We’re Hiring

Housing Specialist

Organization Summary: The Asheville-Buncombe Community Land Trust (ABCLT) is in its fifth year as a 501(c)(3) organization and we are excited to expand our team. ABCLT’s mission is to establish permanently affordable residential, commercial, and community spaces that empower Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and low- to moderate-income residents to build social, economic, and cultural capital. Having established our organizational structure and sold our first home, we are entering the next phase of our strategic plan – growing our portfolio and creating more homeownership opportunities for income-qualified buyers.

At this time, we are looking for an enthusiastic professional to join our growing team. The ideal candidate will have a strong equity lens as well as a working understanding of current and historic systemic barriers to affordable housing and how those barriers have disproportionately impacted some demographics more than others. Additionally, the candidate will work well in a highly collaborative environment as ABCLT’s goals are lofty and accomplishing them necessitates a collective mindset.

Job Summary: The Housing Specialist will primarily be responsible for processing all program applications and matching applicants to applicable resources. Specifically, the Housing Specialist will guide applicants through navigating ABCLT programs as well as other resources in the community. Additionally, the position will work with the Community Relations Manager to develop and strengthen partnerships with other organizations. This is a newly-created position with opportunities for advancement as ABCLT is well-positioned for growth over the next several years. The Housing Specialist will also be exposed to various mentorship and career development opportunities. Some evenings and weekends are required to attend meetings and events as scheduled.

Primary Responsibilities:

Community Engagement

• Educate the community about permanent affordability by participating in ABCLT-led events.
• Increase awareness of ABCLT and its programs by having a presence at community events.
• Work with ABCLT staff on planning and implementing group presentations to potential homeownership applicants.

Applicant Coordination

• Work with ABCLT staff on planning and implementing homeownership orientation sessions.
• Serve as the organization’s main point of contact for people interested in ABCLT’s programs.
• Process homeownership, home repair, and property tax relief applications as received.
• Conduct one-on-one meetings with applicants as needed throughout the home buying process.
• Refer homebuyer applicants to homebuyer education and to bank for pre-qualification.
• Screen all other housing-related inquiries and direct appropriately based on needs.

Resource Coordination

• Research and compile information on housing resources in Buncombe County.
• Maintain communication with individuals who were referred to organizations outside of ABCLT.
• Work with ABCLT staff to develop and strengthen partnerships with other organizations in order to assist residents in navigating the housing realm.

Skills and Experience:

• Knowledge and/or experience of Asheville’s history around urban renewal.
• Two or more years of successful experience in social work, real estate, housing development or a related field.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in sociology, social work, real estate or a related field. Equivalent field experience can substitute for a degree.
• Knowledge of and experience with the public and/or non-profit sector.
• Experience working with affordable housing programs and/or organizations.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and be flexible in a start-up environment.
• Proven track record of managing multiple projects and priorities at once.
• Creativity, flexibility, and strong organizational skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

Time Commitment: This is an exempt, full-time position.

Compensation: $46,000-50,000 annually based on experience.

Benefits: 12 paid federal holidays; health insurance; two weeks (or 40 hours) paid vacation time in the first year with one additional week added in years three and five of employment (with annual rollover); a monthly $60 cell phone stipend; and mileage reimbursement based on the federal rate.

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of the job. The incumbent may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.