Leasing Specialist - Slate

About the Role

Be a part of something great and find yourself At Home, At Sherman! As a member of Sherman, we invite you to join our mission of Building Communities, Enriching Neighborhoods. You can make an immediate impact supporting our real estate development and management operations in hotels, residential, and retail. The Leasing Specialist I is accountable for the leasing, marketing, and compliance of an assigned portfolio of real estate. A strong focus on customer service, community relations, and knowledge of fair housing is critical to success in this role. This role will work at The Slate at Gray's Landing, a 132-unit market-rate 55+ housing community in downtown Des Moines, IA.

Schedule & Hours

Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM. Office hours may vary due to the specific needs of the portfolio. Works on the last day and first day of each month until responsibilities are completed; some overtime may be required.

Responsibilities

• Manages prospects by answering incoming calls and internet leads. Returns all inquiry calls and emails promptly (within 24 hours).
• Makes appointments, shows apartments, screens applicants, and verifies applications for completion.
• Assists applicants with the application process by explaining all applicable forms. Ensures applications are accurate and complete.
• Contacts and offers units to approved applicants.
• Schedules and conducts orientation for all new move-ins. Updates turnover information daily, including gathering move-out and move-in times.
• Shops comparable projects in the marketplace monthly.
• Develops community contacts to maximize general awareness of the housing community and its advantages.
• Contacts and offers units to current residents for approved unit transfers. Prepares all required transfer paperwork and completes transfers with residents.
• Updates all applicable referral agencies.
• Inputs all traffic and applications into the property management system regularly.
• Meets company benchmarks for occupancy, rent collections, and timely compliance paperwork.
• Conducts credit and criminal background checks for applicants as applicable. Follows procedures for notifying approval/denial based on report results.
• Maintains complete and accurate property files and records, according to department systems, with an emphasis on documentation for future reference.
• Coordinates with corporate support staff on management company procedures for processing and distributing information.
• Ensures compliance with HUD rules and regulations, state, federal, and local housing laws.
• Maintains customer service and excellent relations with residents, resident cooperatives, commercial tenants, outside agencies, vendors, and organizations.
• Keeps management informed about resident/tenant complaints, suggestions for improvement, vacancy status, projected occupancy, and any legal actions.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) or relevant experience required.
• Experience within residential real estate or an equivalent number of years of education and real estate management experience.
• Additional education in real estate, sales, and/or business management is preferred.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills; ability to communicate effectively with community tenants, vendors/external parties, and across corporate divisions.
• Knowledge of RealPage or other related property management software (Yardi, Lead2Lease, OneSite Accounting, etc.) strongly preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of Affordable Housing Programs (HUD Programs) as applicable.
• Must possess a valid driver's license, reliable vehicle with insurance, and a safe DMV driving record as applicable.
• A passion for the mission, vision, and values of Sherman Associates.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. Exposed to ambient room temperatures, lighting, and traditional office equipment found in a typical office environment, with a quiet to moderate noise level.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand at a desk for up to 8 hours per day. Walking and standing are required for the rest of the working day.
• Must have the ability to move around freely throughout the property and office, with necessity varying from day to day.
• Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening, hearing ability, and visual acuity.

Additional Screening Requirements

Must successfully meet criminal background screening requirements for the position.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid short-term disability
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Additional supplemental insurance policies (Voluntary Accident & Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Long-Term Disability, Pet insurance)
• Employer-paid employee assistance program
• Fully vested 401k company match program
• 9 Paid holidays and competitive PTO program
• Sherman Associates' Starbucks and Hotel discounts

Sherman Associates is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans to apply.