Communications Manager

AvalonBay Communities•Arlington, TX

30d•$85,300 - $142,100•Onsite

About The Position

The Communications Manager will play a key role in how Vivmark Residential shows up in the world. Created through the merger of equals between multifamily leaders AvalonBay Communities and Equity Residential in August 2026, Vivmark Residential is one of the country's leading and largest real estate companies with more than 184,000 apartment homes across premier U.S. markets and over $4.4 billion in active development. This is a rare opportunity to help build a brand and define a narrative from the ground up, at a company with the scale, ambition, and momentum to redefine leadership in the industry. This person will help shape the company's external narrative, build and manage relationships with top-tier media, and support executive positioning at a pivotal moment in the company's history. This role is ideal for a communications professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, operates with sound judgment and a bias for action, and knows how to turn complex ideas into compelling stories. You will manage day-to-day media relations, support executive thought leadership, and be responsible for the company's corporate social media presence, reporting to the VP of Corporate Communications.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in external communications, media relations, public relations, or a related field
Exceptional writing and editing skills, with demonstrated experience writing in an executive voice across a variety of formats
Established relationships with business, real estate, or trade media strongly preferred
Proven track record of supporting senior executives directly, with the ability to build trust quickly and navigate complex organizational dynamics with confidence
Strong news judgment and the ability to identify and develop compelling story angles
Experience managing corporate social media channels, particularly LinkedIn
Ability to work quickly and accurately under deadline pressure in a fast-paced environment
Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with experience working alongside Legal, Investor Relations, or HR
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field required

Nice To Haves

Real estate, REIT, or financial services experience a plus

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day media relations, including responding to press inquiries, developing and maintaining reporter relationships, and pitching proactive stories to business, trade, and local media
Draft and edit press releases, media statements, and other external communications materials
Monitor media coverage and industry news, providing regular updates and analysis to the communications team and senior leadership
Maintain and update the company's external communications calendar, tracking key announcements, industry events, and media opportunities
Support the VP in crisis communications preparation and response
Partner with Investor Relations in external communications that require cross-functional coordination
Research, identify, and pitch speaking, award, and other visibility opportunities that advance the company's profile
Support the VP with executive thought leadership initiatives, including developing op-eds and bylined articles
Draft executive scripts, talking points, and video content for the CEO and other senior leaders
Own the company's corporate social media channels, including content creation, engagement strategy, and day-to-day execution, with a primary focus on LinkedIn
Develop and execute a social media plan that builds brand awareness, showcases company culture and leadership, and engages key audiences including investors, prospective and current talent, and industry partners