expenses successfully increasing portfolio NOI by 8%-20% annually on average
- Assisted business development team with market research and analytics, sourcing new deals and equity
- Developed and implemented strategic marketing initiatives to enhance property visibility.
- Implementation and execution of value-add business plan to achieve targeted ROI; returns generally exceed 20% IRR upon a successful exit of investment dependent on the asset class
- Assist with due diligence, underwriting and investor waterfall calculations for asset acquisition and disposition
- Recipient of Regional Manager of the Year award in 2018 and 2022
Senior Property Manager
The Preiss Company
10.2013 - 09.2015
- Management and oversight of 4 multifamily assets valued at ~$150mm in 2 states comprising of 1700 student tenants
- Oversight, management training and development of 30 in place team members
- Directed property operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and company policies
- Conducted regular property inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations and company standards
- Annual occupancy average of 95% during 2-year tenure, collections rate of 98%
- Managed budgeting processes, optimizing expenditures for maintenance and operational efficiencies
- Execution of business plan to drive top line rents and ancillary income while reducing expenses
- Build connections and maintain relationships with tier 1 university officials (Auburn University, University of Missouri)
- Recipient of Property Manager of the Year award in 2015
Assistant Property Manager
The Preiss Company
01.2009 - 09.2013
- Leasing/sales driven position for off campus student housing
- Successfully leased a portfolio of 3,000+ student beds annually over tenure; personally executed ~600 leases annually representing ~$3.9mm in revenue
- Oversaw monthly collections and maintained high payment rates by building positive relationships with tenants
- Managed tenant communications and resolved issues to enhance resident satisfaction
- Coordinated lease administration processes, ensuring compliance with company policies and local regulations
- Assisted in budgeting and financial reporting, tracking expenses to support operational efficiency
- Supported property marketing initiatives through online listings and community engagement activities
- Demonstrate strong customer service skills
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Marketing
Slippery Rock University
Pennsylvania12.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish
Slippery Rock University
Pennsylvania12.2011
Skills
- Relationship building
- Business development
- Negotiation
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Team management
- Creativity and innovation
- Strategies and goals
- Negotiation
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Director, Strategic Partnerships
The Preiss Company
01.2024 - Current
Regional Manager
The Preiss Company
10.2015 - 01.2024
Senior Property Manager
The Preiss Company
10.2013 - 09.2015
Assistant Property Manager
The Preiss Company
01.2009 - 09.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish
Slippery Rock University
Bachelor of Science - Business Marketing
Slippery Rock University