Careers

Now hiring a Leasing Manager

Job Title: Leasing Manager / Director of Leasing
Location: Syracuse (home base), Troy, Ithaca, Binghamton, NY
Job Type: Full-time

Job Summary

The Leasing Manager (or Director of Leasing, depending on experience) will oversee the leasing operations for Foundation’s student housing portfolio. This role is responsible for driving leasing performance, setting strategy, coaching the junior leasing representative, and ensuring all properties meet occupancy goals. This is a hands-on sales leadership position for someone who is goal-oriented, a strong closer, and experienced in leasing and marketing to students.

This role will work closely with the junior leasing representative, guiding them in sales tactics, lead follow-up, time management, and marketing strategies to ensure leasing goals are met. The Leasing Manager will also play a key role in developing outreach initiatives, optimizing lead tracking, and refining the leasing process to maximize conversions.

Key Responsibilities

Leasing Strategy & Performance

  • Develop and execute leasing strategies to meet and exceed occupancy targets.

  • Set weekly, monthly, and seasonal leasing goals and create structured plans to achieve them.

  • Oversee and improve the lead management process, ensuring all prospects are tracked, followed up with, and engaged consistently.

  • Establish a priority system for lead follow-up, ensuring high-intent prospects are handled efficiently.

  • Implement leasing incentives, promotions, and urgency tactics to close deals faster.

  • Sales & Closing

  • Personally handle high-priority leasing deals, stepping in to close difficult or high-value leases.

  • Train the junior leasing representative on sales techniques, including overcoming objections, creating urgency, and effective follow-ups.

  • Track leasing conversion rates and adjust strategies based on data insights.

  • Ensure the team is using CRM/leasing software effectively to track leads and monitor leasing progress.

  • Coaching & Team Development

  • Provide direct mentorship, sales coaching, and daily guidance to the junior leasing representative.

  • Conduct weekly check-ins with the junior rep to review pipeline, discuss challenges, and refine leasing tactics.

  • Teach effective time management strategies to help the team prioritize tasks that drive the most leases.

  • Monitor and provide feedback on leasing tours, sales calls, and follow-up techniques to improve performance.

Marketing & Outreach

  • Oversee marketing efforts to ensure a steady flow of leads through digital campaigns, social media, on-campus outreach, and referral programs.

  • Identify and execute creative strategies to engage the student market and differentiate the properties from competitors.

  • Work with the junior leasing representative to plan and execute events, open houses, and promotions to drive traffic.

  • Build partnerships with local universities, student organizations, and community influencers to boost leasing efforts.

Reporting & Process Optimization

  • Analyze leasing metrics, market trends, and competitor data to adjust strategies proactively.

  • Create and implement SOPs for lead tracking, leasing workflows, and follow-up cadences.

  • Work closely with executive leadership, property management, and marketing teams to align leasing efforts with business goals.

Qualifications

Required

  • 3+ years of experience in student housing, multifamily leasing, or a related sales role.

  • Proven track record of hitting or exceeding leasing/sales goals.

  • Strong sales skills—knows how to close deals, create urgency, and maximize conversion rates.

  • Leadership or training experience—can coach and develop junior team members. 

  • Experience with CRM/leasing software and lead management tools

  • Ability to balance strategy and execution—both a thinker and a doer.

  • Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple projects.

Preferred

  • Experience in student housing leasing or campus marketing.

  • Understanding of digital marketing, social media, and outreach strategies.

  • Ability to speak confidently with parents and students to address leasing concerns. 

  • Knowledge of Fair Housing laws and leasing compliance.

Key Performance Metrics (KPIs)

  • Leasing conversion rate (% of leads that turn into signed leases).

  • Occupancy percentage across all properties.

  • Speed of lease-up during peak season.

  • Junior leasing representative’s improvement in closing rates.

  • Effectiveness of follow-up processes (contact rates, appointment show-ups, etc.).

About Us

Foundation specializes in providing high-quality student housing. We pride ourselves on offering an exceptional customer experience, with a focus on design and creating a space that fosters success for our students.

Our apartments are carefully crafted to provide a comfortable and inspiring living environment, with all the modern amenities and features you need to thrive in college and beyond. We believe that where you live matters, and we work hard to provide a home that you'll be proud to call your own.