Lease Up Specialist

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Bear Real Estate Group is looking to hire a Lease-Up Specialist is responsible for leading the lease-up of our new affordable housing community, The Corliss, from initial occupancy through stabilization, driving leasing velocity to meet absorption targets while ensuring full compliance with LIHTC, HOME, and other applicable housing program requirements during the critical first-year credit-establishing period. This role pairs aggressive marketing and leasing execution with regulatory precision, establishing site operations, building the on-site team, and delivering on the owner's pro forma and tax credit timelines.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBLITIES:

Operations & Resident Experience

Establish and run daily site operations for a new community, building processes, resident services, and customer service standards from initial occupancy

Enforce lease terms and community policies consistently and professionally

Create strong first impressions and positive resident interactions that build the community's reputation, reviews, and word-of-mouth during early lease-up

Foster a positive resident experience through clear communication, responsive service, and well-maintained communities

Address resident concerns professionally and in compliance with program rules

Plan and host grand opening, model unit tours, and resident engagement events that generate traffic and build community

Ensure the community operates in full compliance with Fair Housing laws

Drive leasing and occupancy from certificate of occupancy through stabilized occupancy within the established lease-up timeline

Affordable Compliance & File Management Maintain complete and accurate household files in "audit-ready" condition at all times (initial certifications, move-in, recertifications, transfers, move-outs) with supporting documentation in compliance with all regulatory agreements

Ensure every household is income-qualified and certified prior to move-in, with no unqualified or out-of-compliance move-ins during the credit-establishing first year

Ensure all files are approved by Compliance prior to move in, and all documents are appropriately executed prior to issuing keys

Build and manage the pre-leasing interest list, applicant screening, and move-ins per the Tenant Selection Plan and Resident Selection Criteria

Ensure rent limits, income limits, and utility allowances are updated and implemented correctly each year

Coordinate with Compliance staff and third-party monitors for audits, inspections, and corrective actions

Partner with Compliance and ownership to meet first-year tax credit milestones, including the minimum set-aside, applicable fraction, and credit delivery deadlines tied to each building's placed-in-service date

Lease-Up & Marketing Drive leasing velocity to meet weekly and monthly lease-up absorption targets through proactive outreach, traffic generation, lead conversion, and follow-up

Track and report traffic, lead sources, tour-to-lease conversion, and net leases against goal, adjusting tactics to keep pace with the absorption schedule

Maintain accurate online listings and property information per Bear Core Processes

Partner with Marketing and the Lease-Up Regional Manager to execute the lease-up marketing plan, manage advertising sources, and post appropriately to Social Media

Ensure the model unit, signage, and all online and print marketing are accurate, compelling, and current to maximize tour-to-lease conversion

Financial Performance Manage the lease-up budget, monitor leasing pace against the owner's pro forma, and track income/expense and concession use throughout lease-up

Review and approve invoices, purchase orders, and vendor proposals in accordance with company controls

Monitor rent collections, enforce lease terms, manage delinquencies, and initiate legal proceedings when required

Support month-end closing accuracy including ledger reconciliation, deposit verification, and reporting deadlines

Prepare weekly leasing and traffic reports and monthly financial reports, including lease-up pace against goal

Delinquency & Legal Coordination Follow delinquency process consistently

Ensure all non-payment notices are delivered accurately and on time monthly

Ensure small balance due notices are sent out monthly and followed up weekly

Responsible for reporting on delinquency weekly

Responsible for filing non-payment and non-compliance notices promptly and managing the legal process through correction or eviction

Maintenance Partnership & Site Standards Coordinate daily with maintenance and the construction/development team on unit delivery, punch lists, turns, inspections, curb appeal, and safety

Ensure property is tour-ready and meets company standards

Ensure newly delivered and turned units are inspected, made rent-ready, and released for leasing without delay as the building is handed over in phases

Ensure resident work orders are logged and completed within 48-72 hours, follow up with resident for quality control

Responsible for walking the site Facilities and Vendors frequently to ensure site is maintained and appealing

Collaborate with facilities to obtain bids/quotes per Bear Core Processes, confirm scope completion, and approve or submit vendor invoices for payment

Risk and Safety Ensure all incidents, injuries, property damage, and emergencies are documented and reported promptly

Enforce company safety procedures and maintain site emergency plans

Participate in after-hours or weekend emergency response as required

Leadership & Team Accountability Hire, onboard, and coach a new on-site team, conducting training and performance reviews as the community staffs up

Model professional communication, accountability, and teamwork

Partner with the Lease-Up Regional Property Manager and HR for hiring, discipline, and development opportunities

Ensure all team members complete required affordable housing, Fair Housing, and compliance training annually

Maintain confidentiality and uphold professional conduct and internal controls

QUALIFICATIONS: High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience.

Must have 3+ years of multi-housing experience, including new construction or lease-up experience. (Affordable/LIHTC experience preferred).

Prefer TCS, HCCP, C3P, or other designations. CAMs designation a plus.

Strong Fair Housing knowledge required.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Financial literacy, including budget management and reporting.

Proven ability to train, mentor, and influence without direct authority.

Excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Proficiency in RealPage/OneSite or comparable property management software.

Proficiency in in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, etc.)

Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

WHAT YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT WORKING HERE: Invest in Your Future: 401(k) with company match, plus annual merit-based increases

Prioritize Your Health: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, Long-Term Disability, and FSA and HSA options

Recharge and Renew: Generous paid time off and 8+ paid holidays

Voluntary Benefits: Short Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity

Keep Growing: Ongoing education, leadership training, and advancement opportunities across all departments

Celebrate Together: Annual employee appreciation events, team outings, and company-wide recognition programs

Make an Impact: Contribute to meaningful projects that shape neighborhoods and improve lives

Be Rewarded : Eligible for performance-based bonuses and commissions

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bear Real Estate Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Worksite address

milwaukee, WI, 53244, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.