Community Relations Specialist Jobs in Raleigh, NC

 THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOM

As a national leader in housing assistance programs, HOM, Inc. is dedicated to building communities where the promise of home is a reality for everyone because we believe individuals, families, and communities are safer, healthier, and stronger when everyone has a home. Whether ending homelessness through housing assistance, guiding new landlords and property owners through the financial benefits of our programs, or advocating among local leaders for increased funding and supportive services, our HOM team engages in meaningful work that advances our mission of ending homelessness in Arizona through housing.

Honored as a Top 100 Companies to Work for in Arizona, HOM provides opportunities to make an impact, alongside generous pay, benefits, work/life balance, and PTO, among many other great perks. If you’re passionate about making a difference in our communities, there’s no place like HOM.

If you would describe yourself as diligent, thorough, serious, situationally task -or people-oriented, and accurate – we want to talk to you about joining the HOM team as a Landlord Relations & Inspection Specialist. 

The Landlord Relations & Inspections Specialist is responsible for expanding and supporting HOM's landlord network while conducting housing inspections throughout the Durham, North Carolina market. This position serves as HOM's primary field representative in the region, building relationships with landlords, property managers, housing providers, and community partners while ensuring assisted units meet applicable HUD inspection requirements, program standards, and internal compliance expectations. 

The Landlord Relations & Inspections Specialist is a full-time position that combines field-based responsibilities with administrative work. This role regularly conducts landlord outreach, inspections, community engagement activities, and housing-related meetings throughout the region while independently managing scheduling, documentation, reporting, and communication. 

Primary Job Responsibilities 

Landlord Outreach and Relationship Management 

• Identify, research, and recruit prospective landlords, property management companies, developers, and housing providers to participate in HOM housing programs.  
• Proactively promote HOM housing opportunities to property owners and encourage participation in rental assistance programs through phone calls, email, networking events, community meetings, and in-person visits. 
• Develop and maintain relationships with landlords and property managers to increase participation and retention.  
• Educate landlords regarding HOM housing programs, inspection requirements, leasing processes, financial incentives, damage claims, vacancy loss, and available support services.  
• Represent HOM at landlord association meetings, housing conferences, property management events, and other community engagement opportunities.  
• Provide exceptional customer service by responding promptly to landlord questions, concerns, and requests while serving as HOM's primary regional representative.  

Inspection and Compliance Duties 

• Coordinate inspection appointments with landlords, tenants, Housing Specialists, property managers, real estate professionals, and community partners.  
• Perform initial, annual, special, move-out, re-inspections, and other required inspections of residential dwelling units in accordance with HUD inspection requirements and applicable program standards.  
• Evaluate dwelling units for health, safety, habitability, and compliance concerns.  
• Document inspection findings accurately through housing software, inspection reports, photographs, correspondence, and related records.  
• Explain inspection results, repair requirements, timelines, and program expectations to landlords and tenants.  
• Support compliance with inspection requirements related to failed inspections, abatements, damage claims, vacancy loss, and program policies.  
• Maintain inspection documentation and records within required housing software systems.  

Coordination, Communication, and Problem Resolution 

• Assist with resolving landlord concerns and facilitate communication between landlords and HOM staff to promote successful housing outcomes.  
• Collaborate with internal departments throughout HOM to improve landlord engagement strategies, marketing initiatives, and housing availability.  
• Maintain consistent communication with landlords, property managers, community partners, and internal team members regarding housing opportunities, inspection needs, and program requirements. 

Documentation, Reporting, and Field Administration 

• Utilize housing software and mobile technology to document inspections, landlord activities, outreach efforts, reports, and required program documentation.  
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, landlord engagement activities, communications, follow-up actions, and community outreach efforts.  
• Manage an independent field schedule while balancing inspections, landlord meetings, networking events, and administrative responsibilities.  
• Gather market intelligence regarding rental trends, landlord concerns, housing availability, and emerging opportunities to support organizational growth.  
• Maintain a clean driving record free of serious traffic violations or preventable accidents.  

 Job Requirements 

Essential Skills 

• Strong ability to work independently with sound judgment, accountability, initiative, and decision-making.  
• Excellent relationship-building skills with the ability to establish credibility and trust among landlords, property managers, community partners, and housing providers.  
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to educate, influence, and engage audiences.  
• Ability to identify opportunities, solve problems, and proactively develop solutions with minimal supervision.  
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to independently manage schedules, priorities, inspections, outreach activities, and follow-up responsibilities.  
• Ability to balance customer service, compliance requirements, and organizational objectives while maintaining positive working relationships.  
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation, inspections, reporting, and data management.  
• Ability to remain professional, adaptable, and solution-focused when addressing challenging conversations or time-sensitive situations.  
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 including Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Word, Excel, and related platforms.  
• Ability to learn and utilize housing software, inspection software, CRM systems, and other technology platforms.  

Other Skills and Requirements 

• Must pass a background check consistent with role responsibilities and compliance requirements.  
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in accordance with organizational policies.  
• Valid North Carolina driver's license with a clean driving record and current automobile insurance.  
• This position requires access to a reliable vehicle for work-related travel, with mileage reimbursed in accordance with HOM’s mileage reimbursement policy.  
• Ability to travel extensively throughout the Durham region and surrounding service areas.  
• Ability to perform duties in residential housing environments, including walking properties, climbing stairs, inspecting interior and exterior areas, and documenting property conditions.  
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds as part of regular job duties.  
• Flexibility to occasionally attend evening networking events, landlord meetings, or community outreach activities.  
• Flexibility to support additional duties as assigned.  

Education and Experience 

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required. 
• An associate or bachelor's degree preferred.  
• Industry certification in HQS or NSPIRE inspection standards preferred, or the ability to obtain certification within 90 days of hire.  
• Minimum of two years of experience in landlord relations, property management, housing inspections, housing programs, leasing, real estate, community development, or a related field strongly preferred.  
• Experience working with HUD-funded housing programs, Housing Choice Voucher programs, Permanent Supportive Housing, Rapid Rehousing, or other rental assistance programs preferred.