Leasing Associate II

Description

Salary: $22.24 - $31.13/hour, depending on experience.

Start your career at Bellwether Housing as a Leasing Associate in the vibrant city of Seattle, WA!

Who We Are: Established in 1980 with a vision to create urban housing opportunities, Bellwether Housing has been a trailblazer in transforming lives. By breaking down housing barriers, we've empowered individuals and families, especially those from marginalized communities. As we continue to make a lasting impact, we're embarking on an ambitious mission to build and acquire 2,500 homes by 2025. This is your opportunity to be part of our dynamic team and help shape the future of affordable housing!

Position Overview: The Leasing Associate will be a crucial part of the team at The Aries at Bitter Lake. Working in collaboration with internal stakeholders including the Assistant Property Manager, Property Manager, Regional Manager, Marketing & Communications, Compliance, and Resident Services to screen applicants. This position requires strong collaboration, teamwork, flexibility, and a positive attitude while providing excellent customer service to our applicants. Collaboration will also be needed with external stakeholders, partner agencies, and commercial tenants at the property.

The Leasing Associate will be responsible for responding to telephone, email, and in-person inquiries for information on vacancies and resident qualification requirements. The Leasing Associate also supports and collaborates with our on-site Assistant Manager and Property Manager at the property.

Work Schedule: Onsite, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, occasional weekend hours may be needed. The final schedule is to be determined by the supervisor.

Your Impact

• Provide professional, responsive, unbiased, caring, and knowledgeable interactions with applications and current residents.
• Possess knowledge of Bellwether policies, landlord/tenant law, fair housing laws, and property management software procedures.
• Act in a calm, rational, and professional manner in problem-solving with tenants and staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of applicant and tenant information.
• Assist residents with SHA paperwork, reviewing for accuracy before submitting to SHA on their behalf.
• Assist with marketing of available units. Post advertising twice weekly on advertising platforms.
• Track all sources of traffic for all prospects in Yardi.
• Work with the Site Manager and Portfolio Manager to develop marketing strategies and implementation.
• Evaluate vacant units to determine potential leasing hurdles, working with Site Managers and Portfolio Managers to establish concessions or adjust rent levels.
• Collaborate with the Resident Services staff, maintain relationships with partnership agencies regarding set aside units, initiate contracts on vacancies, assist with the client application process, and communicate residency issues with current clients.
• Complete applications and move-ins in accordance with the departmental operations manual.
• Respond to prospects interested in housing promptly, and no later than 24 hours from initial inquiry.
• Prescreen prospects for housing eligibility & schedule application intake appointments for prospects.
• Assist applications to accurately complete rental applications and supporting documentation.
• Explain WSHFC income qualification guidelines and other funding guidelines or restrictions.
• Process housing applications, submit screening applications, and obtain third-party verification of income, assets, and other eligibility requirements.
• Develop a collaborative system with Site Managers for applications in process, with detailed communication logs to ensure that application files are current.
• Coordinate with application regarding move-in date, time, and move-in costs. Prepare and complete move-in lease documents, collect move-in payments, and establish resident accounts in property management software.
• Maintain accurate file setup, filing, and archiving of tenant files.
• Manage central leasing email account; outreach and prescreen prospects, provide information on leasing a Bellwether unit.
• Support leasing on-site and at lease-up events.
• Perform marketing and outreach to community partners, employers, and businesses.
• Represent Bellwether as an ambassador to the communities and neighborhoods in which Bellwether is involved.
• Embody Bellwether's values of respect, integrity, community, and excellence.
• Champion and cultivate an inclusive and equitable work environment.
• Attend trainings and meetings as directed.
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Requirements

Who You Are:

• One year prior work experience in apartment leasing or high-volume customer service role.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized and strong attention to detail, capable of taking personal initiative in a project as needed, making sure all work is completed and of high quality.
• Ability to always exercise discretion and confidentiality.
• Exceptional customer service aptitude, including problem-solving skills and the ability to respond quickly and tactfully to customer requests.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience working with Microsoft Office user applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Prior apartment management or leasing experience in the property management industry.
• Experience leasing in low-income housing tax credit properties.
• Experience in Fair Housing and local landlord/tenant law.
• Completion of WSHFC Fundamental and Advances training workshops.
• Experience with Seattle Housing Authority Section 8 Project and Tenant Based programs.
• Experience working with Yardi or equivalent property management software.
• Familiarity with service-enriched housing programs.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective partnerships with community constituencies and social service agencies.
• Experience working with social service programs for diverse populations and making referrals as appropriate.
• High school diploma or GED (equivalent education and experience may be substituted for the stated requirements).
  
  

What We Offer: Bellwether Housing is your platform for growth, empowerment, and purpose. When you join our team, you will receive:

• Competitive compensation accompanied by a generous benefits package.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• A 403(b)-retirement plan with an employer match, guiding you towards a prosperous future
• Fuel for your personal and professional development with up to $1,500 in employer-paid continuing education per year.
• An ORCA Transit Pass to navigate the city with ease.
• Up to 27 paid days off in your first year and 8 paid office closure days.
• The chance to be part of a transformative mission, leaving a mark on the lives of those we serve in our communities.
  
  

At Bellwether Housing, you will elevate your career in a role that's as rewarding as it is impactful, where you’ll be part of a movement that is helping shape the future of affordable housing in Seattle and where diversity, equity, and inclusion are the pillars of our success.

Note: This role requires successful completion of a background check in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance.

Bellwether Housing is an equal-opportunity employer. We will not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to reasonably accommodate all qualified applicants [and employees] by providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities.

To request Reasonable Accommodation for the application or interview process please contact recruiting@bellwetherhousing.org. Bellwether Housing is dedicated to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We value having employees whose skills, experiences, and backgrounds reflect the populations we serve. We are committed to being an anti-racist organization while acknowledging we have a long way to go. You can learn more about our DEI work on our website.