Orleans, Louisiana – Community Leasing Specialist LIHTC​/

Career Description

Columbia Residential is looking for a Community Leasing Specialist located in New Orleans, Louisiana to become a part contributor to fulfilling the mission and vision of the company.

The Community Leasing Specialist interacts directly with prospective and current residents by marketing, showing and leasing apartment homes in a courteous and prompt manner.

• Prepare the property for receiving guests prior to the time designated for opening office in accordance with established procedures.
• Lease apartments and aggressively sell its products and services with an acceptable closing ratio to achieve established goals and exceed budgeted occupancy percentages.
• Assist with the day‑to‑day operations and function of the community to include answering the phone, taking work orders, data entry, planning/hosting resident functions, community newsletter, etc.
• Conduct site tours for prospects; offer introduction to the Community amenities; show decorated model apartment homes and/or the vacant market‑rate units.
• Develop, refine and effectively implement excellent telephone, personal sales and customer service techniques.
• Design marketing campaigns to generate activity, cold calling to businesses in order to generate hot leads. Decorate units to become show units.
• Maintain an accurate inventory of apartments available to rent, list of prospective residents and, a list of current information concerning renewals.
• Contact current residents in person and by written correspondence to renew lease while negotiating the highest rent increase possible.
• Prepare all lease‑related documents, move‑in, and welcome packages. Explain all lease documents to new and existing residents. Ensure all documents are completed accurately prior to resident move‑in.
• Conduct pre‑qualifications and rental verifications of prospective residents in accordance to company and housing rules and regulations.
• Follow established policies and procedures in the qualification, screening, and acceptance of applicants for residency.
• Deliver resident gifts; assist with move‑in/move‑out procedures by inspecting units prior to resident’s move‑in to ensure units are clean and rent‑ready.

• High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED) for consideration.
• Associate’s degree or equivalent from a 2‑year college or Technical School preferred.

• Sales and Customer Service.
• Property Management Software and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) experience preferred.

• Complete in‑house training within the first 90 days of employment.
• Passion – Enjoy the work you do; demonstrates a pleasant professional demeanor and show a desire for success.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit – Exhibit behavior that is consistent with the Vision, Mission Statement and Core Values of the Company; make the work environment enjoyable for self and others.

• To provide quality and affordable housing for low‑ and moderate‑income families.
• To provide an environment for its team members to excel and to be recognized and rewarded for their accomplishments.
• To provide the principals and partners a fair return on their efforts and investments.

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

• 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