Community Relations Manager-Cortland at Dulles

Cortland runs one of the top ten multifamily portfolios in the country, and the Community Relations Manager at their Dulles property sits right at the intersection of leasing performance and resident retention. This role carries real operational weight. You're not a support function , you're a direct driver of occupancy, NOI, and the day-to-day resident experience that keeps renewals strong and delinquency low.

On the leasing side, the job is fundamentally a sales role with a short cycle and a high bar. That means managing a pipeline with discipline: prompt follow-up, accurate CRM records, conversion tracking, and the consultative instincts to match a prospective resident's actual needs to the right unit. Traffic matters here, but so does what you do with it. A strong candidate turns leads into signed leases at a higher rate than average, and they know exactly where their funnel is leaking at any given moment.

The operational piece is equally hands-on. You'll work alongside the Community Manager to keep daily operations running to Cortland's brand standards , that includes conducting inspections of vacant units, make-ready apartments, and model homes, walking move-ins and move-outs, monitoring curb appeal, and managing vendor relationships to keep projects on schedule. Fair Housing compliance and OSHA protocols are baseline expectations, not afterthoughts.

Resident experience at this level means more than responsiveness. Cortland positions itself as a premium operator, so every interaction , from a first tour to a maintenance concern to a community event , carries brand implications. You'll plan and execute resident programming, maintain a social media presence for the community, and handle objections and complaints with the kind of calm, solution-forward approach that turns a frustrated resident into a long-term one.

The Dulles corridor is a competitive submarket with a mix of Class A lease-ups and established communities. Prospects here often have options, which means your ability to sell a lifestyle and close with confidence directly affects where the property sits on occupancy at month-end.

What Strong Candidates Bring

• At least 2 years of measurable sales performance in a short-cycle environment , multifamily, hospitality, luxury retail, or a comparable field
• Real pipeline discipline: consistent follow-up, clean CRM records, and an honest read on conversion metrics
• Comfort with property management software and social media as a leasing and engagement tool
• Experience with make-ready inspections, move-in/move-out walkthroughs, and basic compliance requirements
• High school diploma required; bachelor's degree preferred
• The communication skills to de-escalate a difficult resident situation without losing the relationship

This role is a credible path toward a Community Manager or Senior Community Manager position. Cortland promotes from within, and the visibility this role offers , across leasing, operations, vendor management, and resident relations , builds exactly the skill set that prepares someone to run a property independently.