Community Relations Representative

Essex Property Trust•Seattle, WA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Community Relations Representative delivers an exceptional experience throughout the customer life cycle. As a primary point of contact for residents and prospective residents, this role fosters positive relationships, manages communications, supports smooth move-in and move-out processes, and assists with community management operations. The work is primarily conducted in person at an assigned Essex office, with virtual communication used when in-person communication is not possible. The position requires working onsite five days per week, with a five-day workweek likely to include weekend coverage and a flexible schedule. Occasional travel is required for meetings, training, and community visits. The representative works with the Community Management Team and internal and external stakeholders to support resident satisfaction and community operations. The role requires handling confidential information professionally, following company policies and procedures, and complying with applicable laws, including Fair Housing, landlord-tenant regulations, local building codes, OSHA, and EEOC requirements. Work is primarily at an office and includes extended periods sitting at a desk or workstation, with occasional delivery of resident notices that may involve walking and using stairs for prolonged periods. Standard office equipment is used. The position pays $24.50–$33.50 per hour; new hires generally start between $24.50 and $29.09 per hour. The final offer depends on factors including skills, relevant experience, internal equity, and business and organizational needs. The role is eligible to participate in Essex’s discretionary Annual Bonus program, commensurate with the position level.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Commitment to providing exceptional customer service and a desire to help people.
Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple responsibilities effectively.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a centralized, high-volume hub environment.
Must work onsite in the office five days per week.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with property management or CRM software.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
Capability to use a personal smart device for apps related to property operations and communication.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
Ability to collaborate with coworkers in person and virtually to achieve customer goals.
Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret documents.
Ability to solve problems involving several options in different situations.
Ability to make decisions based on a thorough understanding of procedures, company policies, and business practices to achieve general results and deadlines.
Highly organized, with demonstrated project management skills.
Ability to exercise initiative and meet job requirements and assignments.
Availability for a flexible schedule, including weekends.
Ability to perform work involving extended periods of sitting, with occasional walking and stair use to deliver resident notices.

Nice To Haves

College degree preferred.
One year of experience in a customer service environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary in-person contact for residents.
Manage communications and inquiries through the customer relationship management (CRM) system.
Facilitate move-in and move-out experiences, including paperwork, in-person identification checks, and answering resident questions in person or virtually as needed.
Address resident questions and concerns promptly and professionally, by appointment or drop-in, in person or virtually as needed.
Manage and respond to portfolio tasks and calls through Funnel within required response times and company standards.
Maintain in-depth knowledge of the assigned community portfolio, including property-specific features and operations.
Collaborate with the Community Management Team to support community operations and meet and maintain customer satisfaction targets.
Assist in organizing and participating in occasional resident events across the property portfolio.
Handle confidential resident and property information with discretion and professionalism.
Occasionally post notices across the property portfolio.
Perform other duties and special projects assigned to support community operations and resident satisfaction.
Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and relevant laws.
Maintain alignment with Essex policies and procedures while managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Accounting, Legal, and other departments.
Maintain regular, consistent, and timely in-person attendance.
Travel for occasional meetings, training, and community visits.