Director of Brand Communications

Overview:

Responsibilities:

• Leads the evolution of HKS's brand voice and storytelling approach to reflect a more global, future-forward identity
• Defines and upholds editorial standards, tone of voice, and narrative consistency across all external content
• Works across regions and practices to ensure messaging resonates with local and sector-specific audiences
• Serves as a key messaging and storytelling partner to HKS's incoming CEO
• Develops and manages CEO communications, including talking points, speeches, op-eds, internal messages, interview narratives
• Helps define the CEO's external platform, elevating his presence and amplifying firmwide priorities through their voice
• Leads the strategy and execution of HKS's flagship thought leadership content, including white papers, articles, narrative-driven campaigns
• Collaborates with practice and sector leadership to surface and shape content aligned to business strategies and client value propositions
• Advances HKS's positioning in key focus areas such as research + innovation, regenerative design, computational design, cross-practice collaboration
• Manages a lean team of strategists, content contributors, editors, and freelancers; guides workload, timelines, editorial quality
• Oversees firmwide editorial calendars, publishing workflows, content governance
• Collaborates with PR, digital, creative, and BD teams to deliver fully integrated campaigns across owned, earned and shared channels
• Monitors progress, addresses any roadblocks, and communicates project updates to the Director of Communication and other stakeholders as necessary
• Analyzes content performance metrics, user feedback, and market research to identify opportunities for content optimization and audience engagement improvement; makes data-driven recommendations for content enhancements and implement changes as needed
• Stays updated on industry trends, audience preferences, and emerging platforms to guide content creation and distribution decisions
• Travel will be required

Qualifications:

• Professional degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Typically with 15+ years of experience in brand communications, editorial leadership, or content strategy, ideally within architecture, design, or professional services sectors
• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite
• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premier preferred
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint preferred
• Proven ability to translate strategy into compelling content across formats and platforms
• Knowledge of and interest in architecture/interior design preferred
• Familiarity with content management systems and editorial workflows
• Proven ability to create compelling editorial content across platforms with extensive knowledge of digital best practices
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to excellence
• Excellent editing and proofreading skills, with a keen eye for detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with all levels of staff and clients; ability to forge trusting relationships within a diverse team
• Strong understanding of digital content creation, SEO, and social media platforms
• Strong command of grammar, style, and language conventions
• Strong appreciation for the relationships between textual, visual and functional elements
• Successful track record with managing a team and performing duties in a fast-paced environment
• Strong passion for storytelling, journalism, and staying informed about current events and industry trends
• Strong presentation skills
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same time
• Ability to manage team with diplomatic and collaborative leadership style which puts value on relationships and collaboration, both internal and external
• Ability to hold sensitive information with a high level of confidentiality and integrity
• Ability to communicate and present ideas in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing
• Ability to problem solve and apply innovative solutions
• Ability to collaborate and encourage collaboration in a team environment, and ability to work independently and prioritize work
• Ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality

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If you currently work for HKS, please submit your application via the Internal Careers Portal.

HKS is an EEO/AA Employer: M/F/Disabled/Veteran