Director of Strategic Communications

Compensation Range$117,500.00 - $185,000.00 Annual SalaryJob Description SummaryOversee and direct team responsible for media relations, public relations, digital media, events management, internal/employee communications, visual communications, and brand management.Job DescriptionPOSITION RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIESStrategic Leadership and Planning• Ensure that strategies are aligned with the company's overall objectives for both maintaining and growing market share, geographic or market penetration, and brand visibility, recognition, and relevance, with a focus on elevating and championing the firm’s position as an industry expert, as well as enhancing and elevating the employee experience internally.• Provide strategic guidance and direction to the External and Internal Communications teams, ensuring their activities support the company's goals.Alignment with Business Objectives• Develop and oversee the overarching internal and external communications strategy and ensure alignment with the company's vision, mission, and business objectives in support of support national, regional and divisional needs.• Collaborate with regional and divisional leaders to tailor national communication strategies to local markets.• Ensure internal and external communication strategies are aligned to present a cohesive message.Team Leadership and Management• Lead and manage the entire Strategic Communications team, including the external communications, internal communications, and events management functions.• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.Crisis Communication• Participate as part of the firm’s Crisis Communication Task Force; situation analysis, message development, monitoring and response, media inquiries, internal communication, and reputation management.• Develop and implement crisis communication plans to effectively manage and mitigate reputational risks during times of crisis or challenging situations.• Develop and implement internal crisis communication plans to keep employees informed during emergencies or significant events; ensure timely and accurate information is provided to employees to maintain trust and stability.• Manage third party crisis communications specialists, as applicable or required.Stakeholder Engagement• Build and maintain relationships with key internal stakeholders, including colleagues/peers, executives, regional and divisional leadership, department heads, etc.• Serve as the liaison between the Strategic Communications team and other departments to ensure cohesive messaging and strategy.Reputation Management• Oversee the development and execution of initiatives to enhance and protect the company's reputation.• Monitor and address public perception and media sentiment, making adjustments to strategies as necessary.Strategic Partnerships and Alliances• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships and alliances with industry organizations, influencers, and other key stakeholders.• Oversee the management of external PR firms and consultants (as applicable), ensuring they deliver value and align with the company's goals.Thought Leadership and Executive Positioning• Develop and execute strategies to position company executives as thought leaders in the industry.• Collaborate with executives to create and promote thought leadership content, including articles, speeches, and media appearances.Budgeting and Resource Allocation• Develop and manage the Strategic Communications budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to maximize ROI.• Oversee the performance measurement and reporting of PR activities, making data-driven decisions to optimize strategies.Measurement and Evaluation• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communications strategies and campaigns.• Use metrics and feedback to continuously improve communications efforts.Innovation and Continuous Improvement• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices, integrating innovative approaches into the company's communication strategies.• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the Communications team, encouraging new ideas and approaches.Other Responsibilities As AssignedMINIMUM SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field is required.• Advanced degrees or certifications such as a master's in communication, business administration, or related disciplines is a plus.• 15 years+ of experience in marketing, communications and branding, or a related field is required.• Demonstrated experience in leadership or management roles, with a track record of leading and developing high-performing teams; minimum of five (5) years of experience in a team leadership/management role.• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams, foster a collaborative work environment, and drive results.• Proven ability to think strategically and develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies aligned with organizational goals and objectives.• A deep understanding of the AEC industry, including its dynamics, trends, challenges, and opportunities. Knowledge of construction processes, project management, and industry regulations is highly beneficial.• Intimate knowledge of the client identification and acquisition process strongly preferred, i.e., business development, relationship planning and building (clients, trade partners, etc.), pre-positioning, pursuit management, etc.• Possess and maintain a strong level of business literacy about Swinerton’s total operating model, strategic initiatives, financial position, short- and long-term plans, and culture.• Ability to develop and execute strategic communication plans that support business objectives, drive engagement, and enhance the firm's reputation.• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.• Experience in developing and implementing digital communication strategies and campaigns, including social media, website management, and email marketing.• Proficiency in analyzing data and metrics to measure the effectiveness of communication initiatives and inform decision-making.• Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal stakeholders, including senior leadership, employees, and cross-functional teams.• Experience in engaging with external stakeholders such as clients, partners, and industry associations, to advance organizational objectives.• Experience in crisis communication management, including developing and implementing crisis communication plans, managing media inquiries during crises, and maintaining organizational reputation.• Experience in mentoring and developing team members, providing guidance, feedback, and professional development opportunities.• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, adapt to changing priorities and requirements, and lead teams through periods of change.• Proficient with Unanet CRM or equal Customer Relationship Management software.• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office.• Professional judgment and discretion.• Ability and willingness to travel.Summary Of BenefitsThis role is eligible for the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), individual stock ownership, paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, bereavement leave, employee assistance program, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, basic term life insurance and AD&D, business travel accident insurance, short and long term disability, financial wellness coaching, educational assistance, Care.com membership, ClassPass fitness membership, and DashPass delivery membership. Voluntary benefits include additional term life insurance, long term care insurance, critical illness and accidental injury insurance, pet insurance, legal plan, identity theft protection, and other voluntary benefit options.Anticipated Job Application Deadline08/12/2024