Property Manager in Bellingham, Washington at Bellingham & Whatcom County Housing Authority

POSITION: Property Manager - NON-EXEMPT, REPRESENTED

OPENING DATE: June 12, 2026

CLOSING DATE: July 3, 2026, or until filled

SALARY RANGE: New hires typically start at $28.67 - $30.71/hour, DOQ, plus benefit/retirement package. The full salary range for the position is $28.67 - $37.76/hour 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 a talented, detail oriented, and service focused Property 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.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Property Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of BWCHA’s affordable housing communities, ensuring strong physical condition, high occupancy, and positive resident relations while maintaining compliance with program regulations and Washington State Landlord Tenant laws with an emphasis on assisting clients in maintaining their housing opportunity.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The Property Manager can perform all the following duties but will be primarily responsible for those assigned to them. The duties of staff in this position may vary to balance workloads, maximize individual strengths, and provide opportunities for personal and departmental growth and effectiveness. The essential job functions are not to be considered a detailed description of every duty allocated to this classification but rather an illustration of the more typical functions.

1. Provides compassion-centered customer service to diverse populations and stakeholders including prompt response and follow-through.
2. Interpret and applies various program regulations and BWCHA policies and procedures in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
3. Performs leasing activities including lease preparation, program orientation and lease signing appointments, move-in inspections, and move-in fund processing.
4. Conducts field work, such as property walks, preparing and delivering notices and conducting inspections (including special inspections and regular property inspections).
5. Maintains professional resident relations; responds to resident concerns, complaints, disputes, and lease violations promptly and documents outcomes.
6. Enforces lease terms through written notices, and corrective action plans; coordinates eviction processes and court actions when necessary and consistent with BWCHA policy and law.
7. Processes rent payments; performs collection functions for late/non-payment of rent; prepares current tenant repayment agreements; prepares Pay-or-Vacate notices and prepares packets for legal counsel when necessary. Serves as primary point of contact for residents with rent-related questions.
8. Maintains accurate resident records and audit-ready files.
9. Maintains office hours at various BWCHA property offices and manages various community activities to include regular resident meetings, garden boxes, activity clubs, commodities, summer meals and educational programs.
10. Serves as primary point of contact for Resident Council’s.
11. Establishes relationships and works cooperatively with law enforcement, resident support agencies and other stakeholders to refer and/or assist residents in obtaining necessary services.
12. Apply independent judgment to complex housing needs in a fair and consistent manner in accordance with continually changing regulatory rules, HUD regulations and BWCHA policies and procedures.
13. Prepares and distributes monthly resident newsletter.
14. Participates in community presentations and other information activities for prospective and current clients.
15. Coordinates effectively with maintenance, inspection and housing program staff.
16. Assists Housing Coordinators in obtaining necessary program paperwork.
17. Other duties as assigned.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• May serve as translator in Spanish, Russian or Ukrainian.

• Participates in special projects as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

This position functions in an office environment and on property sites. Incumbents must be able to effectively utilize computers and related software, computer printers, adding machine, photocopier, telephone system (multiple line), and fax.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong customer service and communication skills to support resident stability and effective conflict resolution.
• Working knowledge of affordable housing eligibility/certification processes, file documentation standards, and audit readiness.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies, and lease requirements consistently.
• Ability to interpret and apply Landlord Tenant Laws.
• Knowledge of basic English composition, spelling, punctuation, and mathematics.
• Works effectively and cooperatively with a wide range of people, including patrons who may be under significant personal stress.
• Courteous, compassionate, and tactful manners.
• Communicate effectively with agency staff, the public and other agency personnel.
• Communicates with patrons with limited written and oral English skills.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Balances workload and work effectively with frequent interruptions.
• Maintains dependable, punctual attendance.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required
• Two years of property management, asset management, or leasing experience required.
• Experience managing residential rental property operations, including leasing, resident relations, and maintenance coordination.
• Strong budgeting, rent collection, and basic financial reporting skills.
• Proficiency with property management software and standard office tools (e.g., Excel/Word); Yardi experience preferred.
• A mixture of public and private sector property operation experience, including leasing, calculating rents, lease compliance, etc. is desired (or a combination of education and experience approved by the Executive Director).

Licenses or Certificates

• Must possess valid Washington State Motor Vehicle Operator's License at the time of hire and
• an acceptable driving record (according to BHA standards).
• LIHTC Compliance Specialist or Certified Occupancy Specialist preferred.
• Fair Housing Certificate within 6 months of hire.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Physical

This position requires the incumbent to be able to effectively move about the office or site environment. May require lifting up to 40 pounds.

Mental

The ability to work effectively with and for a wide variety of people while maintaining a courteous, friendly, and tactful manner. Working in an environment characterized by continual interruptions from staff and clients.

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 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: $28.67 - $37.76/hour 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