Senior Editor, Architecture

HDR•Los Angeles, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. At HDR, our teams of dedicated, multidisciplinary professionals work across our 35+ architecture studios to contribute design solutions across health, science, education and civic market sectors in support of vibrant communities around the world. Over the past decade, our focus on bringing design excellence, sustainability and regenerative design solutions, and exceptional project delivery to the built environment has increased our recognition and elevated our reputation in the AEC industry around the world. We are seeking a Senior Editor, Architecture (writing samples required) to serve as a key storyteller and editorial leader for the Architecture practice. This role leads the editorial vision and execution for the practice’s most visible publications and content platforms, helping shape how HDR’s architecture projects, initiatives, ideas and impact are communicated internally and externally. Working in close collaboration with the Architecture communications team located across North America and Australia, you will serve as editorial lead for major publications, brochures and newsletters tied to strategic campaigns and events. This includes acting as managing editor for a series of design books showcasing HDR’s annual design review, as well as partnering with campaign strategists and sector communications leads to elevate content that reflects the strongest work and most compelling ideas from across the practice. The Senior Editor brings a confident editorial point of view, a discerning eye for quality and the ability to translate complex design and technical concepts into clear, engaging and accessible stories. Success in this role is grounded in strong relationships with internal collaborators and external partners, confident leadership and a shared commitment to excellence. Reporting to the Communications Principal, Architecture, this role offers flexibility to be office-based or hybrid, with occasional travel.

Requirements

A minimum of 7 years experience in a communications field of expertise: social media, event planning, community engagement, target marketing, descriptive writing, public involvement, etc.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Self-motivated and ability to work independent with multiple teams as well as team oriented
Great interpersonal and communication skills - positive outlook and attitude
High aptitude for managing and solving tactical issues
An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
Comfortable and competent while working with senior leaders and managing cross-functional efforts
Demonstrated ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a high-energy, fast-paced environment
Committed to quality, continuous improvement, and HDR values
Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite - InDesign
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Nice To Haves

Minimum 8 years of experience in communications, editorial development or content strategy within AEC firms, design studios, or architecture/design publications.
Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills, with experience shaping narratives around design, planning, architecture and the built environment
Demonstrated success managing editorial workflows, publications and multi-step content development processes.
Strong project management skills, including prioritization, multitasking and collaboration in a matrixed environment.
Experience with award submissions and long-form editorial programs (e.g., magazines, annual reports, design publications).
Comfort working across multiple content channels and collaborating with design, creative, PR and communications teams.

Responsibilities

Serve as managing editor for the Architecture practice’s print publications and brochures, including current and future materials focused on design excellence, project delivery, and trends and innovation.
Contribute to the planning and execution of practice-wide client, industry and design-focused events—both in-person and virtual—with an emphasis on content and communications.
Lead development of integrated communications for architecture publications and events, including messaging, digital content strategies, and internal and external campaigns.
Partner with the Creative Manager to ensure consistently high standards for editorial quality, clarity and execution across all publications.
Lead the development of high-quality design award submissions in collaboration with communications and creative teams
Write and edit content for internal and external audiences, including articles and stories highlighting projects, studio culture, design excellence and thought leadership.
Manage the firm’s presence on select digital-first design media and emerging social media platforms for trade and niche industry storytelling.
Serve as editorial lead for the Architecture practice’s monthly external newsletter.
Contribute to the development and evolution of editorial standards across Architecture communications channels in collaboration with corporate and architecture communication colleagues.
Collaborate with pursuit and creative teams to integrate and promote design-forward content across pursuit materials and interview processes.
Contribute messaging and insights to multi-channel campaign strategies spanning email, web, social, editorial storytelling and events.
Work closely with communications and creative teams to ensure consistency and cohesion of messaging across platforms.