For over 80 years, Gaetani Real Estate has been a trusted steward of many of San Francisco’s residential and mixed-use properties. As a third-generation family-owned firm, Gaetani balances deep local roots, with a modern, performance-driven approach to property management.
We don’t just manage assets; we support owners, residents, and the broader community with care, consistency, and accountability. As the organization looks toward its next phase of growth, Gaetani is investing in stronger systems, clearer leadership structures, and scalable operations that honor its legacy while preparing for the future.
The Opportunity
Gaetani Real Estate is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to serve as a strategic partner to the owners and a key member of the executive leadership team. This role exists to bring clarity, consistency, and operational excellence across a multi-entity property management organization, while building the foundation required to scale thoughtfully.
This is a high-impact role for a leader who can balance strategic vision with hands-on operational understanding, and who is energized by strengthening teams, systems, and performance in a complex environment.
What You’ll Own
Operational Leadership: End-to-end responsibility for core operational functions, including property management, maintenance, leasing, and inspections.
Execution of Strategy: Translate company strategy into clear operational priorities, roadmaps, and measurable outcomes.
Systems & Scalability: Design and implement standardized processes, KPIs, and operating rhythms that improve efficiency, accountability, and service quality.
People & Culture: Build a high-performance culture grounded in trust, clarity, accountability, and leadership development, in partnership with HR.
Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensure strong collaboration across operations, finance, HR, and leadership to support data-driven decision-making.
Growth Enablement: Support organic growth and evaluate potential acquisitions, including operational diligence and integration planning.
What Success Looks Like
A well-aligned leadership team across operations and corporate functions
Clear performance metrics and reporting that drive accountability
Improved owner and resident satisfaction alongside operational efficiency
Embedded compliance practices that support sustainable growth
A scalable operating model that supports future expansion without sacrificing culture or quality
Detailed Responsibilities & Functional Scope
Strategic Leadership & Growth
Partner with ownership to define and execute long-term strategic and operational priorities
Lead enterprise-wide assessments across workflows, systems, communications, and structure to develop a roadmap to support scalable growth
Operational Management
Lead and align all operational teams through clear expectations, standardized processes, and performance metrics
Establish and monitor KPIs, service levels, and dashboards across departments
Ensure strong coordination between property management and maintenance to improve turn times, quality, and satisfaction
Proactively plan for and execute on regulatory and compliance requirements
People, Culture + Organization Design (in Partnership with HR)
Build a culture of accountability, psychological safety, and continuous improvement
Partner with HR on recruiting pipelines, performance management, training, and leadership development
Support organization design as the company grows and evolves
Ensure consistent workflows, training, and service standards across all operational functions
Oversee compliance with state and local landlord-tenant regulations, particularly in San Francisco
Strengthen processes related to turnovers, vendor management, leasing velocity, inspections, and resident experience
Introduce preventative maintenance programs and long-term capital planning in coordination with ownership
Technology, Systems & Financial Partnership
Partner with the CFO to optimize AppFolio workflows, reporting, data quality, and adoption
Improve internal reporting structures, communication tools, and operational visibility
Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking across fees, maintenance revenue, and expenses
Optimize vendor contracts, maintenance spending, and operational costs
Qualifications
Required
10+ years of senior operational leadership experience in property management, real estate services, hospitality, facilities, or another complex, multi-site environment
Proven experience scaling organizations and leading cross-functional teams
Strong financial acumen and experience partnering closely with finance and ownership
Comfortable operating in regulated environments
A decisive, collaborative leader who can operate strategically while staying close to execution
Preferred
Experience in property management, real estate, multi-family, or facilities/maintenance environments
Experience with AppFolio or similar property management systems
Experience with mergers & acquisitions or integrating acquired companies
Experience with California or San Francisco-specific housing compliance
Why This Role
This role is a unique opportunity to partner closely with ownership, shape how the organization operates, and help guide Gaetani Real Estate through its next chapter, while honoring the values and legacy that have defined the company for generations.
Annual Salary Range
The annual salary range for this position is $300,000–$400,000. Final compensation may be higher and will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and business needs.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Gaetani Real Estate is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related conditions, ancestry, medical condition (including genetic characteristics), veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We are also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with applicable law.
Gaetani Real Estate has been providing professional property management services to landlords, property and building owners in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 75 years. We take the hassle and worry out of owning commercial and multi-unit residential properties with a suite of customized property management services backed by three generations of knowledge and experience. Get in touch with us today regarding your rental property.
