Compliance Manager

Fairstead ESC LLC•New York, NY

40d•$80,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

Fairstead is a purpose-driven real estate firm dedicated to building affordable communities across the country. Headquartered in New York, with offices in Colorado, Florida, and Washington DC, Fairstead owns and manages a portfolio of more than 27,000 apartments across 28 states. As an integrated owner, operator, and innovator, Fairstead brings development, construction, and property management under one unified platform to deliver high-quality affordable housing that serves our residents at scale. At Fairstead, we believe affordable housing should be thoughtfully designed, professionally managed, and responsibly operated. We seek to create and preserve housing that serves residents while delivering long-term value to communities, partners, and stakeholders. Fairstead challenges industry norms through our tech-forward, entrepreneurial approach to affordable housing. In addition to core real estate capabilities, we operate innovative service lines designed to improve resident outcomes, strengthen communities, and drive operational efficiency. We embrace digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, and emerging technologies, including AI, to build scalable systems that support sustainable growth, grounded in a culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, partnership, dedication, and integrity. Fairstead is seeking a Compliance Manager to join our on-site property management team. In this role, the Compliance Manager is responsible for maintaining compliance with the Housing Authority, executing effective annual administrative operating cycles, ensuring all requirements are completed, and liaising with the residents, housing authorities, and other stakeholders to maximize economic outcomes, and minimize operational risks.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of HUD Section 8, LIHTC, portable vouchers, and market-rate housing programs.
COS, Tax Credit, BOS, or equivalent compliance certifications preferred.
Proficiency in Yardi, RealPage (OneSite), and Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to manage large, multi-state portfolios.
Professional, respectful, and collaborative demeanor with strong communication skills.
Ability to work independently, meet strict deadlines, and perform effectively under pressure.
Flexibility to work extended hours or weekends to meet priority deadlines.
Ability to travel to assigned sites as needed.
Coachable, mature, and solutions-oriented with the ability to partner effectively with leadership.

Responsibilities

Manage compliance activities for an assigned portfolio of residential units within a designated geographic area.
Review and approve move-ins, initial certifications, interim recertifications, terminations, and move-outs within 48–72 hours.
Monitor and track recertifications to ensure timely completion and accuracy.
Review annual certifications and resolve discrepancies related to income, employment, or zero-income households.
Enter corrections, comments, and approvals in Yardi and RealPage (OneSite).
Collaborate with Community Managers, Assistant Community Managers, and Recertification Specialists to resolve compliance issues.
Lead preparation for Management and Occupancy Reviews (MORs), LIHTC compliance audits (for blended sites), and investor audits.
Conduct bi-weekly meetings with site teams to review recertifications, discrepancies, and upcoming audits.
Partner with Accounting and HAP Specialists to resolve tenant ledger, rent, and voucher discrepancies.
Prepare and submit biweekly compliance workbooks, including outstanding recertifications and EIV discrepancies, to the Director of Compliance and site staff.
Participate in weekly compliance leadership meetings to review portfolio status, challenges, and upcoming audit requirements.
Create and manage Teams communication groups for assigned sites to provide ongoing support and real-time guidance.
Ensure site staff complete monthly and 90-day EIV reports and resolve discrepancies promptly.
Provide backup coverage when compliance team members are out.
Mentor and train site staff to ensure compliance with program regulations and audit readiness.
Assist the Director of Compliance with monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting.
Supervise compliance staff and act as departmental lead when the Director is out of the office.

Benefits

Generous employer contribution for Medical Insurance through Meritain Health.
Employer Paid Vision Plans.
Company Matched 401(k) Retirement Plan: 100% of the first 3%; 50% of the next 2%.
12 paid Holidays.
15 days of PTO.
7 Sick days.
Employer Paid Life Insurance.
Flexible Spending Account.
Nationwide Pet Insurance.
Disability Insurance.
Laser Correction Discount.
Employee Discounts on appliances, apparel, and more.