Public Relations & Communications Leader

Ware Malcomb • Oak Brook, IL

14d • $90,000 - $120,000

About The Position

Are you ready to join a growth-oriented team where creativity meets innovation? At Ware Malcomb, we are a dynamic and forward-thinking design firm committed to pushing the boundaries. Our team-oriented, collaborative approach ensures that every project is a blend of visionary design, seamless project delivery, and we are actively engaged with both the community and the industry. Discover our vibrant culture to get an inside look into life at Ware Malcomb and the programs we offer. https://waremalcomb.com/life-at-ware-malcomb/

We are seeking a Public Relations & Communications Leader to elevate our brand, strengthen our reputation and execute 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.

This position may be filled at the Manager or Director level, depending on qualifications, experience and scope alignment. Responsibilities and expectations are calibrated by level, as outlined below.

Role Overview by Level
Manager level: Owns core PR and communications initiatives and executes programs aligned with firmwide strategy, with accountability for results and day‑to‑day delivery.
Director level: Provides broader strategic leadership and oversight, including governance, long‑range planning and executive advisory responsibilities.

Final level, title and compensation will be determined based on experience, demonstrated capabilities and business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 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 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.
• Strong leadership, collaboration and mentorship capabilities (as appropriate by level)
• Excellent communication, judgment and stakeholder‑management skills
• Issues management and crisis readiness (scope varies by level)
• High attention to detail, discretion and accountability
• Positive, proactive and highly collaborative working style
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment
• Operational rigor across workflows, approvals, calendars and reporting.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Architecture/Engineering, Construction, Real Estate or professional services strongly preferred.

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.
• Serve as a key member of the crisis communications team, drafting response materials and following escalation and approval protocols to ensure timely, effective messaging.
• Establish KPIs, benchmark performance and report outcomes; translate insights into recommendations and continuous optimization.
• Manage agencies and external partners (PR firms, writers, photographers, freelancers), including scopes, budgets, timelines and success criteria.
• Collaborate closely with Visual Brand, Marketing Leadership and cross‑functional partners on website strategy, SEO alignment, planning and budgeting.
• 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.
• 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.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on high‑visibility, complex, or sensitive initiatives.
• Represent PR & Communications in leadership forums and cross‑firm planning efforts.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level