Director of Leasing

Organization Background Aeon is a nonprofit developer, owner, and manager of affordable communities in the Twin Cities. For 40 years, we have been at the forefront of creating housing that goes beyond shelter. Our housing serves as a platform for resilience, opportunity, and lasting impact. With a portfolio of almost 5,000 apartment homes, Aeon provides stability for thousands of residents each year. We focus on bold, forward-thinking solutions that address the need for affordable housing. Through innovation, collaboration, and an unyielding commitment to community, we help create opportunities for residents to build stronger, more sustainable futures. Join a mission-driven team that is shaping the future of affordable housing and making a lasting impact. Learn more at www.aeon.org . Position Summary The Director of Leasing leads the development, standardization, and continuous improvement of leasing practices across Aeon's affordable housing portfolio. This role establishes consistent leasing frameworks across a range of housing programs, including LIHTC, Project-Based Section 8, Long-Term Homeless Housing, Coordinated Entry, and other affordable housing models, while ensuring processes remain compliant, effective, and practical for site teams. In close partnership with the Executive Vice President of Operations and the Senior Director of Property Management, the Director of Leasing serves as both strategist and practitioner, providing direct leasing support at properties experiencing occupancy challenges, developing training programs, and building systems that improve leasing performance across the portfolio. This role works closely with property management, compliance, and marketing teams to strengthen occupancy, enhance staff capability, and ensure a consistent resident experience. The Director of Leasing will begin as an individual contributor and will play a key role in building a small team of roving leasing specialists while shaping Aeon's centralized leasing and lead management strategy. The successful candidate brings strong multifamily leasing expertise, a track record of improving occupancy performance, and the ability to balance process development, staff coaching, and field-based execution. This individual is equally comfortable designing leasing frameworks and working alongside site teams to implement them. This position reports to the Senior Director of Property Management. Key responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: Leasing Process Standardization Assess leasing practices across the portfolio to identify inconsistencies, operational gaps, and opportunities for improvement. Develop and implement standardized leasing processes, tools, and documentation that drive consistency, efficiency, and compliance across properties. Establish program-specific leasing frameworks for Aeon's diverse housing portfolio, including LIHTC, Project-Based Section 8, HOME, 202 PRAC, Long-Term Homeless Housing, Coordinated Entry, Senior Housing, NOAH, and other income-restricted housing programs. Ensure leasing practices align with program requirements while remaining practical, efficient, and executable for site teams. Maintain and update leasing playbooks, policies, and reference materials as regulations, best practices, and organizational priorities evolve. Direct Leasing Support and Portfolio Performance Provide hands-on leasing support at properties experiencing occupancy challenges, including directly leasing units when needed to maintain momentum and reduce vacancy loss. Utilize on-site engagement to identify operational barriers, uncover root causes of leasing challenges, and inform portfolio-wide process improvements. Partner with Portfolio Directors and Property Managers to improve leasing performance, stabilize occupancy, and equip site teams with the tools and knowledge needed for long-term success. Identify trends and recurring challenges across the portfolio and recommend solutions related to staffing, training, processes, compliance, or resident experience. Training and Team Development Design and deliver leasing training programs that promote consistent execution, strong customer service, and program compliance across the portfolio. Provide formal training, field-based coaching, and individualized support tailored to the needs of property teams. Develop training materials, job aids, and operational resources that support onboarding, professional development, and ongoing learning. Evaluate leasing competencies and collaborate with operational leaders to create targeted development plans for property staff. Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and leasing excellence throughout the organization. Leasing Operations and Technology Serve as the organizational subject matter expert on leasing workflows within FortressOS and other leasing-related systems. Leverage CRM tools, leasing metrics, and performance data to monitor lead conversion, identify bottlenecks, and improve leasing outcomes. Develop recommendations for a centralized lead management strategy that supports portfolio-wide occupancy goals and operational efficiency. Support the future development and oversight of roving leasing specialists and other centralized leasing resources as organizational needs evolve. Cross-Functional Leadership and Collaboration Partner closely with Portfolio Directors, Property Managers, Compliance staff, and other stakeholders to align leasing practices with operational goals and regulatory requirements. Collaborate with Leasing and Marketing leadership to ensure leasing execution supports broader marketing, branding, and resident acquisition strategies. Work with compliance and regulatory teams to maintain adherence to all applicable affordable housing program requirements. Contribute leasing expertise and performance insights to organizational planning, reporting, budgeting, and strategic decision-making. Partner with Aeon's Talent Acquisition Manager to ensure effective and equitable recruitment and hiring, to build a team that is able to deliver on Aeon's promises to our residents and community. Skills and Qualifications: This position is well-suited for a leasing and operations professional with deep multifamily leasing expertise and the ability to build systems, develop people, and drive portfolio-wide performance. The successful candidate is a hands-on leader who assesses operational challenges, implements practical solutions, and partners effectively with property teams to strengthen leasing performance, reduce vacancy, and deliver a consistent resident experience across a diverse affordable housing portfolio. Additional qualifications include: Five or more years of multifamily leasing experience with a demonstrated ability to improve occupancy, leasing performance, and customer experience. Knowledge of affordable housing programs, including LIHTC, Project-Based Section 8, HOME, 202 PRAC, Long-Term Homeless Housing, Coordinated Entry, Senior Housing, NOAH, and other income-restricted housing programs, or a strong aptitude and commitment to developing this expertise. Experience creating leasing procedures, training programs, operational standards, or process documentation. Proficiency with property management software; FortressOS experience preferred. CRM experience is a plus. Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and tactical levels, translating broad objectives into practical, measurable results. Strong coaching, facilitation, and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence and support staff across multiple locations. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex program requirements into clear, actionable guidance. Highly organized and self-directed, with the ability to manage multiple priorities across a diverse portfolio. Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to customer service and Aeon's mission. Ability to engage in culturally responsive communication and work effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds. A valid driver's license, vehicle insurance, and regular access to a reliable vehicle are required. Physical Requirements Ability to remain in stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer and attending meetings. Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and printers. Ability to move about the office to access files, meeting spaces, and office equipment. Ability to reach above and below shoulder height to access file cabinets, storage areas, and office supplies. Ability to lift and carry materials up to 15 pounds on an occasional basis, such as meeting materials or event supplies. Ability to conduct property tours and inspections: Includes walking through hallways, stairwells, leasing offices, common areas, and vacant or occupied apartment homes. This may involve navigating multiple floors and uneven surfaces. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, in person and through virtual platforms. Ability to work in environments with moderate noise levels, including shared office spaces, meetings, and event settings. The physical requirements described above represent the essential functions of the job and may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations. Compensation, Hours and Location This position has a range of pay of $100,000–$120,000 per year, depending on experience and skillset. Aeon offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, retirement plan, generous paid time off, and an employee assistance program. This full-time position generally follows a Monday–Friday schedule, typically 8:30am-5pm, requiring occasional evenings, early mornings, or other hours to accommodate special events, and key organizational priorities. This is a hybrid position based out of Aeon's Central Office in the North Loop of Minneapolis, with regular on-site visits to current, future, and potential Aeon properties, as well as other community locations. In-person work is typically expected on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and onsite throughout the week as needed. On remote workdays, the employee must be available to travel for scheduled or urgent on-site visits, trainings, and meetings. Candidates must either currently reside in or plan to relocate to the Twin Cities metro area prior to a start date. If you are interested in applying for this position, please visit: https://aeonmn.applicantpro.com/jobs/4107783 Position is open until filled. Aeon values a diverse work environment. People of color, individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people from other underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Aeon is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer Employees and residents are encouraged to apply.