Traveling Compliance Specialist - HUD & Section 8 Expert

Traveling Compliance Specialist Cleveland, Ohio, United States Fairstead is a purpose-driven real estate firm dedicated to building affordable communities across the country. Headquartered in New York, with offices in Colorado, Florida, and Washington DC, Fairstead owns and manages a portfolio of more than 30,000 apartments, including pipeline, across 28 states. As an integrated owner, operator, and innovator, Fairstead brings development, construction, and property management under one unified platform to deliver high-quality affordable housing that serves our residents at scale. At Fairstead, we believe affordable housing should be thoughtfully designed, professionally managed, and responsibly operated. We seek to create and preserve housing that serves residents while delivering long-term value to communities, partners, and stakeholders. Fairstead challenges industry norms through our tech-forward, entrepreneurial approach to affordable housing. In addition to core real estate capabilities, we operate innovative service lines designed to improve resident outcomes, strengthen communities, and drive operational efficiency. We embrace digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, and emerging technologies, including AI, to build scalable systems that support sustainable growth, grounded in a culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, partnership, dedication, and integrity. The Traveling Compliance Specialist ensures compliance with all agencies, funding, and regulatory agreements. They help tenants, across multiple Fairstead properties, maintain affordable housing through certification and recertification annually. The Traveling Compliance Specialist ensures tenants with rent arrears or lease violations are brought to the attention of the Property Manager and compliance team. Responsibilities: Develop a schedule for implementation the occupancy cycle, unit inspections, apartment availability, interviewing applicants, required verifications/documentation and tenant selection. Enforce occupancy policy and procedures in accordance with regulatory agreements. Implement initial, interim, and annual lease process for all units; coordinate with the compliance team to ensure all subsidy information for the resident is appropriately communicated. Initiate communication to the compliance team for residents out of compliance with rent or house rules. Organize files to support the tracking of all resident related housing court actions. Maintain an accurate and orderly system of office records and tenant files in accordance with Fairstead regulations and agreements; maintain confidentiality as required. Prepare resident move-in packages for the compliance team to review and approve. Provide task supervision as requested by the Property Manager for maintenance and on-site security. Develop and maintain positive relationships with all residents. Complete and/or assist with completing housing program requirements such as Annual Owner's Certification and monitoring agency file reviews and site inspections. Execute requirements per Fair Housing regulations, Section 504 Act, and Certified Occupancy Specialist programs, HDC, HPD, HCR (Homes and Community Renewal), and HUD. Actively participate in all necessary training to ensure that sites maintain compliance with Project-Based Section 8 programs as well as HPD, HDC and other government agency programs that have oversight to properties. Assist Property Managers and Fairstead staff in developing responses to requests from third-party monitoring agencies. Provide superior customer service to residents and prospective residents by promptly responding to all incoming calls, messages, and emails in a professional, respectful manner. Travel required. Perform other duties as assigned. Benefits: Generous employer contribution for Medical Insurance through Meritain Health. Employer Paid Vision Plans. Company Matched 401(k) Retirement Plan: 100% of the first 3%; 50% of the next 2%. 12+ paid Holidays. 15 days of PTO. 7 Sick days. Employer Paid Life Insurance. Flexible Spending Account. Nationwide Pet Insurance. Disability Insurance. Laser Correction Discount. Employee Discounts on appliances, apparel, and more. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required. Five (5) years recertification experience in Project-Based Section 8. Advanced knowledge of HUD policies and procedures. Proficient in MS Office, HUD EIV/TRACS, and HUD MOR requirements. Yardi experience required. Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred. Willing to make regular on-site visits. LIHTC experience is a plus. Affordable Housing certifications such as AHM, COS, TaCC, HCCP) preferred. Able to effectively present information and respond to questions from management, vendors, and associates. Adhere to tight deadlines and quick turnaround for deliverables. Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment where adaptability is imperative. Strong written and oral skills. Accurate with a strong attention to detail. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Diversity in backgrounds and experiences is key to Fairstead's success. Being an equal opportunity employer is a central tenet of our philosophy that shapes who we are and the communities we serve. Our goal is to ensure competitive total compensation that is commensurate with experience, location, and other market benchmarks. #J-18808-Ljbffr