Job Description:

Title: HIT Lease-Up Specialist (Salary)

Division: Affordable Housing Operations

Reports to: Sr. Director Affordable Housing Operations

Revision date: New 10-2026

Management Level / Supervises: Individual Contributor / None

PURPOSE     

According to prescribed policies and procedures of the organization including all applicable state, federal and accreditation regulations and under the general supervision of the Sr. Director of Affordable Housing Operations; the HIT Lease-Up Specialist plans and executes full-cycle lease-ups for new construction and rehabilitated affordable housing communities, from pre-leasing through stabilized occupancy. The role manages property-specific marketing, applicant pipelines, application processing, income qualification, Compliance submissions, move-in coordination, and performance reporting to support approved timelines, occupancy targets, and pro forma goals. The Lease-Up Specialist collaborates with Compliance, regional leadership, development partners, and onsite teams and may provide hands-on leasing assistance and functional guidance without direct supervisory responsibility. When lease-up activity is limited, the role may support other approved Housing Impact Team priorities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Lease-Up Planning and Leadership

·       Manage assigned lease-ups for new-construction and rehabilitated HUD, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), and combination affordable housing communities, with occasional support for mixed-finance properties.

·       Develop, document, and maintain property-specific lease-up plans that define milestones, responsible parties, dependencies, escalation points, and weekly and monthly goals for marketing, lead generation, application intake, file approval, unit readiness, move-ins, occupancy, and stabilization.

Marketing and Prospect Engagement

·       Create and execute marketing and outreach strategies, including market surveys, advertising, referral partnerships, community outreach, lead follow-up, and activities required by the applicable Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan.

·       Engage prospective residents, present community features and eligibility requirements, conduct tours when applicable, secure applications, and maintain effective conversion and closing ratios.

Applicant Management, Compliance, and Move-In Coordination

·       Maintain accurate prospect, interest, and waiting lists; complete guest cards and leasing reports; and enter timely, accurate information in Yardi and other approved systems.

·       Review and process applications; obtain and evaluate required verifications; calculate income and assets; determine eligibility; assemble complete files; and work with Compliance through final approval.

·       Apply applicable HUD, LIHTC, Fair Housing, Tenant Selection Plan, occupancy, screening, lease, house rules, and addendum requirements in coordination with Compliance and onsite teams.

·       Coordinate approved applicants, unit readiness, lease execution, deposits, notices, move-in scheduling, and resident orientation to support an organized move-in experience.

Lease-Up Performance, Partnerships, and Accountability

·       Monitor and analyze lease-up results, including leads, applications, conversion and closing ratios, waiting-list health, file aging, approval timelines, move-ins, occupancy, schedule status, and performance against pro forma, and report significant trends and variances to appropriate stakeholders.

·       Partner with regional leadership, Development, Compliance, Marketing, owners, community stakeholders, vendors, and onsite teams to remove barriers and keep lease-up activities aligned.

·       Provide onsite teams with hands-on leasing assistance, training, tools, and functional guidance as needed; this position has no direct supervisory responsibility.

·       Maintain accountability for assigned lease-up schedules, occupancy and move-in targets, application conversion and closing goals, file-approval timelines, waiting-list needs, and pro forma expectations. Communicate material performance variances and carry out approved corrective actions.

·       Review applicant, leasing, and performance-reporting records for completeness, accuracy, and timeliness, and resolve identified data-quality issues in Yardi and other approved systems.

·       Evaluate whether marketing and outreach efforts are producing a qualified applicant pipeline aligned with the property’s program, unit mix, opening schedule, and Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan, and recommend adjustments when results fall short.

·       Escalate risks that may materially affect eligibility, file approval, unit readiness, move-in timing, occupancy, budget, or stakeholder commitments, clearly documenting the issue, anticipated impact, responsible parties, and recommended recovery actions.

Supplemental Housing Impact Team Support

·       When lease-up demand permits, support approved Housing Impact Team services such as remote application processing, annual recertifications, onboarding, special claims, Reserve for Replacement submissions, and short-term onsite operational coverage.

EXPECTATIONS

• Demonstrates and maintains a positive, professional manner, manages time efficiently and effectively, provides leadership as a role model to promote a team approach, collaborates and participates in policy creation and appropriate problem-solving methods.

• Must adhere to the National Church Residences Employee Information Guide, Code of Conduct, applicable facility handbooks, and all organizational policies and procedures, including requirements related to corporate compliance, a drug-free workplace, safe work practices, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

• With respect to Resident Rights, ensure all care is provided with respect and dignity for the residents/clients, their families and the staff. Reports all complaints made by residents/clients and/or families to the appropriate supervisors, reports all allegations of abuse, misappropriation of funds/resident property and/or any other corporate compliance, drug free workplace, safe work practices, all federal, state and local regulations and laws.
• Completes all annual education requirements timely, including but not limited to Compliance, Privacy, Security and HIPAA training and exhibits behavior as set forth by the Code of Conduct in the performance of their duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATION SHEET—HIT Lease-Up Specialist

Education:         High School Diploma. Associate degree preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in the affordable housing industry.

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Experience:        Minimum of four (4) years of affordable housing experience is required, including responsibility for leasing, applicant qualification, and occupancy. Experience leading or substantially supporting lease-ups for new-construction or rehabilitated communities is strongly preferred. Experience with both HUD and LIHTC programs is required. Experience with combination properties and mixed-finance communities is preferred.

Mental: Must have excellent communication, comprehension, and interpersonal skills.  Must have the ability to speak, read, write and understand English, as well as the ability to make self-understood.

Skills:                  

• Proficiency in Yardi property management software.

• Ability to use computer applications effectively, maintain attention to detail, provide excellent customer service, and manage multiple projects.

• Ability to conduct research, solve problems, think strategically, and apply sound business acumen.

• Ability to demonstrate professionalism, exercise sound judgment, manage time effectively, collaborate across functions, and contribute to a consistent team approach.

• Ability to consistently uphold high standards of ethical behavior, confidentiality, and professionalism.

Travel:  Up to 100%. Multi-state, overnight travel may be required on a regular basis.

Licensure:

·       Must have a valid driver’s license, automobile insurance and qualified to drive under the organization’s motor vehicle check.

·       Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP) Certification preferred.

Vision: Normal: Consistent with standard workflow.

With respect to said job description, estimate the daily time spent performing the following activities.

Rare ( R) = 0-24%; Sometimes ( S) = 25-49%; Frequent ( F) = 50-74%; Continuous ( C) = 75% plus

R = Climbing                                   R = Stooping                      Lifting / Carrying;              R = 10-25 lbs.

F = Standing                                    R = Pushing                                                                  R = 26-50 lbs.

F = Sitting                                        R = Pulling                                                                   R = 51-75 lbs.

S = Walking                                     C = Driving                       `                                         R = 76 plus lbs.

Working Conditions:                      Works in a hybrid environment that includes both office work and on-site properties, performing tasks in varied settings that may include office spaces, residential properties, and outdoor areas, with exposure to some disagreeable conditions such as odors, illness, infection and physical contact with residents.

Consequences of Errors:                 Moderate monetary responsibility.

Supervision Received:                   General supervision:  Employee generally operates by himself/herself checking with supervisor when in doubt.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, military status, disability, genetic information and/or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.