Explore how your federal experience as a Housing Management (GS-1173) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Administrative Assistant in Housing Management, Junior Housing Analyst, Housing Coordinator | Assist in the day-to-day operations of housing management, facilitate tenant inquiries, process documentation, and maintain housing databases. | $35,000 - $60,000 |
| 5-7 | Housing Specialist, Property Management Associate, Housing Compliance Officer | Oversee tenant relations, conduct inspections, ensure housing policies are met, and assist in administrative functions related to property management. | $55,000 - $80,000 |
| 8-9 | Housing Program Manager, Property Manager, Senior Housing Analyst | Manage various housing programs, analyze housing needs, supervise a team, and ensure compliance with federal and local regulations in housing management. | $75,000 - $100,000 |
| 10-11 | Housing Development Manager, Real Estate Project Manager, Senior Property Manager | Lead housing development projects, collaborate with stakeholders on housing initiatives, maintain budget oversight, and ensure timely project completion. | $95,000 - $130,000 |
| 12-13 | Director of Housing Management, Regional Property Manager, Senior Program Director | Direct housing management strategies, oversee multiple housing projects, negotiate contracts, and represent the organization in community relations and partnerships. | $120,000 - $160,000 |
| 14-15 | Vice President of Housing Operations, Chief Real Estate Officer, Senior Vice President of Property Management | Strategically lead the housing management division, guide organizational policy on housing operations, manage large teams, and drive growth initiatives in housing solutions. | $160,000 - $220,000 |
| SES | Senior Executive Director of Housing Services, Chief Housing Officer, Executive Vice President of Real Estate | Establish strategic vision and leadership for housing initiatives, oversee extensive programs, represent the organization at the executive level, and ensure alignment with federal housing regulations. | $220,000 - $300,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Certified Property Manager (CPM)
The CPM designation from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) demonstrates expertise in property management, covering essential skills such as budgeting, maintenance, and tenant relations. This certification is highly regarded in civilian housing management roles, showcasing to employers that you possess comprehensive knowledge of best practices in property management.
Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Certification
This certification is key for professionals involved in housing assistance programs, emphasizing inspection standards to ensure safety and livability of housing units. Obtaining this certification will differentiate a candidate in the civilian sector by proving their commitment to maintaining high quality housing in compliance with federal and local regulations.
Real Estate License
A real estate license is necessary for many housing management roles, granting the holder the authority to engage in buying, selling, or leasing properties. This credential will enhance employability in the private sector by legally qualifying the individual to handle residential transactions and property management.
Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)
The CAM certification, offered by the National Apartment Association, focuses on the operational aspects of managing residential properties and understanding tenant needs. This credential can provide a competitive edge in civilian roles that require skills in tenant management and community relations.
Property Management Certificate from a Recognized Institution
Courses and certification programs focused on property management prepare individuals with the practical skills needed to succeed in civilian housing positions. Completion of a reputable program signifies dedication and knowledge of industry standards, which can appeal to potential employers.
Facilities Manager Certificate (FMP)
The FMP certification focuses on the operational and technical aspects of facilities management, which is crucial for overseeing housing units and ensuring they meet operational standards. This credential adds value to a GS-1173 professional by highlighting experience in efficiency, ensuring smooth operations in civilian housing environments.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP certification demonstrates a robust understanding of project management principles and methodologies, valuable in overseeing large housing projects or renovations. This certification shows potential civilian employers that the candidate can manage timelines, budgets, and project teams effectively.
Certified Professional in Housing Management (CPHM)
The CPHM certification emphasizes knowledge specifically tailored to housing management, including program administration and compliance with regulations. This certification enhances credibility in civilian roles related to public housing projects or community development.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal GS-1173 Housing Management position to a private sector job can be a significant change, yet it is an exciting opportunity for growth and advancement. Here are several key areas to focus on as you embark on this journey:
Embrace Change:
Federal employment often comes with a structured environment, job security, and specific systems. Transitioning to the private sector means adapting to a more dynamic work environment—embrace the opportunity to learn and evolve in your career.
Focus on Value:
In the private sector, employers prioritize how your skills contribute to their bottom line. Shift your focus from just completing tasks to how your work creates value—be it through cost savings, efficiency improvements, or customer satisfaction.
Be Open to Opportunities:
Private sector roles may differ from your federal position. Be adaptable and willing to explore roles that may not match your previous title but align with your skills and experience.
Translate Your Experience:
Federal job titles and descriptions can often be jargon-heavy. Use clear, accessible language that highlights your skills and achievements. Rephrase your job titles in a way that relates them to the private sector. For instance, instead of “Housing Management Specialist,” you might say “Real Estate Manager” or “Property Management Director.”
Quantify Achievements:
Employers love numbers! Instead of saying you “managed a housing program,” say you “oversaw a housing program serving 300 families while achieving a 20% reduction in operating costs.” This detail paints a much clearer picture of your impact.
Focus on Skills:
Identify skills relevant to the role you seek in the private sector. Emphasize your project management, budgeting, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, which are all highly transferable.
Tailor That Resume:
Each resume you send out should be tailored to the job description, emphasizing the most relevant skills and experiences. Highlight how your federal experience aligns with their needs. Use keywords from the job post in your resume.
Prepare Your Narrative:
Craft a compelling narrative about your career journey. Be prepared to explain why you are transitioning to the private sector and what you hope to achieve. Showcase how your federal experience is relevant to the positions you’re applying for.
Anticipate Questions:
Expect questions that assess your adaptability to a faster-paced work environment. Prepare examples where you’ve had to adapt to change or contribute innovative ideas to improve processes.
Use the STAR Method:
When responding to behavioral interview questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This method ensures you present your experiences in a clear, concise, and impressive manner.
Express Your Enthusiasm:
Show excitement about the potential to work in the private sector. Employers want to see that you're passionate about the role and the company’s mission.
Leverage LinkedIn:
Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your new career goals. Connect with professionals in your targeted industry and engage with posts related to housing and real estate. Share articles or insights to establish your presence.
Attend Industry Events:
Try to attend networking events, workshops, and seminars relevant to housing management and real estate. These can be excellent opportunities to meet people in the industry and learn about potential job openings.
Join Professional Groups:
Membership in organizations related to your target industry can help broaden your network. Look for local chapters of national associations dedicated to housing or property management.
Informational Interviews:
Reach out to individuals working in roles you aspire to and request informational interviews. This helps you gather insights about the role, company culture, and job market while building relationships.
Identify Common Standards:
Federal programs may have unique names and standards. Research equivalent private sector terms to reflect your knowledge accurately—for example, replacing “Fair Housing Act compliance” with “regulatory compliance in real estate.”
Highlight Soft Skills:
Soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution are extremely valuable in the private sector. Provide examples from your federal service that demonstrate your ability in these areas.
Frame Success Stories:
Share examples of how your federal role impacted your organization positively, including teamwork on cross-functional projects, communication with stakeholders, and managing budgets or resources effectively.
Remember, transitioning from federal service to the private sector is a journey, but it can lead to an exciting chapter in your career. Focus on your transferable skills, reframe your experiences positively, and cultivate a proactive approach to networking. With determination and the right strategy, you will successfully navigate this transition and find a fulfilling position in the private sector.