Leasing and Occupancy Specialist

Department:  Property & Asset Management     Work Arrangement:  Onsite in Holyoke, with ability to work in other portfolios in Western Massachusetts as needed

Leasing and Occupancy Specialist

Way Finders is a 2024 Top Workplaces for Nonprofit organization, named as an employer of choice because our employees said so!  

At Way Finders, we are passionately invested in lifting up the region’s people, places, and systems. Though our team performs a wide variety of functions, we are united by our shared mission: to build and advocate for a thriving and region; to improve the stability and economic mobility of families and individuals; and to develop and manage a robust range of safe, affordable housing options.

Interested in joining our team of dedicated professionals? Way Finders is currently seeking a Leasing and Occupancy Specialist on our Property Management team.  The Specialist is responsible for maximizing occupancy and rents by providing a positive, efficient experience to prospective and current residents; and performs all day-to-day leasing and marketing activities and administers move-ins while acting as a backup to assistant property managers.  The Specialist may be assigned to other properties in the portfolio as needed.

Benefits include:  20 days of accrued paid time-off in year one | 15 holidays annually | Health, dental, and vision insurance options FROM DAY ONE | Educational assistance | Medical Reimbursement Account | Dependent Care Account | 403(b) retirement plan with employer match | Life insurance | Short-term and long-term disability insurance | Transportation benefits | Employee Assistance Program | Annual staff picnic!

Wage starts between $21.50 and $24.75 per hour depending on equivalent qualifications. Interested applicants must submit a resume and cover letter; applications will be accepted until the position is filled. CORI/SORI/MVR.

The candidate will work fully onsite for our Holyoke portfolio.  Travel to, and working in, other portfolios across Western Massachusetts may be assigned due to department needs.

Responsibilities include:
•    Provide a welcoming, community-based experience to prospective and current residents that ensures vacancy rates remain low and move-ins are processed efficiently and with high customer satisfaction
•    Schedule and show units to prospective residents in a timely, well-informed manner
•    Manage the move-in process, to include: 
o         Maintenance of an updated, extensive wait list for all unit types;
o         Pre-screening and screening applicants; 
o         Collection of necessary documentation from current or prospective residents;
o         Process verifications and initial certifications thoroughly and accurately;
o         Submit necessary documents for final approval;
o         Complete lease signings and distribute keys at home sites
•    Travel throughout portfolio to lease at other sites as needed
•    Collaborate with Property Managers and Assistant Property Managers to process recertifications as appropriate and assigned
•    Act as backup administrative worker, including in other portfolios, as needed
•    Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal staff and departments, residents, owners, community groups, and stakeholders
•    Proactively identify and inform supervisor/leadership of any issues that may adversely affect the department or organization

Requirements include:
•    2 years’ equivalent experience in property management; an Associate degree may substitute for some experience
•    Bilingual (English/Spanish) verbal and written skills appreciated but not required
•    Adept with Office365 and databases (Yardi preferred); ability to learn new technologies
•    Preference for knowledge of Section 8 vouchers, low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC), and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines
•    Excellent customer service and communication skills with the ability to resolve issues effectively; empathetic with good listening skills
•    Highly organized with the ability to reprioritize to meet deadlines; attentive to detail
•    Driver’s license with acceptable driving record; reliable vehicle
•    CORI/SORI

Way Finders is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position is available to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or veteran status. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals.

Salary : $22 - $25