At Cortland, you map the story of your success. We don't adhere to the status quo, we love outside industry perspective, and we thrive on exploring possibilities and reimagining solutions. As an innovative leader in multifamily, our high performance continues to drive exponential growth – and we invite you to join us on our journey towards real estate excellence. With tools and guidance to sharpen your skills, you can forge your own career path, love what you do, and let it show. 

As the Director of Internal Communications, you will lead and elevate our internal communication efforts. This role is pivotal in creating, executing, and managing communication strategies that engage and inform our associates, foster alignment with organizational goals, and enhance company culture. You will work closely with senior leadership, HR, and other statekeholders to develop Cortland’s internal communications strategy and messaging. Your experience and creativity will lead and develop the skills of our internal communications team to develop communications that will be distributed across the organization. Here are the roles you’ll play:

The Servant Leader

• Develop and implement a comprehensive internal communications strategy that aligns with the company’s mission, vision, and values.
• Lead the creation of communication plans for major company initiatives, including organizational changes, company updates, employee recognition programs, and other key announcements.
• Work closely with leadership to craft clear, consistent, and transparent messages that resonate with employees across all levels of the organization.
• Promote a culture of open communication, ensuring employees feel informed, valued, and connected to the company’s goals.
• Design and manage programs to enhance employee engagement, collaboration, and morale, including town hall meetings, intranet content, and other communication channels.
• Provide counsel to senior leaders on internal messaging and handling sensitive or complex communication issues.
• Partner with and serve Cortland’s various department teams such as Talent, Operations, Facilities, Technology, Cortland Build, Cortland Design, Marketing, Investments, Cortland United Kingdom, etc. to deliver effective company-wide communications
• Prioritize the team’s incoming requests while maintaining a client service mentality to set and exceed expectations with executives and other partners
• Develop and manage an internal, company-wide communications calendar
• Partner with Training and Development to provide engaging communications related to change management efforts affecting the company and/or operations
• Lead all content-related efforts for Cortland’s annual conference, Cortland Prime. Responsibilities include overall theme and visual identity, presentation and content development, video production, agenda planning, guest speakers, associate communications, etc.

The Creative Cultivator

• Help the internal communications team produce a wide variety of compelling, creative, and timely integrated communications to share information and drive key messages, increase associate engagement, and enhance leadership presence and accessibility
• Provide communications and content development support to various stakeholders and other departments to improve the quality and brand consistency of written communications, presentations, and other content
• Oversee the team’s projects (company-wide stories, blog posts, graphics, videos, etc.) and progression while offering creative feedback
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of internal communications and provide regular reporting to senior leadership
• Gather associate feedback through surveys, focus groups, and other channels to assess communication effectiveness and identify areas for improvement

The Impact You Can Make 

• You set the example in the way you model Cortland’s core values and collaborate across the organization.
• You’re relentlessly optimistic in your approach to work and demonstrate that you love what you do and let it show on a daily basis!
• Your success in Cortland’s fast-paced environment and incredible ability to organize priorities for you and your team has produced timely, high-quality work.
• Your leadership and creative direction continue to propel the team and team member growth.

• 5-8+ years of experience in internal communications or a similar communications role for a complex organization, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership capacity.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field, MBA or advanced degree a plus
• Proven experience designing and executing strategic communication plans in a corporate environment.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, concise messaging.
• Strong understanding of communication technologies and platforms, including content management systems and intranets (Microsoft SharePoint).
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and senior leaders.
• Superior writing and grammar skills and a strict attention to detail
• A honed balance between strategy development, planning, and tactical execution
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Expert time-management, prioritization, and multitasking skills
• Ability to quickly adapt to an often-changing and fast-paced work environment  
• Experienced leader with the ability to coach talent, provide feedback, and improve the communications output of each team member
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite 
• Experience with video production is a plus
• Moderate travel is required 

We create, reimagine, and manage apartment communities for residents nationwide. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, we have communities and regional offices all over the country, as well as overseas. From product design and procurement to general contracting and property management, we do it all – to make sure our communities are the perfect setting for living life to its fullest.

Our success is fueled by our belief in a better life – where hospitality is always a given, each detail is worth a second thought, and every open door is a new opportunity to go beyond expectations. We come to work every day to create possibilities for people – possibilities that translate into superior living spaces and experiences designed to inspire our residents, associates, and investors to live a better life focused on what matters most to them.

Cortland is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud to support and celebrate diversity in the workplace. We are committed to equal consideration for all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you have a disability and need an accommodation or assistance with the application process and/or using our website, please email talentresources@cortland.com or call 404.965.3988.

Cortland is a drug-free workplace.

Cortland participates in e-verify to verify the employment status of

all persons hired to work in the United States.