Community Lease-Up Manager ( New Development / Multifamily )

The Mosaic at Westside - Phase 1A, Chattanooga, TN, US · On-site

About this role

About the Role:

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 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.
  • Proven ability to meet or exceed leasing and occupancy goals in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with diverse residents and team members.

 Resident Relations:

  • Build strong relationships with potential and existing residents by providing exceptional customer service.
  • Ensure a smooth leasing process, from initial inquiry to move-in.

 Lease Administration:

  • Resident Screening and Qualification: Help to determine if prospective Resident meets eligibility requirements, such as income limits, family size, or other government stipulations. Ensure that all required paperwork, such as income verification, criminal background checks, and housing program applications, are completed properly and on time.
  • Assist with the preparation, signing, and management of leases to ensure compliance with federal or state housing programs (such as Section 8, LIHTC—Low-Income Housing Tax Credit).
  • Track leasing activity and maintain accurate records of all leasing transactions.

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.

 This job description should not be considered all-inclusive. It is merely a guide of expected job duties and responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities described are not permanent and may be modified at any time. At the request of management, an employee may be asked to perform additional duties within the scope of our work with little to no advance notice.

Company at a glance

Columbia Residential is an integrated real estate company comprised of master planning, development, project management, construction management, property and asset management, and tax credit compliance disciplines with a focus on mixed-finance, multi-family rental property. This holistic model supports and fuels our innovative style of community development and has resulted in a diverse array of award-winning properties throughout the southeastern United States including Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida.

Columbia Residential was founded in 1991 in Atlanta, Georgia, with a focus on Low-Income Housing Tax Credit properties. Columbia Residential now owns and manages more than 6,400 units in 50 properties in four states, of which 17 properties are for seniors. Columbia employs more than 250 individuals, the largest portion of which is within the Property Management Company functioning in on-site property management positions.

Columbia Residential is led by principals James S. Grauley, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Aaron Swain, President of Property Management and Operations; and Carmen Chubb, President, who bring more than 50 years of combined, long-standing industry development experience to the organization. Grauley, Swain, and Chubb are actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the company, including its ownership, development, and management responsibilities.

Founded1991
Team Size201-500 employees
WorkspaceOn-site
IndustryReal Estate
Location
Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States

Tired of cold applications?

Sign up with Clera and we'll reach out the moment a role actually fits you — no more spraying applications into the void.

Know someone who'd be great for this?