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Leasing and Marketing Specialist

The Habitat Company
Full-time
On-site
Chicago, Illinois, United States
🌐 Digital Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Leasing and Marketing Specialist

πŸ”Ή Company: The Habitat Company

πŸ”Ή Location: Chicago, IL

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full Time

πŸ”Ή Category: Leasing

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: 2025-07-07

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 0-2 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Managing leasing and marketing operations for an assigned community
  • Converting community leads to prospects and ultimately residents
  • Ensuring a positive leasing experience through expert knowledge of the community and neighborhood
  • Collaborating with the leasing team to maintain reputation, social media presence, and website engagement
  • Conducting property inspections and assisting with resident engagement events

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, a genuine desire to help people, and the ability to work effectively with a team.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Maintain expert knowledge about the assigned community and its benefits

βœ… Maintain appropriate knowledge about the neighborhood and surrounding community

βœ… Maintain accurate leasing and property records, including CRM updates and follow-ups

βœ… Cultivate a positive customer service culture

βœ… Guide and collaborate with the leasing team to ensure reputation management, social media presence, website, and ILS engagements are up to date and meeting benchmarks and goals

βœ… Conduct physical property inspections to ensure tour path, apartments, and curb appeal meet best practices

βœ… Convert community leads to prospects by providing helpful and knowledgeable information about the community and neighborhood

βœ… Assist the Resident Manager and service teams through problem resolution experiences with a primary focus on delivering an exceptional move-in experience

βœ… Assist and participate in leasing and resident engagement events

βœ… Conduct informative and personalized tours of the apartment community that result in new leases

βœ… Work with future residents during their application process and complete lease files according to best practices

βœ… Conduct informative and personalized renewal meetings to understand the current and future needs of residents during the renewal cycle and prepare renewal lease packages

βœ… Report all liability and property incidents to the Community Manager and/or Resident Manager immediately and ensure all appropriate incident reports are filed according to best practices

βœ… Conduct all business in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures, the Fair Housing Acts, Ordinances and Statutes, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and all other laws pertaining to occupancy standards and established criteria

βœ… Perform any other duties as assigned

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in customer service, sales, leasing, marketing, or hospitality

Required Skills:

  • Background in customer service, sales, leasing, marketing, or hospitality
  • Successful track record of accomplishment
  • Knowledge of landlord-tenant laws
  • Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Personable, energetic, and strong desire to help and service consumers
  • Strong computer skills, including knowledge of Yardi and Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Teams)

Preferred Skills:

  • Leasing or broker's license (or willingness to obtain within 120 days of hire)

ASSUMPTION: While a leasing or broker's license is preferred, the company is willing to train the right candidate who demonstrates a strong commitment to learning and growth.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $19.50 - $23.00 hourly

Benefits:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401k

Working Hours: Full-time, with a variable schedule based on prospective resident needs and business needs

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for this role and experience level in the Chicago area.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Real Estate - The Habitat Company specializes in residential multi-family real estate management and development, focusing on market rate, affordable rentals, condominiums, and commercial real estate.

Company Size: 501-1,000 employees - As a mid-sized company, The Habitat Company offers opportunities for growth and career advancement while maintaining a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Founded: 1971 - With over five decades of experience, The Habitat Company has established itself as a leader in the real estate industry, known for its commitment to quality, service, and innovation.

Company Description:

  • Full-service real estate company with an emphasis on service
  • Recognized as the 2020 Property Management Company of the Year by IREM
  • Works across a wide variety of property types, with a people-first approach

Company Specialties:

  • Asset and Property Management
  • Development
  • Project Management

Company Website: http://www.habitat.com

ASSUMPTION: The Habitat Company's focus on service and relationships sets it apart in the real estate industry, making it an attractive employer for candidates seeking a people-focused work environment.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry-level to mid-level - This role offers opportunities for career growth and advancement within the company.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Community Manager or Resident Manager

