Intro

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.

Job Overview

As a Director of Benefits, you are responsible for the collaboration and functional oversight of corporate benefits in the creation of competitive and innovative programs such as group welfare plans, retirement savings plans, health and wellness programs, and benefits compliance.

**This is an office based position located in our Atlanta, GA headquarters

Roles You Will Play

The Supervisor

• Update benefits and enrollment changes in HRIS/Payroll, resolve outstanding issues, and audit reports to ensure accuracy
• Manage vendor relationships and follow up on all negotiated contract specifications
• Assist with compliance, reporting, and audits related to federal, state, and IRS regulations
• Ensure benefits plans, health and welfare programs, health spending accounts, and 401(k) plans are in compliance with all current federal and state regulations and requirements, including reporting, disclosures, and testing
• Supervise employee benefits programs and processes, including annual audit, testing, open enrollment, and annual rewards
• Participate in 401(k) Committee meetings
• Assist department heads with benefits- and wellness-related questions and projects
• Oversee the benefits enrollment process to ensure accuracy and timeliness

The Communicator

• Maintain summary plan descriptions for all benefits plans and programs
• Develop and implement the benefits communication strategy
• Create open enrollment communication materials for associates
• Develop and conduct training sessions to communicate the benefit options available as the basis for their making appropriate benefits selections
• Answer benefits-related questions from associates and field questions to the appropriate specialist
• Lead and monitor communication for all annual enrollment activities well ahead of time
• Assist with onboarding and new hire orientation processes
• Help manage Thrive, Cortland’s wellness program, and its communication
• Provide recommendations on improving benefits based on detailed competitive analysis with peer organizations to address employee concerns and ensure the company is fully competitive

The Benefits Expert

• Design benefits programs that are market competitive and align with business strategy, including health and welfare, retirement, disability, leaves of absence, and life insurance
• Oversee annual benefits budgeting processes and provide budget oversight related to benefits costs, premiums, and claims
• Process all benefit QLEs
• Prepare 1095s, review for errors and make corrections for data integrity and ensure timely filing 
• Develop and document procedures to streamline processes and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
• Administer FMLA program with 3rd party vendor to ensure compliance
• Create and process all benefits-related invoices and ensure timely payment
• Conduct analysis to evaluate the rate structure and work with the benefits vendor to recommend changes to benefits plans to improve coverage and deliver benefits more effectively
• Produce and audit reports to ensure that all eligible employees receive enrollment information; generate UltiPro HR and Payroll reports
• Coordinate disability and life claims
• Prepare reports and manipulate in Excel
• Assist with deductions reporting, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and supplemental benefits

The Impact You Can Make

• All benefits deadlines are meticulously communicated, confusing specifics are thoroughly explained, and all associates are on the same page when it comes to their benefits!
• Our benefits program is incredibly competitive in the marketplace, allowing us to hire and retain top talent.
• Associates are motivated and excited to live a healthier lifestyle because of your incredible wellness program and amazing communication.

Building Blocks of Success

• Superb 7 years of benefits experience; real estate experience a plus
• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or equivalent work experience
• Solid understanding of federal and state benefit regulations with strong knowledge of company HR/benefits policies, processes, and program
• Proven experience in the Human Resources arena and success with benefits challenges
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to work effectively with different roles and personalities in all levels of the organization
• Well-developed leadership, consulting, and presentation skills
• Stellar organizational and strategic planning skills
• Unquestionable ability to work independently and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Technically savvy with an ability to learn and assimilate to any situation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel

Outro

At Cortland, 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 regardlessof 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.comor 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.