Executive Vice President of Operations

At Cortland, we operate with a forward-thinking approach that challenges conventional norms and actively seeks insights beyond traditional industry boundaries. As a recognized leader in the multifamily sector, our focus on performance, innovation, and disciplined execution continues to drive strong growth and market leadership. We are committed to building a best-in-class organization by empowering top talent with the resources, autonomy, and support needed to deliver results and advance their careers in a high-performance environment.

Role Overview

As the Executive Vice President of Community Operations, you serve as Cortland’s senior operator for the national portfolio—accountable for performance, resident experience, and the overall health of the operating platform. You lead Managing Directors and Directors of Operations and partner closely with Investments, Asset Management, Construction/CapEx, Marketing, and Talent to translate enterprise strategy into clear regional plans and measurable outcomes. You also own the strategy and delivery of Cortland’s third-party management platform, driving client success, retention, and growth. As both a culture carrier and results-driven strategist, you scale systems, elevate teams, and build trusted relationships with owners, investors, and partners to advance Cortland’s performance and reputation.

Qualifications

12–15+ years of progressive, multi-site multifamily operations leadership with full P&L accountability; 7+ years leading senior leaders (MD/DO level).

· Bachelor’s degree in Business, Real Estate, Finance, or related field required; MBA, CPM, or CAPS preferred.

· Proven success scaling regional and national portfolios and driving NOI growth through disciplined execution, innovation, and team development.

· Executive client management experience with institutional owners and investors; strong record of third-party management retention and portfolio expansion.

· Demonstrated business development expertise across RFP strategy, finalist presentations, pricing/underwriting partnership, and new-contract integration.

· Deep financial and analytical acumen, including budgets, pro formas, revenue management, CapEx/ROI modeling, and KPI dashboard oversight.

· Collaborative cross-functional leadership with Investments/Asset Management, Construction/CapEx, Marketing, and Talent teams.

· Technology-savvy operator with fluency in major PMS, BI, and reporting platforms.

· National travel required (40–60%) to markets, clients, and communities.

About Cortland

Founded in 2005, Cortland is an international, vertically integrated multifamily real estate investment, development, and management firm with a resident-centric approach to living experiences. Recognized as one of the top 10 multifamily owners and operators in the US, Cortland combines in-house design, construction, and operations to deliver value and innovation across its portfolio.

Join us as we reimagine apartment living and drive outsized returns through purpose, performance, and people.

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 [email protected] 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.