Leasing & Resident Services Specialist

Knoxville's Community Development Corporation; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Knoxville's Community Development Corporation (KCDC) seeks a Leasing & Resident Services Specialist to greet residents, manage waiting lists, and coordinate lease paperwork in a busy property office. The role emphasizes strong customer service, accurate record keeping in Yardi, and knowledge of housing programs.

You will support leasing, resident services, and office operations across community properties in Knoxville.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with at least 1 year of clerical experience.
• Knowledge of housing programs and eligibility procedures is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Yardi is required.

Responsibilities

• Greet visitors, applicants and residents; answer calls and route inquiries professionally.
• Lease available apartments and maintain an accurate waiting list per program requirements.
• Keep resident files and enter/update information in Yardi.

Skills

Customer service

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Clear communication

Spanish (desirable)

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Yardi property management

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Help people find a place to call home. Bring your customer service skills, attention to detail, and commitment to helping others to KCDC. We’re looking for a Leasing & Resident Services Specialist who can make people feel welcome while keeping the details of a busy property office running smoothly.

Description

Help people find a place to call home. Bring your customer service skills, attention to detail, and commitment to helping others to KCDC. We’re looking for a Leasing & Resident Services Specialist who can make people feel welcome while keeping the details of a busy property office running smoothly. From greeting prospective residents to coordinating lease paperwork and housing certifications, you’ll play an important role in the resident experience. Your work will help connect people with housing, keep information accurate, and support the daily operations of a KCDC community.

Your Role

Working under the direction of the Property Manager, you’ll support leasing, resident services, and office administration. Depending on the community, you may work with market-rate and workforce housing, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) apartments, and/or Project-Based Rental Assistance. This is a non-supervisory position that combines meaningful interaction with residents and applicants with detailed administrative work.

What You’ll Do

• Create a welcoming first impression. Greet visitors, applicants, and residents; answer calls; monitor voicemail; and respond to or route inquiries professionally.
• Deliver responsive resident service. Address questions, concerns, and requests promptly, taking appropriate action or involving the right team member.
• Help keep apartments occupied. Lease available apartments and maintain an accurate, active waiting list in accordance with program requirements.
• Keep records organized and accurate. Maintain resident files in the established format and enter and update information in Yardi property management software.
• Coordinate housing certifications. Schedule appointments, conduct interviews, obtain third-party verifications, and generate EIV reports for initial, annual, interim, gross rent, unit transfer, termination, and move-out certifications.
• Prepare important documents. Assemble paperwork for lease signings, court hearings, and other property needs, and prepare and distribute resident notices and correspondence.
• Support consistent, efficient operations. Follow KCDC policies and applicable housing laws and regulations, recommend improvements to office procedures, and assist with other duties as assigned.

What Will Help You Succeed

You’re someone who:

• Treats people with patience, courtesy, and respect.
• Stays organized while balancing appointments, paperwork, calls, and deadlines.
• Pays close attention to details and follows through on responsibilities.
• Communicates clearly and takes initiative to resolve questions.
• Understands that accurate records and consistent procedures are essential to serving residents well.

Schedule

Our office is open from Monday to Friday from 7:30am until 4:00pm. Additionally, you will receive 12 paid holidays, have paid time off from Christmas Eve through New Years Day, and also earn additional paid time off and sick leave each pay period!

Make Your Next Career Move Count

At KCDC, the details you manage and the service you provide matter. Join a team whose work supports residents, strengthens communities, and contributes to KCDC’s mission throughout Knoxville.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of or ability to learn KCDC policies and procedures, federal and state laws and regulations related to affordable, tax credit, and convention housing programs.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn the regulations and procedures for determining eligibility and appropriate rent amounts for rental assistance programs.
• Knowledge of and proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Yardi property management software.
• Knowledge of office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service by tending to the needs of internal and external customers, answering questions, displaying professionalism and providing knowledge of programs to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Ability to explain KCDC policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to be courteous and professional when obtaining information and giving procedural directions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, tenants, and the public.
• Ability to effectively manage time in order to set due dates, meet deadlines, coordinate appointments, and manage calendars.
• Ability to write grammatically correct and business appropriate letters and email.
• Ability to make mathematical calculations and keep detailed records.
• Ability to accurately enter information in Yardi property management software.
• Ability to organize and maintain files and records.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to speak and understand Spanish, is desired.

Education And Experience

High School Diploma or GED and a minimum of one (1) year of experience providing general clerical support in an office setting. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS

CPO, COS, or Bended Occupancy Specialist Certification must be obtained within 2 years of service.

Some positions may require possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to be insurable under the Authority’s automobile insurance plan at the standard rate.