Coliving has become a popular lifestyle choice for people who value community, collaboration, convenience, and flexibility. This trend has given rise to a new type of job – coliving jobs – which sometimes enable individuals to live and work in the same space.
In this page, we will explore common coliving jobs, such as operations, community management, marketing, event planning, hospitality services and many others. Whether you are a job seeker or a team leader searching for talent, this page will provide valuable insights and tips to help you navigate the world of coliving jobs.
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Common coliving jobs
This guide aims to be as comprehensive as possible. Coliving organisations vary widely in terms of size and purpose, and actual team structure differs accordingly. The jobs may also differ depending on the coliving business model: they may differ if the coliving business is vertically integrated (and is running as both a PropCo and an OpCo), if the target and location of the coliving business (e.g. nomad coliving vs. large scale purpose built shared living), if the brand is operating one location, a few locations or several dozens, and so on.
Some of the job roles and descriptions below may be used interchangeably (e.g. ‘Community Facilitator’ vs ‘Community Manager’ or ‘Head of Operations’ vs ‘General Manager’). Most coliving businesses will not have several of these interchangeable positions, though they can be seen as ‘either or’ and the exact term / description / role used depends on the company.
That said, this guide provides a high-level overview of the types of jobs currently offered in the shared living sector, though specifics are of course dependent on company size, location, typology and so on.
C-level coliving jobs
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Chief Executive Officer (CEO): The highest-ranking executive in the coliving company and is responsible for developing and implementing the company’s overall strategy and vision. They work closely with the other senior leaders to ensure that the company is aligned with its goals and values. The CEO may also be responsible for managing relationships with external stakeholders, including investors and partners.
- Chief Operating Officer (COO): Oversees daily operations of a the entire portfolio of a coliving business. They work closely with the Head of Operations to ensure efficiency. In addition, they collaborate with other senior leaders to develop policies and procedures that promote a safe and welcoming environment for residents. They also manage external partners and vendors, making sure they align with company goals.
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO) / Chief Investment Officer (CIO): Responsible for managing the financial operations of the coliving company. This includes developing and implementing financial strategies and policies, managing budgets, overseeing accounting and financial reporting, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Additionally, the CFO works closely with the other senior leaders to develop and implement the company’s overall strategy. This coliving job plays a key role in assessing financial risks and opportunities, while also providing financial guidance and support to the company’s various departments.
- Chief Development Officer (CDO) / Chief Real Estate Officer (CREO): Senior executive responsible for overseeing the real estate strategy, development, and acquisitions of the company’s coliving properties. Their role involves a range of responsibilities related to the acquisition, development, and optimization of real estate assets. Responsible for driving the company’s real estate strategy, managing property acquisitions and development, optimizing the portfolio, and ensuring the construction is within timelines and budget.
- Chief Design Officer (CDO): Leads and oversees the design strategy, vision, and execution of the company’s coliving spaces. The CDO is responsible for ensuring that the physical environments, interior design, and overall aesthetic of the shared living spaces align with the brand’s identity and cater to the needs and preferences of the target market. The CDO plays a crucial role in shaping the overall aesthetic, functionality, and resident experience within a coliving business, ultimately contributing to the company’s success and differentiation in the market.
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO): Responsible for the coliving company’s technology strategy and operations. They oversee all aspects of technology, including software and hardware development, information security, and IT infrastructure. Additionally, the CTO works closely with the other senior leaders to develop and implement the company’s overall strategy. They assess new technology trends and identify opportunities for innovation and growth. Ultimately, the CTO plays a crucial role in ensuring that the company’s technology infrastructure supports its business objectives and delivers a high-quality experience to its customers.
- Legal Counsel: A legal counsel in a coliving business plays a crucial role in ensuring that the company operates in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Their primary responsibility is to provide legal advice and guidance to the coliving business on a wide range of issues, including: risk management, regulatory compliance (e.g. planning, zoning, health & safety standards, etc.), intellectual property protection, dispute resolution and so on. Overall, a legal counsel in a coliving business serves as a trusted advisor (and often sits at C-level), guiding the company through legal complexities, protecting its interests, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Managing Director / Partner: Alongside the CEO and other C-level roles, the Managing Director / Partner is responsible for setting the overall strategic direction of the coliving business, which involves defining the company’s vision, mission, and goals, as well as identifying growth opportunities and market positioning. Key responsibilities encompass strategic planning, partnership development, financial oversight, growth and leadership. They maintain effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders / partners, including property owners, investors, tenants, local authorities, and community members.
