Occupancy & Compliance Specialist

Gilbane Building; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 46,600 - 63,030; Full time

Job summary

Gilbane Building in Washington DC is looking for an Occupancy & Compliance Specialist to manage the affordable housing property's compliance with legal and program requirements. Responsibilities include leading rent‑collection efforts, conducting outreach, and performing detailed file audits. Applicants should have 2–5 years of relevant experience, preferably with certifications such as COS or LIHTC. The role emphasizes strong interpersonal skills and an understanding of housing regulations, with a salary range of $46,600 to $63,030 plus benefits.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years in affordable housing compliance, property management, or rent collection.
• Comfort with fieldwork and direct resident interaction.
• Ability to manage confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Leads rent‑collection efforts and monitors delinquency reports.
• Conducts door‑knocking and resident engagement to resolve arrears.
• Processes annual and interim recertifications including income verification.

Skills

Strong understanding of HUD regulations

Proficiency with Yardi

Strong communication abilities

Conflict-resolution skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

COS, LIHTC, TCS certification

Tools

Yardi

Job description

Overview

The Occupancy & Compliance Specialist ensures that the affordable housing property operates within all legal, regulatory, and program requirements. This role focuses heavily on managing tenant arrears, implementing rent‑collection strategies, and conducting direct resident engagement, including fieldwork and door‑knocking—to support successful tenancy and regulatory compliance. The specialist also oversees leasing functions, annual/interim certifications, and ongoing file audits to maintain full adherence to program rules.

Responsibilities

• Leads all rent‑collection efforts, including monitoring delinquency reports, contacting residents, and developing payment plans
• Conducts proactive outreach such as door‑knocking, unit visits (as appropriate), and on‑site resident engagement to resolve arrears
• Collaborates with residents to identify barriers to payment and connect them with rental‑assistance programs or supportive services
• Maintains accurate documentation of all arrears activity, communications, and payment arrangements
• Conducts detailed file audits to ensure adherence to HUD, LIHTC, PACT, and Fair Housing regulations
• Prepares for and supports agency monitoring visits
• Processes annual and interim recertifications, including income verification and rent calculations
• Manages applicant waitlists, conducts interviews, and oversees move‑in/move‑out processes
• Supports occupancy goals by ensuring units are leased efficiently and in full compliance with program rules
• Maintains organized, confidential, and up‑to‑date tenant and compliance files
• Prepares monthly occupancy, arrears, and compliance reports for management
• Conducts on‑site visits, door‑knocking, and community outreach to engage residents regarding arrears, certifications, and compliance needs
• Serves as an on‑the‑ground representative of the property, building trust and supporting positive resident relationships

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• 2–5 years in affordable housing compliance, property management, or rent collection
• COS, LIHTC, TCS, or similar certification preferred
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of HUD, LIHTC, PACT, and local housing authority regulations
• Proficiency with Yardi or comparable housing‑management systems
• Strong communication and conflict‑resolution abilities
• Comfort with fieldwork, door‑knocking, and direct resident interaction
• High attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion

Salary to be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience of the applicant, as well as the internal equity and alignment with the team. For Washington DC this ranges from $46,600.00 to $63,030.00 plus benefits and retirement program.

Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre‑employment substance abuse test.

Gilbane is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or disability status.