Lease-Up Specialist

Overview

Join our Team and Make a Difference! At Rochester’s Cornerstone Group, we value our employees and foster a positive and supportive work environment, where integrity is our guiding principle. If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow with a passionate and dynamic team, we’d love to hear from you. We're looking for an experienced and motivated Affordable Housing Lease-Up Specialist in the Buffalo area to join our growing team!

Compensation: $25.00 - $30.00/hour (based on experience). Full Time, 40 hours a week, non-exempt. This is a contract position with the potential for growth within the organization.

Note: This description summarizes the Lease-Up Specialist role and does not constitute a contract of employment.

The Lease-Up Specialist is responsible for leading and executing lease-up activities for affordable housing properties experiencing new development, rehabilitation, or significant occupancy challenges. This role serves as a centralized lease-up resource deployed to properties requiring concentrated leasing, eligibility processing, and compliance oversight to achieve stabilization.

The Lease-Up Specialist manages the full lease-up lifecycle, from application intake through compliance approved move-in, ensuring adherence to all applicable HUD, LIHTC, and other affordable housing program requirements. Regular travel to assigned properties is required, including extended on-site support during active lease-up periods.

• Assists the Community Manager with all lease-up activities.
• Leads full-scale lease-ups for new construction, rehabilitation projects, and properties experiencing high vacancy.
• Coordinates application intake, waitlist management, unit assignment, and move-in scheduling by unit type.
• Collects, verifies, and reviews eligibility documentation related to income, assets, household composition, and program requirements.
• Ensures all move-in files are complete, accurate, and audit-ready prior to occupancy.
• Processes and submits compliant files for internal and/or third-party compliance review.
• Provides on-site support and guidance to leasing and management staff during active lease-ups.
• Coordinates with housing authorities, state agencies, developers, and other partners as required.
• Maintains accurate tracking of lease-up progress, unit status, and application flow.
• Provides regular reporting to leadership on lease-up status, risks, and anticipated needs.

• Required:
  
  High School Diploma/GED minimum.
• Required:
  
  Minimum two to three years’ work experience in affordable housing.
• Strong knowledge of affordable housing compliance regulations, including HUD and LIHTC program rules.
• Ability to work independently with sound judgement and discretion.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with a diverse resident population and internal teams.
• Must have a command of the English language with the ability to edit the work of others.
• Proficiency in housing or property management software (e.g., One Site or similar platforms).
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly to properties within the assigned region.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and ability to manage a flexible schedule.
• Required to contribute to harmonious and professional workplace environment.
• Required use of personal cell phone required (reimbursement included).
• Performs other duties as assigned and commits to promoting company culture, mission, and values.

If this describes your skill set, we invite you to apply! We are excited to review your resume and will reach out if we'd like to schedule an interview. Thank you!

Rochester’s Cornerstone Group and Cornerstone Property Managers are an EOE.

We are a regional leader in affordable housing, real estate development, and property management.

Formed in 1990, Rochester’s Cornerstone Group has become a true leader in affordable housing development in New York State. Since being formed, Cornerstone has created or preserved more than 3,000 units of affordable housing across New York State and extending into Pennsylvania. These projects serve a wide range of people, including families, the elderly, individuals with mobility impairments or people with developmental disabilities.

Cornerstone has also brokered dozens of commercial properties in the region, ranging from professional office space to vacant land to industrial parks, as well as developed multiple commercial properties, from new construction to historic renovation.