Housing Manager

We are seeking an experienced Housing Manager to partner closely with the Director of Housing in leading a high‑performing team responsible for the full lifecycle of corporate housing, employee housing, and/or affordable housing programs. This leader will drive program excellence, ensure regulatory compliance, elevate operational efficiency (project management, creating and managing department forms and reporting), and foster strong, collaborative relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.

WHAT YOU WILL DO: 

• Oversee corporate, employee, and affordable housing programs, ensuring full compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local government agencies, community partners, and stakeholders to support operational success.
• Lead, inspire, and support a team of direct reports, providing clear direction, coaching, and daily oversight.
• Develop and execute marketing and outreach strategies that drive high occupancy and enhance the resident experience.
• Partner with property operations teams to resolve resident concerns with empathy, urgency, and professionalism.
• Create, refine, and roll out policies and procedures that promote consistency, efficiency, and compliance.
• Monitor program performance, identify trends, and prepare timely, insightful reports for leadership and key stakeholders.
• Stay informed on evolving housing laws, requirements, and best practices to ensure proactive compliance.
• Deliver exceptional customer service to residents, vendors, and internal departments.
• Identify areas of risk or opportunity and escalate trends with clear recommendations.
• Ensure systems, data, and reporting tools remain accurate, current, and audit‑ready.
• Support ongoing departmental initiatives and assist with ad hoc projects as needed.
• Lead training and development efforts to grow team capability and support long‑term talent development.
• Embody all Essex Values: act with integrity, care about what matters, lead at every level, do right with urgency, and seek fairness in all interactions.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED: 

• 5+ years of experience managing affordable housing operations, including HUD, LIHTC, and Section 8 programs, with a strong track record of ensuring full regulatory compliance.
• 5+ years of experience managing a team, including full-cycle people leadership (hiring, staffing, development, performance management, corrective actions, and terminations).
• Strong proficiency in Excel and comfort working with data, analytics, and reporting.
• Experience with YARDI and Power BI strongly preferred.

WHAT THE JOB REQUIRES: 

• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced setting, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to shifting deadlines and business needs.
• Ability to work Mondays through Fridays with in-person office requirements for a minimum of 4 days per week, Mondays through Thursdays, located at Essex's corporate office in Irvine. The hybrid policy is subject to change at Essex’s sole discretion.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods with minimal physical exertion required.
• No travel required; work is primarily office-based.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE: 

• Proven ability to mentor and coach team members while modeling Essex values and leadership behaviors.
• Ability to interpret and analyze complex documents, evaluate multiple solution pathways, and apply strong quantitative and analytical thinking.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to prepare high‑level executive reports, operational documentation, and polished correspondence.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively, resolve sensitive issues, and present complex topics to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated decision-making skills grounded in a strong understanding of company policies, procedures, and business objectives, with accountability for meeting deadlines and achieving results.