📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Community Manager - Affordable
🔹 Company: Fairfield Residential
🔹 Location: Portsmouth, Virginia
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Real Estate
🔹 Date Posted: April 3, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading and managing a team to maintain high standards of property operations
- Ensuring revenue and profit targets are met through effective financial management
- Complying with affordable housing regulations and maintaining occupancy levels
- Providing exceptional customer service and driving resident satisfaction
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of leadership, financial acumen, and customer service skills to succeed in a fast-paced, multifamily housing environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Recruit, lead, motivate, and develop a high performing and diverse staff
✅ Prepare, execute, and manage the property’s operational budget using Yardi or similar software
✅ Ensure budgeted occupancy levels at budgeted rental rates and maintain high retention for residents
✅ Gather and follow up on all verifications of income for LIHTC and/or HUD programs
✅ Represent the property accurately on marketing assets and ensure effective execution of marketing programs
✅ Serve as a Fairfield ambassador by effectively and professionally managing residents’ concerns
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on management, and customer interaction, requiring strong organizational and communication skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree preferred
Experience: Minimum of three years of property management experience required, with a focus on affordable housing and LIHTC programs
Required Skills:
- Proven leadership and team management skills
- Strong financial management and budgeting skills
- Excellent customer service and communication skills
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local fair housing laws and provisions
- Experience with Yardi or similar property management accounting software
Preferred Skills:
- Industry certification (e.g., HCCP, C3P, COS, CPO)
- Experience in a leadership position and in managing a staff
- Strong understanding of IRS 8823 guide and HUD 4350.3 Manual
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a proven track record in property management, strong leadership skills, and a solid understanding of affordable housing regulations will be most successful in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $60,000.00 - $64,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Paid time off, paid holidays, and sick days
- Matched 401(k)
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Life insurance
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, with on-call responsibilities as needed
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is a midpoint calculation, and actual offers may vary based on skills, education, and experience. Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Real Estate, specifically multifamily housing and property management
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a large, established environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration
Founded: 1985, with over 40 years of experience in the multifamily sector
Company Description:
- Fairfield is a vertically integrated real estate operator and investment manager in the multifamily sector
- Offers in-house development, construction, acquisition, property, and asset management services
- Strives to enhance vibrant neighborhoods, deliver attractive returns, work collaboratively, and make meaningful, sustainable contributions to communities
Company Specialties:
- New construction - apartment homes
- University student housing
- Tax credit affordable housing properties
- Redeveloped Apartment homes
- Mixed-use and transit-oriented attached housing communities
- Multifamily housing
Company Website: fairfieldresidential.com
ASSUMPTION: Fairfield's extensive experience and diverse portfolio provide a stable and growth-oriented environment for employees.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level management, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the company
Reporting Structure: Reports to a Regional Manager, with a team of on-site staff responsible for day-to-day operations
Work Arrangement: On-site, with a focus on maintaining a visible and available presence at the property
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to Regional Manager or other leadership roles within the company
- Expanding responsibilities and management of additional properties
- Professional development and certification opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a clear path for career progression and professional growth within the multifamily housing industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a focus on maintaining a visible and available presence at the property
Office Location(s): Portsmouth, Virginia
Geographic Context:
- Portsmouth is located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of Virginia
- Offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with access to beaches, historical sites, and cultural attractions
- Provides a lower cost of living compared to nearby urban centers like Norfolk and Virginia Beach
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, with on-call responsibilities as needed
ASSUMPTION: The Portsmouth location offers a blend of urban and suburban living, with a lower cost of living and access to various amenities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Background check and reference verification
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Leadership and team management skills
- Financial management and budgeting abilities
- Customer service and communication skills
- Knowledge of fair housing laws and affordable housing regulations
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and achievements in property management and team leadership
- Tailor your resume to emphasize skills and experiences mentioned in the job description
- Prepare examples of how you have successfully managed a budget, led a team, and resolved resident concerns
ATS Keywords: Property Management, Team Management, Financial Management, Customer Service, Affordable Housing, LIHTC, HUD, Yardi, Budgeting, Leadership, Coaching
ASSUMPTION: Fairfield's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills and experiences in property management, team leadership, and financial management.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Yardi or similar property management accounting software
- Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
- Online accounting systems for budget preparation and review
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Yardi or similar software, as well as Microsoft Office Suite, is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Collaboration
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Accountability
- Respect
Work Style:
- Results-driven and goal-oriented
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities and demands
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
- Are you able to balance multiple priorities and manage a team effectively?
- Do you have a proven track record of success in property management and team leadership?
ASSUMPTION: Fairfield values candidates who are results-driven, collaborative, and committed to providing exceptional customer service.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a diverse team with varying skill levels and backgrounds
- Balancing the demands of financial management, customer service, and regulatory compliance
- Adapting to changes in the multifamily housing industry and market conditions
- Maintaining high occupancy levels and resident satisfaction in a competitive market
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires strong leadership, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Community Manager - Market Rate vs. Affordable: The Affordable role focuses on compliance with affordable housing regulations and income verification, while the Market Rate role focuses on market-driven rental rates and revenue maximization
- Industry-specific context: The multifamily housing industry is competitive and dynamic, with a focus on customer service, revenue maximization, and regulatory compliance
- Career path comparison: Community Managers in both Market Rate and Affordable roles can progress to Regional Manager or other leadership positions within the company
ASSUMPTION: While both Community Manager roles share similarities, the Affordable role requires a strong understanding of affordable housing regulations and income verification processes.
📝 Sample Projects
- Preparing for and conducting a REAC inspection for a HUD property
- Implementing a resident retention plan to increase lease renewals and reduce turnover
- Managing the annual budget preparation process using Yardi or similar software
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for success in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most significant challenges facing the property, and how can this role address them?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its Community Managers?
- What is the company's approach to maintaining high occupancy levels and resident satisfaction in a competitive market?
- How does the company ensure compliance with affordable housing regulations and income verification processes?
- What is the company's culture like, and how does it support collaboration and teamwork among its employees?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help candidates better understand the role's demands, the company's culture, and the opportunities for professional growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills mentioned in the job description
- Prepare a cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your background and skills make you a strong fit
- Prepare examples of how you have successfully managed a budget, led a team, and resolved resident concerns
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
