Director of Communications

About the role

Founded in 1919, KJ has always looked to the future. With a talented team of professionals and a culture of continuous improvement, we deliver exceptional engineering, environmental consulting, and construction management services, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Set and lead KJ’s communications strategy, ensuring consistent messaging across all internal and external audiences.
• Advise the CEO, Board, and senior leadership on strategic messaging, positioning, and communications opportunities.
• Own and evolve KJ’s brand, including voice, visual identity, and brand standards, to reflect a future-focused vision.
• Establish communications standards, editorial governance, and messaging frameworks across the organization.
• Direct visual and content strategy across platforms, including website, marketing materials, client deliverables, conferences, and social media.
• Lead executive and internal communications strategies that align leadership messaging with business priorities.
• Strengthen the employer brand through purpose-driven, transparent communication that fosters engagement and connection.
• Partner closely with leaders across KJ, challenging and refining thinking where needed to ensure clarity and alignment.
• Support KJ’s internal events (virtual and in-person) that inform, engage, and connect employees.
• Oversee editorial planning, content creation, and distribution of major internal communications.
• Leverage technology and data to modernize internal communications and enhance employee experience in a distributed work environment.
• Craft and activate compelling corporate narratives that clearly articulate KJ’s values through content, thought leadership, social media, events, and earned media.
• Position KJ as an employer of choice through innovative employer branding and recruitment-focused communications.
• Own KJ’s website, including content strategy, SEO, analytics, and ongoing updates.
• Lead social media strategy and content to support brand, talent, and business development goals.
• Develop regional communications strategies to support growth across geographies.
• Manage inbound communications, external inquiries, and targeted award submissions for staff and leadership.

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience leading complex, integrated communications strategies.
• Deep understanding of how PR, editorial, social, marketing, and thought leadership work together.
• Prominent ability to develop, execute, and measure high-impact communications programs.
• Exceptional storytelling skills with a strong strategic lens.
• Executive-level presence and comfort partnering with C-suite and senior leaders.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience, with the ability to build and grow high-performing teams.
• Strong judgment, problem-solving ability, and collaborative decision-making style.
• Resilient, curious, and adaptable in a fast-evolving environment.
• Commitment to integrity, inclusion, and amplifying diverse perspectives.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in the engineering or professional services industry.
• Strong writing skills.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and execution.
• Collaborative leadership.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management.
• Technology and data literacy.

Benefits

Kennedy Jenks offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k), bonus opportunities, tuition reimbursement, professional registration support, competitive PTO and holiday plan, and additional benefits and programs.