Occupancy Specialist

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.

Tenant Relations:

• 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.