Community Manager

Summary:

The Community Manager is responsible for the overall operation, regulatory compliance, financial performance, and resident occupancy of an assigned affordable housing community or portfolio of communities. The Community Manager ensures that property operations are conducted in an efficient, cost-effective, and resident-focused manner while maintaining compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, company policies, and affordable housing program requirements.

This position oversees leasing activities, resident relations, rent collection, property administration, regulatory compliance, budget management, and coordination of maintenance operations. The Community Manager works collaboratively with residents, vendors, regulatory agencies, and internal departments to support safe, well-maintained, and sustainable housing communities.

Essential Job Functions:

Property Operations

• Oversee the daily operations of assigned properties to ensure safe, efficient, and effective community management.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, regulatory requirements, and affordable housing program guidelines.
• Conduct routine property inspections to evaluate building conditions, curb appeal, common areas, and overall community standards.
• Monitor occupancy levels and implement strategies to minimize vacancies and support resident retention.
• Conduct property tours and assist with resident orientation, move-ins, and move-outs.
• Complete move-out documentation and oversee security deposit administration in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirements.

Financial Management:

• Assist in the development and administration of property operating budgets.
• Monitor expenses and manage community operations within approved budget parameters.
• Collect and process rental payments in accordance with company policies and affordable housing program requirements.
• Review, verify, and approve invoices for payment.
• Maintain accurate financial records and prepare required operational and financial reports.

Resident Relations and Leasing:

• Foster positive relationships with residents and promote a respectful, service-oriented community environment.
• Address resident concerns and inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Enforce lease agreements, community standards, and occupancy requirements consistently and fairly.
• Support resident retention efforts through effective communication and responsive service.
• Ensure all leasing and occupancy activities comply with Fair Housing requirements and applicable regulations.

Affordable Housing Compliance:

• Maintain full compliance with all federal, state, and local housing regulations and applicable affordable housing program requirements.
• Ensure resident files are complete, accurate, and audit-ready at all times.
• Prepare for and participate in regulatory audits, agency reviews, inspections, and monitoring visits.
• Monitor compliance related to income certifications, recertifications, reasonable accommodations, Fair Housing requirements, and other program requirements.
• Maintain required documentation and records in accordance with agency and company standards.

Maintenance Coordination:

• Provide oversight and coordination of maintenance activities to ensure community standards are maintained.
• Partner with maintenance personnel to ensure work orders, preventative maintenance activities, inspections, vendor services, and contract obligations are completed timely and effectively.
• Monitor apartment inspections and turnover processes associated with move-ins and move-outs.
• Communicate maintenance concerns and capital improvement needs to leadership as appropriate.

Staff Leadership and Administration:

• Supervise and provide direction to administrative and maintenance personnel assigned to the community.
• Communicate effectively with residents, staff, vendors, contractors, and agency representatives.
• Prepare and distribute reports requested by District Manager, Accounting, and other departments.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to property operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of affordable housing programs, property management practices, and Fair Housing requirements.
• Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and competing priorities effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and work independently.
• Ability to participate in an on-call rotation and respond to emergency situations as required.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree, real estate coursework, or related post-secondary education preferred.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in property management, affordable housing, multifamily housing, leasing, or a related field.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered, except where prohibited by applicable laws or regulations.

Certifications

The following certifications are required or must be obtained within established timeframes:

• Accredited Resident Manager (ARM), Certified Manager of Housing (CMH), or equivalent professional designation.
• Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) for affordable housing communities.
• STAR Certification.
• New York State Notary License within six (6) months of hire.

All experience and education requirements, except when required by federal, state, or local laws or requirements, may be waived at the discretion of management with the approval of the Chief Executive Officer, in collaboration with Human Resources.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

• Must possess a valid driver's license and vehicle insurance.
• Must be able to walk properties, climb stairs, inspect apartments and common areas, and occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Use of company-issued communication devices may be required.
• Sedentary working environment
• Ability to reach above shoulder level.
• Ability to turn/twist upper body.
• Able to use hand repetitive action for fine manipulating, keyboarding and typing.

Corporate Qualifications/Expectations:

• Adhere to all CDS Life Transitions, Inc. policies and procedures.
• Adhere to the Agency Mission, Vision, Shared Values, and Customer Service Standards.
• Attend mandatory education and training modules as scheduled; obtain and maintain all required certifications/training by State regulations and CDS policy
• Act as a professional representative of CDS Life Transitions, Inc. in regard to appearance, behavior, temperament, communication, language, and dress.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, skills, required of personnel so classified. Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the direction of the employer.

The listed range represents the organization's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The offered salary will be determined by: Applicant qualifications and experience, education, position specific licensing/training and departmental budgets.

CDS Life Transitions is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment without regard to gender, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, citizenship, military or veteran status, gender expression and/or identity, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. CDS Life Transitions will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and feel you need a reasonable accommodation pursuant to the ADA, please contact us at 585-347-1039.