Occupancy Specialist

Harborlight Community Partners; Rial Side (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Harborlight Homes seeks an Occupancy Specialist to support occupancy and compliance across multiple properties in the North Shore of Massachusetts. This full-time, on-site role focuses on certifications, recertifications, and related occupancy tasks for a portfolio of properties.

The position emphasizes accurate record-keeping, regulatory compliance, and resident relations, with potential growth into property management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years in property management, affordable housing, or real estate administration (HUD/LIHTC experience preferred).
• COS credential required within six months of employment start.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and RealPage property management software.
• Knowledge of local and state landlord-tenant laws and affordable housing regulations.

Responsibilities

• Process applications, certifications, and recertifications for residents per HUD/LIHTC requirements.
• Maintain resident files and waiting lists in compliance with regulatory agreements.
• Coordinate move-in and move-out procedures, including inspections and documentation.
• Prepare and submit required program compliance reports and respond to audits.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/real estate or related field

COS credential within 6 months

Tools

RealPage

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Occupancy Specialist

Full Time Professional Beverly, MA, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1032

Salary Range: $50,000.00 To $60,000.00 Annually

About Us

Harborlight Homes is a nonprofit community development and property management organization providing service-enriched affordable housing throughout the North Shore of Massachusetts. We create and preserve affordable, inclusive, service-enriched homes because we believe everyone deserves a home.

About the Role

The Occupancy Specialist plays a key role in supporting the day-to-day occupancy and compliance needs of our affordable housing portfolio. While our portfolio includes more than 26 properties, this position will typically support approximately 3–4 properties at a time, with a focus on completing certifications, recertifications, and other occupancy-related work.

This is a traditional Monday through Friday position. Rather than traveling between multiple properties each day, the Occupancy Specialist will generally be based on one primary property for several months at a time, depending on where support is most needed. Once work at that location is brought up to date, the position may transition to another property or group of properties within the portfolio.

The role provides broad exposure to affordable housing operations, compliance, leasing, and resident relations and is a great opportunity for someone looking to continue growing their career in property management. As the role evolves, there may be an opportunity to take on expanded responsibilities and grow into a Property Manager position.

What You'll Do

Leasing & Occupancy:

• Process applications, certifications, and recertifications for new and existing residents in accordance with HUD, LIHTC, and other affordable housing program requirements.
• Maintain accurate resident files and waiting lists, ensuring compliance with all regulatory agreements.
• Coordinate move-in and move-out procedures, including unit inspections and documentation.

Compliance & Reporting:

• Ensure all occupancy activities comply with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Prepare and submit required reports and documentation for program compliance.
• Support audits and respond to compliance reviews as needed.
• Foster positive relationships with residents, addressing questions and concerns promptly and professionally.
• Support the organization’s mission of providing equitable and inclusive housing opportunities.

Administrative Support:

• Assist with property management software and maintain accurate records.
• Collaborate with property management and maintenance teams to ensure smooth operations across all properties.

How You'll Thrive

You’ll be successful here if you enjoy helping people while keeping the details organized behind the scenes. You bring a strong attention to detail, a service-oriented mindset, and the ability to navigate compliance requirements with confidence. You’re approachable with residents, dependable with documentation and deadlines, and excited to work collaboratively toward our mission of providing equitable and inclusive housing opportunities.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of experience in property management, affordable housing, or real estate administration (experience with HUD/LIHTC programs strongly preferred).
• Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) credential required within six months of employment start.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and property management software (RealPage)
• Knowledge of local and state landlord-tenant laws and affordable housing regulations.

Why Harborlight Homes?

At Harborlight Homes, you'll join a collaborative, mission-driven team committed to expanding access to quality affordable housing. If you are passionate about affordable housing, enjoy building relationships, and want to be part of an organization dedicated to creating thriving communities, we'd love to hear from you.

Harborlight Homes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and embrace diverse skills, perspectives, and ideas. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity or expression, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.