Director / 'Head of' coliving jobs
- Director / Head of Operations*: Oversees the daily activities and functions of the coliving space, ensuring the smooth and efficient operations of all of the buildings in the portfolio. They collaborate with other directors and on-site teams to develop and implement operational strategies, manage budgets, and ensure high-quality services and experiences for residents. The Director / Head of Operations is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and daily activities of the coliving space. They collaborate with the community teams ( to ensure that residents’ needs are being met and oversee the work of on-site staff members. This role closely resembles the role of a ‘General Manager’ (see below) and may be named / identified as such.
- Director / Head of Sales and Marketing: The Head of Sales and Marketing is responsible for developing and executing the company’s sales and marketing strategy. They ensure that branding and messaging resonate with resident needs / desires and company values. They analyze sales data to optimize performance and develop marketing campaigns that drive occupancy. They oversee all aspects of marketing, including branding, advertising, digital marketing, and public relations. The Director / Head of Sales and Marketing may also be responsible for managing relationships with external marketing partners and overseeing the work of the sales and marketing team.
- Director / Head of Real Estate / Development*: This person is responsible for leading the real estate acquisition and development strategies. Working closely with the CEO and other senior leaders, the Director of Real Estate will identify potential properties ideal for coliving and negotiate deals with property owners. Furthermore, they will oversee the development process of each property from design to construction, ensuring that the coliving spaces are designed for optimal living experiences. The Director of Real Estate also collaborates with the Chief Financial Officer to develop financial models for each property and make sure that the projects are financially viable.
- Director / Head of Planning*: The Director / Head of Planning leads the identification and evaluation of potential locations for new coliving properties. They assess factors such as market potential, regulatory requirements, zoning restrictions, and financial viability. They may also coordinate with real estate agents, architects, and legal teams during the due diligence process. They also ensure compliance with local regulations and zoning ordinances throughout the planning and development phases. This involves obtaining necessary permits, addressing environmental considerations, and adhering to building codes and safety regulations.
Director / Head of Finance*: The Director of Finance manages the financial projections for each coliving building and the wider portfolio, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. They work closely with other directors and the CFO / CIO to ensure that financial resources are allocated effectively, and oversee accounting and bookkeeping functions to ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with regulatory requirements. The Director / Head of Finance may also be responsible for managing relationships with external financial partners, including investors and lenders.
Director / Head of Design*: Responsible for overseeing and managing the design aspects of the coliving space to create an exceptional living experience for residents. They collaborate with architects, interior designers, and other stakeholders to optimize the layout and functionality of the coliving space(s). This involves ensuring efficient space utilization, considering interaction points, and creating communal areas that foster a sense of community and collaboration. They also oversee all interior design aspects, including the selection of furniture, fixtures, and finishes that create a cohesive and visually appealing environment. They ensure that the interior design elements align with the brand’s identity, maintain a high standard of quality, and create a comfortable and inspiring atmosphere for residents.
Director / Head of Community: Responsible for creating and maintaining a strong sense of community within the coliving space(s). They oversee community engagement programs, events, and activities, and work closely with other directors to ensure that community-building efforts align with the overall goals of the coliving business. They are in charge of designing the user and community experience (UCX) journey and optimizing each of the touch points along these user phases. They may also be responsible for training Community Facilitators on conflict resolution, fostering positive relationships between residents and other vital skills for ensuring a strong experience.
- Director / Head of Human Resources / People: Manages the recruitment, onboarding, and training of employees at the coliving space. They oversee benefits administration, performance management, and employee relations, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and the development of a positive and inclusive work culture.
- Director / Head of Sustainability & Impact: The Head of Sustainability & Impact leads the company’s efforts in environmental sustainability and social impact. They work with other senior leaders to ensure the company’s operations align with its environmental and social impact goals and create policies and procedures to achieve ESG targets. By analyzing data and performance metrics, they optimize sustainability and impact goals and implement programs to promote sustainable living practices within the coliving space and throughout the business. They also monitor and report on the company’s environmental performance and identify opportunities for improvement. Furthermore, they collaborate with external sustainability partners and stakeholders to enhance the company’s social, environment and economic impact.
