Houston, Texas – Assistant Community Manager; Affordable Programs Experience Preferred!

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Website Columbia Residential

Job Overview: Assistant Community Manager

Columbia Residential is seeking a highly skilled Assistant Community Manager for a Houston-based property. As a leading firm specializing in affordable housing, Columbia Residential looks for leaders who can balance operational excellence with a mission to provide quality housing for low- and moderate-income families.

This role is a blend of financial management, compliance supervision, and team leadership, requiring a deep understanding of the specialized regulations governing affordable housing programs.

Key Responsibilities & Operational Scope

Operations & Team Leadership

  • Staff Supervision: Manage the day-to-day operations and supervise site staff to achieve maximum occupancy and financial goals.

  • Team Development: Hire, train, and motivate employees to create a cohesive team that meets the company’s “Service Delivery Standards.”

  • Site Inspections: Regularly inspect “rent-ready” units and the community exterior to address maintenance needs, liabilities, or aesthetic deficiencies promptly.

Affordable Housing & Compliance

  • Regulatory Oversight: Supervise ongoing compliance requirements and lead annual compliance audits.

  • Program Knowledge: Manage the property in accordance with LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit) and LURA (Land Use Restriction Agreement) guidelines.

  • Legal Compliance: Ensure all business is conducted following Fair Housing, ADA, OSHA, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Financial & Administrative Management

  • Bookkeeping: Manage accounts receivable/payable, cash receipts, and overall community cash functions.

  • Budgeting: Assist in preparing annual budgets, analyze variances, and monitor expenditures to meet financial objectives.

  • Emergency Management: Oversee critical incidents on-site, coordinate emergency responses, and prepare necessary reports for the Regional Manager.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

  • Minimum: High School Diploma/GED and at least two years of experience in property management.

  • Preferred: Associate’s degree or equivalent technical schooling.

  • Technical Proficiency: Experience with Property Management Software, MS Excel, and MS Outlook.

Specialized Certifications

  • Candidates must possess (or be able to obtain within 12 months) the following:

    • Certified Manager of Housing (CMH)

    • Certified Manager of Occupancy (CMO)

    • Housing Compliance Professional (HCP)

Core Competencies

  • Excellent written and verbal communication for resident and vendor relations.

  • Strong understanding of Landlord/Tenant laws and state-specific lease addendums.

  • Strategic planning and problem-solving skills with an “entrepreneurial spirit.”

Compensation & Benefits

Columbia Residential offers a robust benefits package designed to support the physical and financial well-being of their team:

  • Financial: 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan and a performance-based bonus program.

  • Health: Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug coverage, and an HRA/FSA.

  • Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and professional development/tuition assistance.

  • Time Off: Paid Time Off (including your birthday!) and paid holidays.

  • Insurance: Life, AD&D, and both short- and long-term disability insurance.

Why Join Columbia Residential?

Columbia Residential is defined by its core values: Excellence, Integrity, and Respect. For a property management professional, this role offers the stability of a large organization (with over 50 communities) while focusing on the impactful work of the affordable housing sector. You will be part of a culture that rewards accomplishment and encourages team members to excel in an environment built on responsiveness and character.

Application Information

Interested candidates should apply through the Columbia Residential career page. Ensure your resume highlights your specific experience with affordable housing programs (LIHTC/LURA) and any current industry certifications you hold.

The Company & Culture Columbia Residential is an award-winning integrated real estate firm specializing in the development and management of high-quality affordable and mixed-income housing. The culture is deeply mission-driven and purposeful, operating under the guiding principle of “changing the face of affordable housing.” It is an environment that balances professional excellence with social responsibility, valuing team members who are passionate about community stewardship. The organization fosters a “family-like” atmosphere—internally referred to as the Columbia Residential family—where integrity, respect, and character are the foundational core values. Employees are encouraged to excel through a commitment to high architectural standards and a sincere dedication to improving the lives of low-to-moderate-income residents.

The Location In Houston, TX, Columbia Residential plays a vital role in the city’s urban revitalization and resilience efforts. Working here places you at the center of major community-impact projects, such as the redevelopment of Independence Heights and the high-profile rehabilitation of senior housing in the Old Sixth Ward. The Houston operations reflect the city’s industrious spirit and cultural history, often collaborating with local authorities like the Houston Housing Authority to address pressing housing needs. Being part of the Houston team means navigating a dynamic, fast-growing landscape where your work directly contributes to the stability and aesthetic standards of historic neighborhoods, helping to foster growth in one of the most diverse metropolitan areas in the country.

Organizational Impact:

  • Focus: Affordable and senior living, mixed-income developments, and sustainable construction.

  • Community Stewardship: Strong emphasis on long-term investment and on-site resident services/programming.

To apply for this job please visit residential.columbia.edu.