Communications Specialist

Communications Specialist

HMC Architects is an employee-owned design firm with an inherent desire to make a difference in our communities. Our mission "to design for good" drives everything we do. And our ownership culture creates alignment and increased commitment to that mission, keeping us on track to being successful.

Founded with the purpose of anticipating community needs, HMC aims to create designs that have a positive impact, now and into the future. We focus primarily on opportunities to have the most direct contribution to communities–through healthcare, education, and civic spaces.

As an employee owned company you become an owner after one year–receiving company-provided shares at no cost and building long-term financial growth as the firm succeeds. We also give back through our volunteerism with our Designing Futures Foundation, which advances sustainable and regenerative design and supports the next generation of innovators. In addition to this, we also support our team through:

• Culture: We put people over profits, giving them the flexibility to manage their work and life. We believe in fairness, equality in opportunity, and rewarding those who perform.
• Wellness: Company paid wellness courses, on-site gyms (at select locations), access to financial advisors and discounts to wellness platforms, gyms and more.
• Professional Development: LinkedIn learning access, business development training, supportive mentorship, company-paid ARE study materials, exam fees, and licensure completion bonuses.
• Comprehensive Comp and Benefits: Base+Bonus+Equity+401k, including student loan repayments, wellness programs, full medical, dental, vision, time off and holidays above industry standard.

The Communications Specialist plays a key role in elevating the firm's brand and storytelling. Reporting to the Communications Director, this position blends content creation, public relations, social media, and strategic communications to amplify design excellence and engage diverse audiences. The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer, storyteller, and collaborator who is curious, proactive, and passionate about architecture, sustainability, and purposeful design. This role requires strong editorial judgment, relationship-building skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Communications professionals in this role act as in-house journalists–uncovering, shaping, and sharing the stories behind the firm's people, projects, and impact.

The position requires 3 days in the office and the ability to work from home Mondays and Fridays. This position can be located out of any of our office locations including:

• Ontario, CA
• Los Angeles, CA
• San Diego, CA
• Sacramento, CA
• San Jose, CA
• Seattle, WA
• Portland, OR

Responsibilities:

• Write and edit thought leadership articles, press releases, website content, and other materials that elevate the firm's reputation
• Develop compelling narratives for award submissions, project storytelling, internal communications, and firm initiatives
• Manage and maintain a social media content calendar across platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and others)
• Create, schedule, publish, and engage with social media content
• Identify and develop storytelling opportunities by interviewing architects, designers, and leadership
• Independently manage multiple communications projects from concept through completion
• Collaborate with marketing, design, and leadership teams to ensure consistent messaging
• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, editors, and reporters
• Develop and pitch story ideas to industry publications
• Support firm-wide editorial and strategic communications initiatives
• Monitor analytics and performance metrics and recommend improvements to optimize engagement
• Stay current on industry trends, communication best practices, and emerging platforms
• Collaborate on visual content creation, including graphics and video
• Support additional communications initiatives as needed

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field
• 4+ years of experience in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or similar roles (A/E/C industry experience preferred but not required)
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with a strong command of AP or Chicago style
• Strong editorial judgment and experience creating content for multiple audiences and channels
• Ability to manage projects independently while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with media relations, PR strategy, editorial planning, and/or social media management
• Proven ability to manage and grow social media platforms with an authentic and professional voice
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to build relationships across teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, WordPress, and social media management tools (Cision a plus)
• Analytical mindset with the ability to measure performance and refine strategies based on data
• Excellent organizational, time management, and prioritization skills

The hourly range for this position is $25.41 - $36.87/hour ($52,858 - $76,698 annually).