Communications Specialist

Job Summary

The Communications Specialist plays a key role in elevating the firm’s brand and storytelling. Reporting to the Communications Director, this position blends content creation, public relations, social media, and strategic communications to amplify design excellence and engage diverse audiences. The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer, storyteller, and collaborator who is curious, proactive, and passionate about architecture, sustainability, and purposeful design.

This role requires strong editorial judgment, relationship‑building skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. Communications professionals in this role act as in‑house journalists—uncovering, shaping, and sharing the stories behind the firm’s people, projects, and impact.

Location:

3 days in the office and the ability to work from home on Mondays and Fridays. Positions can be based in any of our office locations including:

• San Jose, CA
• Seattle, WA
• Portland, OR

• Write and edit thought leadership articles, press releases, website content, and other materials that elevate the firm’s reputation.
• Develop compelling narratives for award submissions, project storytelling, internal communications, and firm initiatives.
• Manage and maintain a social media content calendar across platforms (Linked In, Instagram, Facebook, and others).
• Create, schedule, publish, and engage with social media content.
• Identify and develop storytelling opportunities by interviewing architects, designers, and leadership.
• Independently manage multiple communications projects from concept through completion.
• Collaborate with marketing, design, and leadership teams to ensure consistent messaging.
• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, editors, and reporters.
• Develop and pitch story ideas to industry publications.
• Support firm‑wide editorial and strategic communications initiatives.
• Monitor analytics and performance metrics and recommend improvements to optimize engagement.
• Stay current on industry trends, communication best practices, and emerging platforms.
• Collaborate on visual content creation, including graphics and video.
• Support additional communications initiatives as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or similar roles (A/E/C industry experience preferred but not required).
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with a strong command of AP or Chicago style.
• Strong editorial judgment and experience creating content for multiple audiences and channels.
• Ability to manage projects independently while meeting deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience with media relations, PR strategy, editorial planning, and/or social media management.
• Proven ability to manage and grow social media platforms with an authentic and professional voice.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to build relationships across teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word Press, and social media management tools (Cision a plus).
• Analytical mindset with the ability to measure performance and refine strategies based on data.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.

• Culture
  :
  We put people over profits, giving them the flexibility to manage their work and life. We believe in fairness, equality in opportunity, and rewarding those who perform.
• Wellness
  :
  Company‑paid wellness courses, on‑site gyms (at select locations), access to financial advisors and discounts to wellness platforms, gyms and more.
• Professional Development
  :
  Linked In learning access, business development training, supportive mentorship, company‑paid ARE study materials, exam fees, and licensure completion bonuses.
• Comprehensive Comp and Benefits
  :
  Base+Bonus+Equity+401k, including student loan repayments, wellness programs, full medical, dental, vision, time off and holidays above industry standard.

The hourly range for this position is $25.41 - $36.87/hour ($52,858 - $76,698 annually). The actual salary offered will vary depending on the candidate’s qualification, education, position knowledge, work experience, skills, ability, work location, and internal incumbent compensation for similar roles. The salary range does not include other compensation elements such as discretionary bonus opportunities, employee stock ownership grants, paid time off, medical insurance, and other wage and benefit opportunities.