Leasing and Occupancy Specialist

Chinatown Community Development Center•San Francisco, CA

1d•$29 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

The Leasing and Occupancy Specialist is responsible for maximizing occupancy by managing applicant pipelines, maintaining waiting lists, coordinating move-ins, and supporting leasing activities across the portfolio. This role works closely with Property Management and Compliance teams to ensure timely placement of qualified applicants while maintaining compliance with affordable housing program requirements. The specialist will take the lead on marketing plans with both MOHCD and HUD, and will assist Compliance with various annual reporting requirements. Compliance-related duties should generally support, rather than replace, the specialized review and approval functions of Compliance staff.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Experience in accounting, administrative support, clerical or equivalent work or study
Ability to troubleshoot and prioritize work
Capacity to work independently and exercise own judgment
Knowledge of OSHA and CAL/OSHA and other safety and health code violations
Knowledge of all applicable building codes and ability to recognize building code violations
Basic computer skills
Good problem-solving skills
Flexibility to adjust to changing situations and work conditions
Ability to work with people of diverse economic, social and ethnic backgrounds
Good verbal and written communication skills

Nice To Haves

Further education in real estate or property management is a plus.
At least 2 years of relevant property management, leasing, occupancy, or affordable housing experience.
Knowledge of HUD Section 8, LIHTC, and/or other affordable housing programs preferred; direct affordable housing compliance experience strongly preferred. Candidates expected to handle advanced compliance tasks.
Familiarity with MOHCD and DAHLIA processes and regulations.
Possession of COS, TCS, or BOS credentials, or willingness to obtain them within six months of hire (training provided).
Proficiency in property management software such as Yardi Voyager.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time-management abilities, especially in managing applicant pipelines, waitlists, deadlines, and documentation, including data entry.
Ability to handle pressure and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
A team player with a positive attitude.
Motivated self-starter who thrives on completing goals.
Strong commitment to resident satisfaction, occupancy goals, and community success

Responsibilities

Working with Compliance Specialists and Property Management, develop and implement marketing plans, including creating advertisements and outreach strategies to attract qualified applicants.
Conduct property tours and show units to prospective residents.
Maintain, monitor, and actively work viable waitlists of qualified prospective residents and internal transfer lists to minimize vacancy loss.
Conduct phone and on-site interviews with applicants; schedule and conduct initial and follow-up interviews; and move qualified applicants through the pipeline in a timely manner.
Approve move-in files prior to third party or manager reviews and approval.
Collaborate with the maintenance team to support timely unit readiness and resolution of service requests for new move-ins.
Provide exceptional customer service, addressing resident requests and concerns promptly.
Assist residents with the move-in process, including unit inspections.
Communicate lease and community policies to new and current residents.
Maintain accurate wait and transfer lists, including sending appropriate notices to applicants to add, update, or remove them as necessary.
Coordinate recertification appointments and documentation collection in partnership with Property Management and Compliance to support timely completion before required deadlines.
Support the distribution of recertification notices, including 120-day notices, and follow up with residents who fail to respond promptly.
Review and monitor recertification schedules in Yardi on a monthly basis and escalate timing concerns to Property Management and Compliance.
Perform applicant interviews and support adherence to NAU (Next Available Unit) procedures during the leasing process.
Collect and organize income and eligibility documentation for review, helping ensure files are complete and compliant with HUD, LIHTC, or other applicable affordable housing requirements.
Assist the Property Manager and Compliance team with onboarding or process guidance related to leasing, waitlists, applicant intake, and documentation collection.
Process initial, interim, and annual certification documentation by collecting, organizing, and entering required information for review by Compliance staff.
Timely calculation/Correction of retroactive lease charges.
Maintain leasing and marketing reports and assist with preparation of agency reporting materials as assigned, including DAHLIA marketing plans via MOHCD and AFHMP’s with HUD.
Maintain accurate records in Yardi.
Prepare and submit leasing, occupancy, and compliance-support reports for management review.
Support site and office operations as assigned by the manager.