Director of Communications

The ESP name stands for engineering, surveying, and planning, but we're much more than that.  We're problem solvers, innovators, and partners on critical infrastructure projects that help shape the future.  To meet the evolving needs of communities, agencies, and private clients, ESP's unified team of companies delivers integrated services for projects across the U.S. in the transportation, power, water, broadband, municipal infrastructure, and community development markets. 

We are looking for a passionate and accomplished communicator to join our team as a Director of Communications.  Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, the Director of Communications will be responsible for heading internal and external communications for ESP and our team of companies.  

The role is both a strategist and a doer, an inspiring write and visual communicator, one who is comfortable working across a matrixed organization to deliver measurable results and tell the story of our team of companies.  You will have an opportunity to build communications strategies that strengthen our brand, culture, employee experience, and operational priorities, in support of our mission to improve what people depend on.

A successful candidate will be a strategic communicator with strong leadership skills, exceptional skills, editing and public speaking skills, a deep understanding of the A/E/C industry, and the ability to craft compelling narratives across various audiences and channels.

Key Responsibilities:

Communications Strategy & Leadership: Develop and drive execution of ESP's overall communications program while working closely with key stakeholders to streamline/curate strategic content and narratives that will be valuable for our internal and external audience.  Oversee all communication activities, including internal communications, media relations, public relations, content creation, M&A communications and crisis communications.

Strategic Stakeholder Partnership: Collaborates with executives, HR, and functional teams to support programs and amplify messaging across departments and geographies.  This role involves close partnership and frequent interaction with our executive leadership team.  Provide internal communications counsel and support to leadership and other partner teams to increase team member engagement and drive retention. 

Internal Communications: Leads editorial planning and content creation across internal platforms, including SharePoint, email, social media, and team events.  Spearheads the execution of corporate meetings and enhances company-wide communications to ensure it makes an impact across our offices and partner firms.   Thoughtfully leads both long-term and real-time employee communication campaigns to keep teams informed, engaged, and aligned.   Foster a culture of transparency and open communication within the firm.  Develops and manages thoughtful communications plans that guide employees through periods of transformation, including reorganizations, acquisitions, new office/region announcements, and major launches/milestones.

Media Relations & Public Relations: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with media outlets and journalists.  Manage media inquiries and proactively pitch stories to relevant publications.  Develop and execute public relations campaigns to enhance the firm's reputation and visibility.  Oversee the creation of press releases, media kits, and other PR materials.

Content Creation & Storytelling: Create strong relationships with leadership teams to create inspiring stories showcasing the firm's expertise, projects, and thought leadership.  Combine strategic big-picture perspective with attention to detail, clarity, and focus.  Contribute to the creation of blog posts, articles, social media content, website content, and other communication materials.  Ensure consistent messaging and brand voice across all communication channels.

Performance Measurement & Optimization: Tracks and analyzes communication metrics and channels to evaluate effectiveness, uncover improvement opportunities, and optimize strategies for maximum impact.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in communications, preferably in the A/E/C or related professional services industry.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful communication strategies.
• High level of project management acumen, especially leading major initiatives with C-Level executives and stakeholders across multiple teams.
• Strong storytelling instincts with fresh ideas to engage with impact, with the ability to craft compelling narratives for various audiences.
• Adept at the rapid development of content in support of local business, market, and organizational communications needs.
• Strong media relations skills and experience in managing public relations campaigns.
• Experience in crisis communications and reputation management.
• Proficiency in digital communications tools and platforms.
• Candidate must be able to pass a drug screen, background check, and have a satisfactory driving record in accordance with the company's driving (MVR) policy.

About ESP

At ESP, we are more than a group of companies.  We are one team working toward a common goal.

Our subsidiaries, Ditesco, Pickett, and CivilCorp, continue to deliver industry-leading solutions while gaining even more support, innovation, and resources as part of ESP.

With our combined expertise, expanded footprint, and deep industry knowledge, our unities companies bring together the best in engineering, planning, geospatial, geo-environmental, and program and construction management services to create a powerhouse of reliable, scalable solutions.

ESP offers an excellent employee benefits package including:   

• Competitive compensation with yearly performance reviews and discretionary annual bonuses
• 401(k) (Traditional & Roth plans) with a guaranteed employer match of 100% up to the first 3% and 50% on the next 2% (eligibility after 60 days) 
• PTO (Paid Time Off) & 10 Paid Holidays
• Tiered Health, Vision & Dental Insurance Options (eligibility after 30 days) 
• Behavioral Medicine through Teladoc
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Education Reimbursement Opportunities
• Flexible and Dependent Benefits Plan
• Referral Bonuses