Asset Manager at Bellingham & Whatcom County Housing Authority – Bellingham, Washington

POSITION: Asset Manager - EXEMPT, NON-REPRESENTED

OPENING DATE: March 13, 2026

CLOSING DATE: April 3, 2026, or until filled

SALARY RANGE: New hires typically start at $96,392 - $103,257 annually, DOQ, plus benefit/retirement package. The full salary range for the position is $96,392 - $126,930 annually and employees enjoy a 36-hour work week.

ABOUT THE BELLINGHAM HOUSING AUTHORITY:

The Bellingham Housing Authority (BHA), an independent municipal organization, is a high performing leader in affordable housing. BHA offers opportunities for people to thrive by ensuring access to quality, affordable homes. Our vision is that every person has the opportunity to live in a safe, secure, affordable home.

We are recruiting for an experienced and service focused Asset Manager. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to the highest standards in public service.

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for the strategic oversight and effective administration of BWCHA’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) portfolio. Success in this position requires ensuring full program compliance, safeguarding the physical and financial integrity of each property, and maintaining a strong understanding of community dynamics and resident needs.

In addition to portfolio management, this position provides support to the Maintenance, Development and Executive Departments. Responsibilities include oversight of third-party property management company(s), representing BWCHA at community meetings, coordinating monitoring and compliance reviews, contributing to strategic planning efforts, and evaluating opportunities for program growth and expansion.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Oversees the third-party property management of BWCHA’s LIHTC portfolio.
• Develops, manages and monitors operating budgets for the LIHTC portfolio and uses information to inform spending and project planning
• Supervises and provides front line support to LIHTC Property Management Staff, including recruiting/selection, training, performance reviews, organizational development, and employee relations.
• Supervises and oversees proper program administration (including eligibility, leasing, property management and unit inspections), assuring compliance with program requirements.
• Develops and implements short-term and long-term plans and strategies to maintain effective and efficient program operations.
• Develops and implements written operational policies, procedures, and materials in compliance with changing Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Performs general office management for the LIHTC team, including conducting department meetings, scheduling staff, and approving purchases.
• Acts as a hearing officer in the resolution of claims made by applicants and participants.
• Serves as a key relationship manager with LIHTC partners.
• Prepares and submits investor/funder reporting, including but not limited to monthly financial and occupancy reports, annual WBARS reporting, responding to annual report, NSPIRE and other audit/review findings.
• Monitors non-federal management agreements, tenant selection plans, leases and other related documents to ensure compliance.
• Receives, processes, and analyzes financial statements and other information on a monthly basis to identify trends, project program performance, identify emerging asset or portfolio issues and ensure budget compliance.
• Works to create partnerships in support of BWCHA initiatives including support services, tenant retention and other partnership to ensure resident success.
• Collaborates with other departments including maintenance, development and accounting to ensure property performance.
• Acts as a liaison with clients, community partners, public officials and others representing BWCHA in various venues building relationships, partnerships, furthering BWCHA’s mission.
• Participates in strategic planning related to capital needs, staffing, utilization and resident programming.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides support and performs special projects as assigned by the Executive Director and/or Chief Operating Officer.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

This position functions primarily in an office environment, however, frequently participates in regular offsite meetings and weekly property site visits. The incumbent must be able to effectively utilize general office equipment such as computers and related software, computer printers, photocopier, calculators, and telephone.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of LIHTC regulatory compliance requirements.
• Strong working knowledge of multi-family rental management.
• Self-directed, with a strong ability to be resourceful and learn complex federal regulations.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, clients, and the general public.
• Ability to understand and work well with government, private agencies, and organizations.
• Ability to communicate well, using courtesy, tact, and good judgement, both orally and in writing.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, practices and techniques required to perform duties of the position.
• Possess organizational and office skills and ability to keep confidential records.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply local, State and Federal regulations.
• Ability to apply common sense in a variety of situations and to keep composure in stressful situations.
• Ability to supervise and motivate employees.
• Ability to write clear, concise procedures from complex policies and regulations.
• Maintain dependable, punctual attendance.

Education and Experience:

Any of the following combination of education and experience that evidences the ability to perform the job duties:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Property Management, or related field required.
• Two years of LIHTC property management experience is required.

Licenses or Certificates:

Valid Washington State driver’s license (within 30 days of employment) and an acceptable driving record according to BHA standards.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Physical

Must be capable of performing normal office functions and be able to walk housing sites for inspection purposes. Ability to attend meetings throughout the community and visit various sites. Some travel by auto is required in the performance of this position.

Mental

Must be capable of resolving complex operating problems, supervising, and leading employees, and working effectively with others including the general public and government agencies.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary Range: $96,392 - $126,930 plus exc. benefit/retirement package
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS)
• 12 Holidays and 2 Personal Holidays
• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave Accruals
• Employer $95 Monthly Contribution to VEBA Account
• 36 Hour Work Week

The Bellingham & Whatcom County Housing Authorities is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. People needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 715-7330. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing (360) 527-4655.