Director, Public Relations & Communications

Your Role

• Develop and execute integrated PR and communications plans aligned with firmwide strategy, brand positioning and business objectives.
• Oversee external communications, including media relations, press strategy, social media, email marketing, awards and speaking opportunities.
• Lead PR campaigns and initiatives tied to strategic priorities; track editorial calendars and identify proactive visibility opportunities.
• Expand market visibility by identifying and cultivating new media relationships, sponsorships, speaking platforms and thought leadership channels that extend the firm's reach across key markets and audiences.
• Lead brand reputation management by establishing governance for firmwide messaging, brand standards and audience positioning to ensure consistency, differentiation and resonance across all channels and stakeholders.
• Lead the firm's crisis communications framework by developing protocols, playbooks and response materials; overseeing escalation and approval processes; and training spokespeople to ensure timely, confident and effective messaging under pressure.
• Serve as executive communications counsel as a trusted strategic advisor to senior and executive leadership on high-visibility, complex or sensitive initiatives, including messaging strategy, positioning and stakeholder communication.
• Provide strategic oversight of agencies and external partners (PR firms, writers, photographers, freelancers), including scope development, budgets, performance measurement and success criteria.
• Oversee paid media and budget planning, including strategy development, vendor management and ROI evaluation for paid placements, sponsored content and media amplification efforts.
• Support firmwide storytelling through press materials, thought leadership content, awards submissions and digital channels.
• Prepare spokespeople for interviews and media engagement; support leadership with messaging, talking points, Q&A and presentations.
• Collaborate closely with Visual Brand, Marketing Leadership and cross-functional partners on website strategy, SEO alignment, planning and budgeting.
• Establish KPI frameworks, benchmarking performance and producing regular reporting that translates communications data into actionable insights and continuous optimization.
• Contribute hands-on execution when needed to ensure quality, consistency and deadlines are met.

Strategic & Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead annual communications planning, KPI frameworks, playbooks, budgeting and team development.
• Set governance for messaging, approvals and escalation. Steward reputation management across regions and markets.
• Represent PR & Communications in leadership forums and cross-firm initiatives.
• Optimize the operating model (processes, tools and partner ecosystem) to enable scale, consistency, and measurable impact.
• Lead, mentor and develop PR & Communications team members, fostering growth, accountability and performance.
• Champion long-term brand growth through a multi-year communications roadmap aligned with business priorities and supported by strong capabilities and partnerships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10-15+ years of experience in public relations and communications, including strategic leadership, crisis management and team leadership.
• Demonstrated experience leading firmwide public relations and communications programs.
• Strong media relations background with a track record of securing high-impact coverage.
• Experience partnering with senior and executive leaders and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to manage high-visibility communications initiatives and work effectively with agencies and vendors.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into clear, engaging narratives.
• Strong project management skills, including prioritization across competing deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, OneNote).
• Experience in Architecture/Engineering, Construction, Real Estate, or professional services strongly preferred.

Skills

• Strong leadership, collaboration and mentorship capabilities
• Excellent communication, judgment and stakeholder-management skills
• Issues management, crisis communications readiness and brand reputation stewardship
• Paid media strategy and budget management
• Performance measurement, KPI development and data-driven decision-making
• High attention to detail, discretion and accountability
• Positive, proactive and highly collaborative working style
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Operational rigor across workflows, approvals, calendars and reporting