Director of Communications + Public Relations

Director of Communications and Public RelationsSasakiBoston, MA$128,000 - $145,000/annual salaryThe Director of Communications is a senior level Operational leader responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing all internal and external communication strategies in close partnership with a broad range of internal collaborators including firm Principals, Sasaki’s Board of Directors, the CMO and Communications and Marketing teams. This role is critical to shaping and protecting our brand's reputation, promoting our work and thought leadership, and fostering a firm-wide culture of communications excellence. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with exceptional writing and interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of the design and architecture industry, and a proven track record of success in public relations, marketing, and corporate communications.This role develops and executes a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with the firm's business goals and vision across all of Sasaki’s content typologies and communications channels including editorial press placements, self-published thought leadership content, Sasaki’s website and social media, project photography and videography, project and firm awards, special projects and internally-produced publications. An ability to understand and contribute to firm strategy and to successfully collaborate with a broad range of internal stakeholders is essential. The specific responsibilities of the role include:Lead team of Communications Managers and Communications CoordinatorsRecruit, retain, develop high performing team of communications professionalsWork with leadership group including CMO, CEO, and Board of Directors in collaboration with Communications Managers to develop Communications and PR strategy; implement across a variety of channelsProactively secure media coverage based on strategic prioritiesDevelop content strategy based on a detailed and nuanced understanding of design industry, firm priorities and the news cycle Communicate priorities internally and create buy-in with firm leadership and senior staffSet firm-wide expectations for the Communications team’s role and capacity with support from CMOServe as the internal spokesperson, leader and champion of Communications at Sasaki Build and nurture firm-wide capacity by inspiring and motivating Sasakians at all levels to contribute meaningfully to external communications, and empower Communications team to do so as wellAct as a strategic communications partner to firm PrincipalsAchieve meaningful internal collaboration and client service in a fast-paced environment Provide strategic direction to the Communications team specific to each team member’s functional roleBring, build, establish and maintain relationships with relevant media contactsLiaison with external PR resources as needed for crisis communicationsSupport Communications team members on their professional developmentSupport Communications team members on the day-to-day execution of their functional tasksCollaborate with CMO on connecting firm’s business and market strategy to firm’s communication strategy Review and approve work of communications team members including:All press pitches and press kitsPeriodic review of social media content (not review of each individual post)Content strategy for thought leadershipWebsite content including project pagesVideography projectsSpecial projects/publicationsThe ideal candidate will bring the following skills to the position:Ability to lead strategy conversations confidently and collaborate closely with leadership on integrated communications and storytelling Deep knowledge of design industry Ability to translate a variety of complex and interrelated issues and opportunities into a clear and compelling communications strategy both firm-wide and for specific sectors/services/geographies Strong communication/interpersonal skillsAbility to successfully manage team of direct reportsTraining and coaching direct reportsTeam-building and mentoringStrong writing and copy-editing skillsAbility to tailor communications messages based on client need and firm strengthsAbility to resolve conflicting priorities from internal stakeholders to achieve desired outcomesSkilled at building and maintaining contacts with press/journalists/editorsKnowledge of digital communications best practices including website, social media and videographyKnowledge of emerging digital platforms and user experience best practicesKnowledge of best practices for interacting with press and managing mediaThis role requires at least 15 years of communications experience, preferably within the AEC industry. Please apply via the Sasaki career page.