Director, Public Relations & Communications

Ware Malcomb•Irvine, CA

About The Position

We’re seeking a Director, Public Relations & Communications to lead our brand reputation, strengthen our market presence and drive integrated communications that support business strategy and growth. This role is responsible for telling the story of our projects, people, innovation and community impact across industry media, local press and digital channels, while serving as a strategic advisor to executive leadership and leading a high-performing communications team.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or a related field (or equivalent experience).
10–15+ years of experience in public relations and communications, including strategic leadership, crisis management and team leadership.
Demonstrated experience leading firmwide public relations and communications programs.
Strong media relations background with a track record of securing high-impact coverage.
Experience partnering with senior and executive leaders and multidisciplinary teams.
Proven ability to manage high-visibility communications initiatives and work effectively with agencies and vendors.
Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into clear, engaging narratives.
Strong project management skills, including prioritization across competing deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, OneNote).
Experience in Architecture/Engineering, Construction, Real Estate, or professional services strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

Strong leadership, collaboration and mentorship capabilities
Excellent communication, judgment and stakeholder management skills
Issues management, crisis communications readiness and brand reputation stewardship
Paid media strategy and budget management
Performance measurement, KPI development and data-driven decision-making
High attention to detail, discretion and accountability
Positive, proactive and highly collaborative working style
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
Operational rigor across workflows, approvals, calendars and reporting

Responsibilities

Develop and execute integrated PR and communications plans aligned with firmwide strategy, brand positioning and business objectives.
Oversee external communications, including media relations, press strategy, social media, email marketing, awards and speaking opportunities.
Lead PR campaigns and initiatives tied to strategic priorities; track editorial calendars and identify proactive visibility opportunities.
Expand market visibility by identifying and cultivating new media relationships, sponsorships, speaking platforms and thought leadership channels that extend the firm's reach across key markets and audiences.
Lead brand reputation management by establishing governance for firmwide messaging, brand standards and audience positioning to ensure consistency, differentiation and resonance across all channels and stakeholders.
Lead the firm's crisis communications framework by developing protocols, playbooks and response materials; overseeing escalation and approval processes; and training spokespeople to ensure timely, confident and effective messaging under pressure.
Serve as executive communications counsel as a trusted strategic advisor to senior and executive leadership on high-visibility, complex or sensitive initiatives, including messaging strategy, positioning and stakeholder communication.
Provide strategic oversight of agencies and external partners (PR firms, writers, photographers, freelancers), including scope development, budgets, performance measurement and success criteria.
Oversee paid media and budget planning, including strategy development, vendor management and ROI evaluation for paid placements, sponsored content and media amplification efforts.
Support firmwide storytelling through press materials, thought leadership content, awards submissions and digital channels.
Prepare spokespeople for interviews and media engagement; support leadership with messaging, talking points, Q&A and presentations.
Collaborate closely with Visual Brand, Marketing Leadership and cross-functional partners on website strategy, SEO alignment, planning and budgeting.
Establish KPI frameworks, benchmarking performance and producing regular reporting that translates communications data into actionable insights and continuous optimization.
Contribute hands-on execution when needed to ensure quality, consistency and deadlines are met.
Lead annual communications planning, KPI frameworks, playbooks, budgeting and team development.
Set governance for messaging, approvals and escalation. Steward reputation management across regions and markets.
Represent PR & Communications in leadership forums and cross-firm initiatives.
Optimize the operating model (processes, tools and partner ecosystem) to enable scale, consistency, and measurable impact.
Lead, mentor and develop PR & Communications team members, fostering growth, accountability and performance.
Champion long-term brand growth through a multi-year communications roadmap aligned with business priorities and supported by strong capabilities and partnerships.