Senior Communications Coordinator

About the role

Olson Kundig is a design practice founded on the ideas that buildings can serve as a bridge between nature, culture and people, and that inspiring surroundings have a positive effect on people’s lives. The firm’s work spans the globe, with projects ranging from huts to high rises, homes (often for art collectors) to academic, cultural, and civic projects, museums, exhibition design, places of worship, creative production, urban design, and interior design.

We are seeking a Senior Communications Coordinator to support the firm’s strategic public relations and communications efforts. This role will work in close collaboration with the firm’s Director of Public Relations & Communications, marketing team, and external PR partners to support media relations, content creation, awards, and events. The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter with strong writing and organizational skills, a global design perspective, and prior experience in the AEC industry (architecture, engineering, and construction). This role is well-suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can manage multiple priorities, and brings a clear interest in storytelling across media formats. The selected candidate is expected to work regularly in our Seattle, Washington office.

Responsibilities

• Public Relations
  • Coordinate responses to media requests, including gathering project information, developing written and visual materials, liaising with internal teams and external PR partners, and managing timelines
  • Draft press releases and media pitch decks for editorial submissions
  • Prepare research and briefing materials for media interviews and engagements
  • Track, report, and analyze media placements, including compiling summaries and key insights
  • Maintain and update media contact lists and CRM
  • Maintain physical and digital archives of publications featuring the firm’s work
  • Assist in identifying new media opportunities, including project pitches and editorial planning
• Narrative Content Creation
  • Write and edit communications copy, including project descriptions, biographies, interview content, case studies, press releases, media pitch decks, and internal and external materials
  • Coordinate with internal teams to gather and organize content inputs
  • Maintain and organize the firm’s digital library of communications assets
  • Update and manage content across online platforms, including the firm website and external project partners
  • Generate written content for social media, website, and other communications channels
  • Support the development of content for books, publications, exhibitions, video projects, internal communications, and other special initiatives
• Awards
  • Track award opportunities and deadlines; maintain submission calendars and gather required project assets
  • Manage timelines and coordinate submission requirements, including drafting and editing award submission content
  • Maintain records of submissions, results, and award recognition
• Events, Lectures, Juries, and Presentations
  • Provide planning and logistical support for events, lectures, juries, and presentations, including scheduling, coordination, and on-site execution as needed
  • Assist with preparation of presentation materials, including decks, talking points, promotional materials, and supporting visuals
  • Conduct research to identify new opportunities for lectures, juries, and speaking engagements
  • Track and maintain calendars and records for events, lectures, juries, and speaking engagements
  • Manage invitations, guest lists, and event communications
  • Coordinate promotion of events and speaking engagements across communications channels

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Business, Journalism, English, or a related field
• Experience: 5-8 years of relevant experience in the AEC industry (architecture, engineering, and construction)

Skills

• Digital Literacy:
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Intermediate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), and web/social platforms (WordPress, Instagram, LinkedIn)
  • Familiarity with media tracking tools and content management systems a plus
• Core Skills and Abilities:
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with close attention to detail
  • Interest in architecture, design, and the built environment
  • Self-driven, adaptable, and solutions-focused, with a strong sense of ownership and a growth mindset
  • Dependable, with the ability to follow through across multiple priorities and timelines
  • Genuine investment in the team and the work, with a collaborative and constructive approach

Benefits

• 16 days of paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Health plan
• 401k match
• Bonuses and profit-sharing plans for qualified positions
• Monthly travel subsidy for public transportation

Marketing team values: adaptable, ambitious, caring, collaborative, and dependable in how we approach our work and support one another. The firm offers a creative work environment with collaborative and challenging colleagues, as well as opportunities for professional growth.

Pay

For this position based in Seattle, WA, the annual salary is between $90,000 and $95,000. Final salary decisions are made based upon the extent and relevance of the candidate’s experience, as well as internal equity and external market factors.