The Affordable Compliance Specialist ("ACS") reports to an Affordable Compliance Manager ("ACM") and is primarily responsible for all aspects of the affordable housing programs associated with the communities in their assigned portfolio. Programs may include Low Income Housing Tax Credit, Tax Exempt Bonds, Inclusionary Below Market Rent, Density Bonus, or other local programs. The ACS is primarily responsible for leasing affordable units to program eligible households and conducting annual recertification. The ACS must have a solid understanding of these programs and property management operations.
WHO YOU ARE Knowledgeable. You've got experience working with affordable programs and interpreting regulatory rules, along with a demonstrated knowledge of fair housing laws. Developing, implementing, and maintaining affordability compliance programs is something you're proud to display on your resume. A Strong Communicator. Whether in person, over the phone, across a video conference, or via written documentation, your writing, speaking, and presenting skills are clear and effective, demonstrating your ability to be articulate and understood. Detail-Oriented. You pay attention to the details and make a conscious effort to understand causes instead of just the effects. You don't get bogged down in the details, though, as you realize that the big picture is important, too. Efficient and Effective. You handle pressure well and do so with confidence. And when a tight deadline comes up, you organize the tasks to be completed —including quality checks— and focus on how to re-prioritize your other tasks to meet the timeframe. Approachable. You naturally create a comfortable and open atmosphere, drawing people to you and opening the door for questions and conversation, which allow you to create value and deliver substance to your business partners. Self-Starter. You demonstrate initiative and have the ability to work effectively without a lot of direction or guidance from your manager. If you're given a task or assignment, you can be counted on to complete it thoroughly. You're also self-motivated to keep busy with tasks that add value to the organization. Organized and Accountable. You are flexible and able to juggle the needs of changing priorities of the business, while also keeping the critical details straight. A Team Player. You are known for serving as a resource and trusted business partner for internal groups. Participating in cross-functional projects is the type of work you love. WHAT YOU'LL DO Document and interpret the requirements associated with affordable programs in place. Perform oversight of program requirements to ensure the company's obligations are fulfilled. Maintain the company's affordability database related to your assigned region(s)/portfolio of properties. Develop, maintain, and disseminate policies and procedures to ensure Equity Residential's apartment communities maintain compliance with local affordability restrictions, including income certifications, marketing and tenant selection plans, application processes, waitlist management, leasing, turnover, and reporting. Conduct training and onboarding for on-site team members who are responsible for compliance with affordable programs. Foster and maintain relationships with regulatory oversight agencies in assigned geographical region(s) as well as with on-site property teams, regional leaders, and investment officers. Partner appropriately internally to ensure revenue management teams generate compliant rental rates for affordable units. Own program reporting which may include preparing reporting packages to ensure that periodic reporting is accurately completed and timely submitted. Monitor expiring programs and work cross-functionally to assist with the transition to market rates. Recommend affordable compliance strategy for new lease ups related to compliance requirements, advertising, and lottery processes. Stay abreast of legislative and regulatory changes that impact the assigned affordable portfolio. Participate in special projects , as needed. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE A high school diploma is required. Some college or a college degree is preferred. Two years of experience with affordable housing administration in a residential property management setting required. Experience with affordable housing programs such as LIHTC, Tax Exempt Bond, inclusionary housing or density bonus programs preferred. Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills necessary to be successful in this role. Proficient computer skills are required, including navigating in a Google environment. Experience with spreadsheets, email and residential management systems preferred. Must be willing to and have the ability to travel to communities within the portfolio and to regional/corporate office locations when necessary. Must have a valid driver's license and means of ground transportation for local travel. REWARDS We recognize everyone has different needs outside of work. That's why, in addition to a competitive benefits package (medical, dental, vision and paid time off), we offer many unique options to employees, like adoption benefits and paid time off for community service projects. To learn more, view our Total Wellbeing page here.