- Director / Head of Technology*: The Head of Technology is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the company’s technology strategy. They work closely with the CTO to ensure that the company’s technology infrastructure is secure and efficient. The Head of Technology may also be responsible for managing relationships with external technology partners, including software developers and IT consultants. They collaborate with other directors and the CTO to identify and implement new technologies that can improve resident experiences and streamline operations.
* According to size, scale, investment and typology, a coliving business may only have a C-level and entry / mid-level jobs, and not the Director / ‘Head of’ jobs listed above.
Other coliving jobs
- Community Facilitator (CF) / Community Manger (CM): The CF / CM is responsible for fostering a positive and inclusive environment. They work closely with the Head of Community to organize events and activities that bring residents together, manage conflict resolution, and build relationships with residents. The CF / CM may also be responsible for developing policies and procedures that promote a welcoming and inclusive community. They are often the first point of contact for residents and play a critical role in creating a sense of community within the coliving space. Coliving spaces alternate between the terms ‘Community Facilitator’ and ‘Community Manager’, though we prefer to use the term ‘Community Facilitator’, as explained in The Community Facilitation Handbook.
- Property Manager: Oversees the overall operations and management of the coliving buildings. They are responsible for managing budgets, coordinating with vendors and contractors, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and maintenance. They also work closely with the leasing team to attract and retain residents, resolve resident complaints, and enforce lease agreements. Additionally, the Property Manager may oversee the work of other staff members such as maintenance technicians and housekeepers. This role also closely resembles the role of the ‘General Manager’, and may be labelled as such in some coliving businesses.
- General Manager (GM): Responsible for ensuring that the coliving community is running smoothly and efficiently. They oversee all aspects of the building, including managing the staff, maintaining the physical space, and ensuring that residents have a positive experience. They work closely with the CF / CM and Facilities Manager to address any issues or concerns that may arise. Additionally, they may be responsible for collaborating with the marketing and sales team to promote the coliving company and attract new residents. They also work closely with the finance teams to ensure the building is operating within budget and that appropriate sales / occupancy rates are being attained.
- Facilities Manager: Oversees the maintenance and repair of the physical infrastructure, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. They are responsible for managing maintenance technicians, ensuring that all work is completed in a timely and cost-effective manner. Additionally, they develop and implement preventive maintenance programs to prolong the life of the building systems and equipment. They also collaborate with the Property Manager / General Manager to ensure that the physical space is up to code and meets safety standards.
- Maintenance Technician: The Maintenance Technician is responsible for maintaining the physical infrastructure, including repairing and maintaining plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. They may also perform routine maintenance tasks such as changing light bulbs or fixing leaky faucets.
- Social Media Manager: The Social Media Manager is responsible for managing the coliving space’s social media presence, including creating content, engaging with followers, and monitoring analytics. They may also collaborate with the marketing and sales team to develop social media campaigns. This role is usually entry or mid-level, and can also be outsourced to branding / marketing partners.
- Community Outreach Coordinator: The Community Outreach Coordinator is responsible for developing relationships with local businesses, organizations, and community members to promote the organisation and foster a sense of community. They may organize events or volunteer opportunities with local organizations or collaborate with local businesses to offer discounts or promotions to residents.
- Wellness Coordinator: The Wellness Coordinator is responsible for promoting physical and mental wellbeing within the coliving homes. They may organize fitness classes, yoga sessions, meditation groups, or other wellness-focused activities. The Wellness Coordinator may also be a CF / CM. This role is more common in ‘nomad coliving’ typologies, where colivers attend wellness / personal development / workation retreats in remote coliving and coworking hubs.
- Event Coordinator: The Event Coordinator plans and executes community events and activities, working closely with CFs / CMs and residents to understand their interests and preferences. They may also be responsible for coordinating with external vendors or venues to organize events or invite local partners / artists / musicians into the coliving space(s).
- Housekeeper / Cleaning Teams: The Housekeeper is responsible for maintaining a clean and organized living space for all coliving residents. This may include cleaning common areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms, and ensuring that individual living spaces are kept tidy and well-maintained.