Work Arrangement: On-site, with a variable schedule based on prospective resident needs and business needs

Growth Opportunities:

  • Advancement to Community Manager or Resident Manager roles
  • Expansion into other areas of the company, such as development or project management
  • Opportunities for training and professional development

ASSUMPTION: The Habitat Company's size and diverse range of services provide ample opportunities for career growth and development within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a focus on community engagement and customer service

Office Location(s): Eden Commons - Chicago, IL

Geographic Context:

  • Chicago, IL - A vibrant and diverse city with a strong job market and numerous cultural attractions
  • Illinois - A Midwestern state with a robust economy and a rich history
  • United States - A global leader in various industries, offering ample opportunities for career growth and development

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a variable schedule based on prospective resident needs and business needs

ASSUMPTION: The on-site work arrangement and focus on community engagement provide an ideal environment for candidates who thrive in face-to-face interactions and enjoy working with people.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screening
  • In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
  • Background check and reference check
  • Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Customer service skills
  • Sales and leasing experience
  • Knowledge of landlord-tenant laws
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment

Application Tips:

  • Highlight relevant customer service, sales, or leasing experience in your resume
  • Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and enthusiasm for the company's mission
  • Prepare examples of successful leasing or sales experiences to discuss during the interview

ATS Keywords: Leasing, Marketing, Customer Service, Sales, Hospitality, Yardi, Microsoft Office 365, Real Estate, Landlord-Tenant Laws

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's customer service skills, sales and leasing experience, and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Yardi
  • Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Teams)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Yardi and Microsoft Office 365 is essential for success in this role, as they are used extensively for property management and communication.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Service - The Habitat Company prioritizes exceptional service to its residents, partners, and team members
  • Relationships - The company believes that strong relationships are the key to its success
  • Listening - The Habitat Company values active listening and uses it to inform its decision-making processes

Work Style:

  • Collaborative - The company fosters a team-oriented work environment
  • Adaptable - The Habitat Company values employees who can adapt to change and thrive in a dynamic work environment
  • Customer-focused - The company prioritizes the needs and preferences of its residents and partners

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you have a genuine desire to help and serve others?
  • Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
  • Do you thrive in face-to-face interactions and enjoy working with people?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who share The Habitat Company's commitment to service, relationships, and listening, as well as its collaborative and adaptable work style, will be a strong fit for the organization.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Working weekends and a variable schedule based on prospective resident needs and business needs
  • Managing multiple priorities and tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
  • Dealing with difficult or upset residents and finding creative solutions to their problems
  • Navigating the Chicago area's competitive real estate market

ASSUMPTION: While these challenges may present obstacles, they also offer opportunities for growth and learning, as well as the chance to make a meaningful impact on the company's success.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Unlike other leasing roles, this position focuses on both leasing and marketing operations, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
  • In the real estate industry, The Habitat Company is known for its commitment to service and relationships, setting it apart from other employers in the field
  • Career paths in real estate can vary, with opportunities for growth and advancement in various areas of the company, such as development or project management

ASSUMPTION: When comparing this role to similar positions, candidates should consider The Habitat Company's unique focus on service and relationships, as well as its diverse range of services and opportunities for career growth and development.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and implementing a marketing campaign to increase community engagement and leasing activity
  • Conducting a comprehensive property inspection and addressing any maintenance or repair issues to ensure a positive tour experience
  • Assisting with a resident engagement event, such as a community picnic or holiday party, to foster a sense of community and belonging

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the diverse range of responsibilities and opportunities for growth and development in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?
  • How does The Habitat Company support the professional growth and development of its employees?
  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
  • How does The Habitat Company foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment?
  • What are the most rewarding aspects of working in real estate for you, and how can I replicate that experience in my own career?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to success.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant customer service, sales, or leasing experience
  • Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and enthusiasm for The Habitat Company's mission
  • Prepare examples of successful leasing or sales experiences to discuss during the interview
  • 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.