Leasing Manager

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE:   LEASING MANAGER (Affordable Housing)

PAY RANGE/GRADE:    $70,000 - $85,000 (Commensurate with experience) / Grade 7

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:     Under the direction of Vice President of Property Management, the Leasing Manager is responsible for the overseeing all aspects of the Bickerdike’s leasing operations, including strategy development, with a focus on maximizing occupancy rates and achieving optimal financial performance for the entire property portfolio of the organization. The Leasing Manager is also responsible for providing strong leadership skills in the management and direction of a team of Leasing Agents within the Property Management department.   The Leasing Manager will oversee the day-to-day leasing process including but not limited to overseeing applications, lease signings, and renewals for all properties in the Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation portfolio.

The position requires the ability to direct, plan, organize, implement and execute tasks; analyze information, make informed decisions, use critical thinking and reasoning skills, and monitor and regulate behavior and emotions. A high level of supervisory and customer service skills are critical functions to this position.   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, drive, stand, walk, lift and/or move up to 30 pounds

RESPONSIBILITIES:   

1. Provide direct supervision, evaluation and direction to the Leasing Agents. Carryout recruitment, screening, training and orientation of new staff ensuring adherence to all company policies, procedures and directives.

1. Motivate and monitor leasing agents to achieve leasing goals and consistently deliver exceptional customer service.  Foster a collaborative team environment and promote open communication. Achieve and maintain full occupancy across all properties and ensure adherence to all affordable housing, low income and property management rules and regulations, including state, local and federal laws. 

1. Develop and implement comprehensive leasing strategies aligned with overall organization goals and affordable housing regulations and guidelines. Engage best practices to drive leasing performance and maintain compliance with applicable rental rates. 
2. Oversee, manage, and carry out the applicant screening and leasing process including but not limited to: utilizing the applicable property wait list, conducting and ensuring all verifications and background checks, and ensuring that applications are reviewed, approved, or denied following Fair Housing Guidelines and company policies.
3. Maintain working knowledge of the affordable housing leasing/property management industry operational standards, local and government housing laws, and assess need to recommend new policies (or updates of existing policies) for leasing process.
4. Interface and coordinate with the Compliance Manager and Regional Property Manager on matters including but not limited to: applicant approvals, new tenant file set up, document signings, and move in process, ensuring accurate and timely lease documentation and compliance with local, state and company regulatory requirements.   
5. Establish and monitor key performance indicators to track leasing performance and identify areas of improvement.
6. Develop, and implement a set of customer service/performance policies that provide direction for leasing agents.

1. Prepare regular reports on leasing activities and financial performance for senior management.

1. Maintain a deep understanding of property operations, communities Bickerdike services, and potential challenges faced by leasing agents.
2. Maintain and ensure all leasing agents maintain Illinois Leasing Agent or higher licensing and ensure and complete all continuing education requirements as required by the applicable license.
3. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:   Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate’s Degree or 60 hours of college credit in Business Administration, Real Estate Management, or a directly related field, plus three years of experience in leasing/real estate management; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.  At least 3 years previous supervisory/management experience. Must possess a valid Illinois Leasing Agent or higher real estate license.  

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong leadership and team management skills.  Proven track record of success in a senior leasing role within affordable housing estate market.  Strong customer service skills and abilities. Demonstrated success managing multiple projects and tasks effectively. Excellent interpersonal skills to lead, motivate, and manage a diverse team of leasing agents and support staff.  Previous experience with computer systems, particularly Microsoft Office Suites, Yardi, Onesite.

Previous work experience in LIHTC, Affordable Housing and Section 8.   LITHC Specialist or Certified Occupancy Specialist preferred.  A comprehensive understanding of laws and statutes related to leasing/property management.  Must possess a current driver's license in good standing, auto insurance and the ability to travel when required.  Northside residents, within the communities we serve, preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:   The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable persons with disabilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, drive, stand, walk, lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.    Notable physical requirements include:

·         Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer; standing and walking, giving tours, and meeting with potential tenants.

·         The ability to traverse a variety of properties with stairs and in a variety of weather.

·         The ability to operate a vehicle as well as to work weekends and/or evenings on a needed basis

REPORTING RELATIONS:   Under the direct supervision of the Vice President of Property Management.  In the absence of this supervisor, the position shall report to the Chief Executive Officer.

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Full-time; Exempt

BENEFITS: Bickerdike provides a comprehensive Benefits package that includes:

·         Paid Time Off (PTO)

·         Paid Holidays

·         401K Matching 

·         Medical Insurance 

·         Dental Insurance (HMO/PPO)

·         Vision Insurance (at no cost to employees)

·         Long-Term and Short-Term Disability 

Bickerdike is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Drug Free Workplace

Salary : $70,000 - $85,000