- Front Desk Agent: The Front Desk Agent is responsible for welcoming guests and new residents, managing mail and package deliveries, and ensuring that the community is secure and safe. They may also assist with administrative tasks such as billing and lease agreements. This may also be the roles of an Administrative Assistant.
- Administrative Assistant: The Administrative Assistant is responsible for providing administrative support to the Community Manager and other members of the team. This may include answering phone calls, responding to emails, managing schedules, and assisting with billing and lease agreements. This may also be the roles of the Front Desk Agent.
- IT Support Specialist: The IT Support Specialist is responsible for maintaining the technology infrastructure of the coliving space, including managing internet connectivity, troubleshooting technical issues, and providing support to residents who may be experiencing tech-related problems.
What makes a great coliving team?
There are several key factors that can contribute to a coliving team’s success in driving business growth, creating a great community, and scaling:
Clear Vision and Goals: A coliving team must have a clear vision and goals for the business, community, and team. This helps to ensure that everyone is working towards the same objectives and there is alignment and focus.
Strong Leadership: Effective leadership is critical to the success of a coliving team. The leadership team should be able to communicate the vision, provide direction, and inspire the team to achieve their goals.
Team Collaboration and Communication: Collaboration and communication are essential for any team to perform well. In a coliving environment, it is even more important as the team must work closely together to create a positive community and deliver excellent customer service.
Customer Focus: The success of a coliving business depends on creating a positive experience for customers. The team must be customer-focused and strive to exceed their expectations.
Innovation and Creativity: The coliving industry is rapidly evolving, and successful teams must be innovative and creative to stay ahead of the curve. This includes developing new products, services, and experiences that meet the evolving needs and preferences of customers.
Scalability: As a coliving business grows, it must be able to scale its operations and team effectively. This requires careful planning, strong leadership, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
Positive Culture: Finally, a positive team culture is critical to the success of any coliving business. A strong culture centered around community, wellbeing and sustainability can help to attract and retain top talent, create a sense of belonging and community among residents, and build a strong brand reputation.
In order to succeed, all these factors need to be embedded in the coliving business model for long term sustainable success.
Do you want to find coliving talent?
If you are a coliving organisation looking for talented individuals to join your team, there are also a number of resources available. Many use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram to post job openings and connect with potential candidates. Additionally, there are coliving-specific job boards and recruiting firms that can help you find the right talent for your organization.
If you are looking to hire someone for a coliving job, we may be able to help! Reach out to us here.
Do you want to find a job in coliving?
If you are interested in finding coliving jobs, there are a number of resources available to you. One option is to check out coliving websites and directories, which often list job opportunities in coliving spaces around the world. You can also search for coliving jobs on job boards, using keywords like ‘coliving’ or ‘community facilitator’. Also, many coliving spaces have their own job boards or employment pages on their websites, where you can find current job openings.
If you are looking to find a coliving job, we may be able to help! Reach out to us here.
Final words
Overall, coliving jobs offer a unique and exciting way to live and work, and can be a great option for those who value community and flexibility. Whether you are looking for a job in a coliving company, or are a team leader looking for talented individuals, there are many resources available to help you find the right fit. With the growing popularity of coliving, it’s an exciting time to be a part of this innovative and collaborative community.
This guide has been coauthored for you by:
Transformational Coach and facilitator. Trainer in mindfulness, sharing circles, and how to live and lead more consciously. Co-author of the Community Facilitation Handbook and the Coliving Apps & Tech Guide. Facilitates community engagement strategies.
Penny is passionate about the potential for shared living. She has a doctorate in sustainability and shared living, and an MSc in social research methods. She conducts research and consults on shared living projects.
Matt is responsible for designing community experience and impact strategies and measuring the social value of coliving communities. Matt is also a founding member and current Head of Community of Co-Liv and has worked for The Collective on their Impact Team.
Juan is a Communications Strategist, Project Manager, Systems Engineer, Team Coach and Executive Coach with an ontological/systemic approach. Co-author of the <a href="/coliving-apps-tech-guide/">Coliving Apps, Software & Tech Guide</a> and contributor of <a href="/the-community-facilitation-handbook/">The Community Facilitation Handbook</a>. He facilitates connection for individuals, teams, and communities.
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