Community Lease-Up Manager – Chattanooga Tennessee (Multifamily & Affordable Housing)

Career Description

About Us

Columbia Residential is the leading property management and Development Company in this region, specializing in the low-affordable market. Our mission is to provide quality, affordable housing for low-and moderate-income families while fostering an environment for our team members to excel, thrive, and be recognized. We are a growing, mission-driven real estate organization that prides itself on the culture of excellence, integrity, responsibility, responsiveness, respect and character.

Title

Community Lease-Up Manager

Reports to

Community Manager

Position Summary

The Community Lease-Up Manager plays a critical role in the successful launch and stabilization of new residential communities. This position is responsible for driving leasing activities, ensuring high occupancy rates, and delivering exceptional customer service to prospective and current residents. The Community Lease-Up Manager will oversee all aspects of the lease-up process, including marketing, resident relations, and operational readiness, to create a vibrant and welcoming community environment. Collaboration with property management, maintenance, and marketing teams is essential to meet leasing goals and maintain compliance with company policies and local regulations. Ultimately, the Community Lease-Up Manager ensures the community reaches full occupancy efficiently while fostering resident satisfaction and retention.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in residential leasing or property management, preferably in lease-up communities.
• Strong knowledge of fair housing laws and leasing regulations applicable in the United States.
• Prioritization of meeting or exceeding leasing and occupancy goals in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with diverse residents and team members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with property management software such as Yardi, RealPage, or Entrata.
• Certification in property management (e.g., NALP, CAM) is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success in marketing and community outreach initiatives.
• Ability to analyze leasing data and market trends to optimize leasing strategies.
• Bilingual skills to better serve diverse resident populations.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement effective leasing strategies to achieve occupancy and revenue targets during the lease-up phase.
Conduct tours and presentations for prospective residents, highlighting community features and benefits.
Manage the application and lease execution process, ensuring accuracy and compliance with fair housing laws.
Coordinate with marketing teams to promote the community through various channels and events.
Build and maintain positive relationships with residents, addressing inquiries and resolving concerns promptly.
Collaborate with maintenance and operations staff to ensure the community is well-maintained and ready for new residents.
Track leasing metrics and prepare regular reports to inform management of progress and challenges.
Train and supervise leasing staff to maintain high standards of customer service and operational efficiency.

Skills

The Community Lease-Up Manager utilizes strong communication and interpersonal skills daily to engage prospective residents and build community rapport. Organizational and multitasking abilities are essential for managing leasing activities, coordinating with multiple departments, and maintaining accurate records. Analytical skills help interpret leasing data and market trends to adjust strategies for optimal occupancy. Proficiency with property management software streamlines application processing, lease execution, and reporting tasks. Additionally, leadership and training skills are applied to guide leasing staff, ensuring consistent delivery of excellent customer service and operational efficiency.

Work Environment

Flexibility to work evenings and weekends to accommodate prospective residents’ schedules.

Flexible Benefits Options

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance (AFLAC)
• Prescription Drug Coverage
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Performance-based Bonus Program
• Tuition and Professional Development Assistance
• Short-term Disability Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Basic Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Paid Time-Off (including your birthday!)
• Paid Holidays
• Health Reimbursement Account
• Employee Referral Program

Our Company Culture

Core Values

• Excellence
• Integrity
• Responsibility
• Responsiveness
• Respect
• Character