Leasing and Business Development Manager

Leasing and Business Development Manager

Job Description

Communities First, Inc. is a Michigan-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to build healthy, vibrant communities through economic development, affordable housing, and innovative programming. CFI is focused on providing safe, quality affordable housing, increasing economic opportunities, and improving the quality of life of the populations it serves.

Job Summary

The Leasing and Business Development Manager is responsible for driving occupancy across Communities First, Inc.’s residential housing portfolio in Flint, Detroit, Lansing, and Saginaw through proactive leasing, resident retention, marketing, and community outreach efforts. This position serves as the primary point of contact for prospective residents, guiding applicants through the leasing process from inquiry through move-in.

In addition to residential leasing responsibilities, this position supports commercial leasing efforts by assisting with tenant recruitment, property marketing, business outreach, and occupancy initiatives within the organization's commercial portfolio. The ideal candidate is customer-focused, sales-oriented, highly organized, and passionate about helping individuals and families find quality housing while contributing to vibrant communities.

Essential Functions

Residential Leasing & Occupancy

• Serve as the primary leasing representative for residential properties.

• Respond to inquiries from prospective residents and maintain consistent follow-up throughout the leasing process.

• Conduct property tours and apartment showings.

• Assist applicants with completing applications and required documentation.

• Coordinate lease signings, move-ins, and resident onboarding activities.

• Maintain applicant waitlists, prospect databases, and leasing records.

• Monitor residential occupancy levels and vacancy reports.

• Support lease renewal and resident retention initiatives.

• Collaborate with Property Management and Maintenance teams to ensure units are market-ready.

• Participate in housing fairs, outreach events, and community engagement activities to generate leasing traffic.

Business Development & Commercial Leasing Support

• Assist with marketing available commercial spaces.

• Conduct outreach to local businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and community partners.

• Support commercial leasing efforts through lead generation, property tours, and prospect follow-up.

• Maintain commercial prospect databases and leasing activity records.

• Attend networking events and community meetings to promote Communities First properties and services.

• Assist with tenant retention and relationship-building efforts for commercial tenants.

Marketing & Community Engagement

• Support marketing initiatives for available residential and commercial properties.

• Assist with online listings, social media promotions, and community outreach efforts.

• Promote Communities First programs, services, and properties throughout the community.

• Represent Communities First at community events, open houses, and networking opportunities.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate leasing files and documentation.

• Prepare leasing reports and occupancy updates.

• Track leasing activity, occupancy trends, and lead sources.

• Ensure compliance with Fair Housing requirements and organizational policies.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

• Associate degree preferred.

• Equivalent experience in leasing, sales, customer service, property management, business development, or related fields may be substituted for education.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Training, and Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in leasing, sales, customer service, property management, housing, or business development.

• Strong sales, customer service, and relationship-building skills.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain attention to detail.

• Strong organizational and follow-up skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Residential leasing experience.

• Affordable housing experience.

• Property management experience.

• Commercial leasing experience.

• Real estate license or willingness to obtain licensure.

• Experience working within nonprofit, housing, community development, or economic development organizations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel between Communities First properties and community locations.

• Ability to conduct property tours and inspections.

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events, property showings, and community outreach activities.

Compensation Structure

Base Salary Range: $45,000 - $60,000 annually

Commission Eligibility: Eligible for commission and performance incentives based on residential leasing performance, occupancy goals, resident retention, and commercial leasing support activities.

Reporting Structure

Reports To: Director of Property Management

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

This job description does not list all duties of the position. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed. Communities First, Inc. reserves the right to revise this job description at any time.