Communications Director

SWA Communications DirectorSWA is a network of eight landscape architecture, planning and urban design studios across the US and China. Collectively, SWA utilizes innovation, creativity, originality and research to create the most livable places for today and tomorrow.SWA is seeking an experienced leader to drive firmwide communications and participate in marketing operations. This role at SWA will help to shape and define the overarching narrative for our business and to elevate and convey our services to all of the relevant audiences. As SWA's Communications Director, you will help bolster external awareness of SWA as a leader in landscape architecture, urban design and planning, as well as support internal communications between studios.We are interested in a self-motivated and creative-minded individual, preferably with experience related to landscape architecture, land planning, urban design, architecture or environmental design. This role will work with our executive leadership to communicate our mission concept, implement global communications, develop marketing and business strategies across multiple markets.This critical role will ensure that SWA's market-leading approach, design expertise, public outreach and research initiatives are well known by our clients and allied professionals. The right candidate will know how to create and share high-quality content (video, print, social media, etc.) and connect with our audience through media outreach, campaigns, announcements, editorial placements, events and speaking opportunities.The Ideal Candidate:Takes an entrepreneurial approach to communications—meaning you can set a high-level strategy and get hands-on with the detailsThrives in a collaborative firm culture. Your marketing and storytelling skills will be an integral part of our diverse and talented team, guiding growth of our global practiceDisplays excitement and ambition for a role that has access to some of the world's most interesting projects, both nationally and internationallySeeks an intellectually stimulating and creative work environment: we are an idea-driven firm; great design aspirations guide all aspects of our workKey Responsibilities:Internal Communications:Lead internal engagement strategies and create high-quality leadership communications and new content that effectively connects our employees and studiosDevelop internal comms and employee engagement strategies and narratives for teams and channelsPartner with stakeholders to align comms approaches and strategy to the broader company roadmapExternal Communications:Provide strategic insight, direction and counsel to key stakeholders and leaders on the communication approach and messaging, developing relationships to become a trusted partner and influence outcomesCelebrate and promote our design talent and achievements and convey the strategic goals and purpose of our business services to the broader firm, media and industrySet strategic direction for content distribution channels; identify and manage specialists as necessary to execute production and managementMeasure and improve the effectiveness of messaging, channels, and practicesServe as copy editor and/or ghostwriter for leaders as necessaryBrand Stewardship and Leadership:Infuse the vision of the organization into all internal and external messagingContinually and meaningfully connect "the why" to "the what" in brand communicationsDrive team building and mentorship for firmwide marketing staffWork collaboratively with a diversely skilled team of photographers, graphic designers, marketing staff, resource librarian and videographersPlan, lead, curate, collaborate and assist in the creation of digital, video, audio and print contentMake sure all company materials have consistent and positive messaging and brandingIn concert with the CFO/COO, advise on the marketing and communications budgetRequired Skills and Attributes:Candidates should have at least 7 years of experience in communications, public relations, marketing, advertising or other relevant industries.Superior storytelling skills to engage designers, craft a brief and design compelling communication campaigns around projects, outreach initiatives or research endeavorsAbility to understand and integrate into the firm's unique multi-studio cultureSelf-driven, creative individual with ability to generate ideas, self-manage, take direction and proactively direct on-going communications and marketing initiativesProfessional demeanor with a positive, solution-seeking attitude and sense of personal responsibilityStrong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to plan and manage multiple tasks simultaneouslyIn-depth knowledge of best writing and messaging practices for business correspondence, public relations, advertising, marketing and sales copy and social mediaStrong technical and persuasive writing, editing and proofreading skillsDemonstrated results getting story placements and media coverage and managing crisis communicationsExperience leading and motivating staff to produce high-level, brand-driven contentAnalytical skills to solve problems and find the best way to convey a messageAn ability to communicate cross-generationallyThe technological ability to work on a variety of digital platforms and also create web and mobile contentStrong writing and editing skills, with a capacity for SEO-friendly headlines and contentExperience using CRM to capture and manage leadsWork collaboratively with internal and external imaging professionalsRequired Experience / Education:Candidates should have at least 7 years of experience in communications, public relations, marketing, advertising or other relevant industries.Candidate should have some firsthand knowledge of current software and hardware systems used in the creation of videos, graphic campaigns, desktop publishing, social media campaigns, website design and maintenanceBackground in creative writing, editing and publishingMust have at least a bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, advertising, business administration, public relations or another relevant discipline. Experience in the fields of landscape architecture, architecture or related design fields a plusThe position will have the opportunity to work from one of SWA's design studiosUnparalleled Benefits Package Unique to SWA:Annual salary range of $110,000-$140,000, depending on experienceEmployee stock contributions, profit sharing, and other wealth-building benefits.401KDental InsuranceHealth InsuranceLife InsuranceFlexible work approach catered to individual needsPaid time offCandidate must be located in CA, NY, or TX and a commutable distance from one of SWA's design studiosTo learn more join us at: apply for this position, please submit a resume, cover letter outlining your approach to communications / marketing and the unique value you would bring to SWA, one writing sample and samples of marketing and communications (video, print, various media, etc.) material you have developed