Senior Communications Specialist

Executes and helps shape Southland's internal communications strategy by leading enterprise communication initiatives that keep employees informed, engaged, and connected. Serves as a strategic communications partner to business leaders by developing communication strategies, leading internal campaigns, supporting employee engagement initiatives, and ensuring consistent, high-quality messaging across the organization. Develops communication plans for company initiatives, organizational changes, and employee programs. Develops communications for key Southland leadership, applying specific voice and style to match individual personas. Serves as a trusted communications advisor to cross-functional stakeholders, providing recommendations on messaging, timing, channels, and employee engagement. Identifies opportunities to improve communication effectiveness and employee experience through new approaches, tools, and best practices. Helps establish governance, editorial standards, and communication guidelines across internal channels. Partners with leaders across HR, Operations, Safety, IT, Learning & Development, and regional teams to translate complex information into clear, engaging communications. Facilitates content reviews and approvals while balancing business objectives, timelines, and communication quality. Maintains and organizes communication assets, templates, and shared content libraries. Leads communication campaigns supporting culture, safety, organizational initiatives, technology implementations, benefits enrollment, employee recognition programs, including the annual Awards Show, and business transformation efforts; Develops communication strategies, messaging frameworks, FAQs, toolkits, and leadership resources for major initiatives; and ensures communication efforts are coordinated across departments to deliver a consistent employee experience. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field. 5+ years of experience in corporate communications, internal communications, employee engagement, or a related discipline. Demonstrated experience leading enterprise communication and change management campaigns and managing multiple stakeholders. Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and executive communication skills. Advanced knowledge of SharePoint, Viva Engage, Microsoft Teams, and enterprise communication platforms. Strong project management and organizational skills. Ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization. Experience using communication analytics and employee engagement metrics to drive continuous improvement. As a 100% employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family: 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee) Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance Disability income protection insurance Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care) Paid parental leave Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses Wellness benefits About Southland Industries As one of the nation’s largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast-paced environment where you’re engaged, challenged, and valued, join our dynamic team. As one of the nation’s largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast-paced environment where you’re engaged, challenged, and valued, join our dynamic team. Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment.All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Pay: Final pay is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. For Virginia this ranges from $85,000.00 - $106,000.00 plus annual incentive, benefits, and retirement program as outlined above. Contingent Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and professional reference checks. Roles that include driving as an essential job duty will be required to have a successful Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time. Tracking Code 5661 Job Description Position Summary Executes and helps shape Southland's internal communications strategy by leading enterprise communication initiatives that keep employees informed, engaged, and connected. Serves as a strategic communications partner to business leaders by developing communication strategies, leading internal campaigns, supporting employee engagement initiatives, and ensuring consistent, high-quality messaging across the organization. Position Details Develops communication plans for company initiatives, organizational changes, and employee programs. Develops communications for key Southland leadership, applying specific voice and style to match individual personas. Serves as a trusted communications advisor to cross-functional stakeholders, providing recommendations on messaging, timing, channels, and employee engagement. Identifies opportunities to improve communication effectiveness and employee experience through new approaches, tools, and best practices. Helps establish governance, editorial standards, and communication guidelines across internal channels. Partners with leaders across HR, Operations, Safety, IT, Learning & Development, and regional teams to translate complex information into clear, engaging communications. Facilitates content reviews and approvals while balancing business objectives, timelines, and communication quality. Maintains and organizes communication assets, templates, and shared content libraries. Leads communication campaigns supporting culture, safety, organizational initiatives, technology implementations, benefits enrollment, employee recognition programs, including the annual Awards Show, and business transformation efforts; Develops communication strategies, messaging frameworks, FAQs, toolkits, and leadership resources for major initiatives; and ensures communication efforts are coordinated across departments to deliver a consistent employee experience. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field. 5+ years of experience in corporate communications, internal communications, employee engagement, or a related discipline. Demonstrated experience leading enterprise communication and change management campaigns and managing multiple stakeholders. Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and executive communication skills. Advanced knowledge of SharePoint, Viva Engage, Microsoft Teams, and enterprise communication platforms. Strong project management and organizational skills. Ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization. Experience using communication analytics and employee engagement metrics to drive continuous improvement. As a 100% employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family: 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee) Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance Disability income protection insurance Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care) Paid parental leave Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses Wellness benefits About Southland Industries As one of the nation’s largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast-paced environment where you’re engaged, challenged, and valued, join our dynamic team. Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment.All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Pay: Final pay is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. For Virginia this ranges from $85,000.00 - $106,000.00 plus annual incentive, benefits, and retirement program as outlined above. Contingent Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and professional reference checks. Roles that include driving as an essential job duty will be required to have a successful Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time. Job Location Dulles, Virginia, United States Position Type Full-Time/Regular Alternate Location N/A #J-18808-Ljbffr