Public Relations Director

General Information

• Posting Date: 09-04-2026
• Time Type:
  Full-Time
• Job
• Areas of Expertise:
  Public Relations
• Job Category:
  Marketing, Communications, Public Relations

San Francisco, CA, US

Gensler's Northwest Region is seeking an experienced and strategic communications leader to direct public relations, executive communications, thought leadership, and reputation management across one of the firm's most innovative and influential regions. This role will serve as a trusted advisor to regional leadership and drive integrated communications strategies that elevate Gensler's brand, market leadership, and business priorities throughout the Bay Area, Seattle, and emerging Northwest markets.

The Public Relations Director leads the Northwest Region's communications strategy, working closely with Regional Managing Principals, Office Managing Directors, Practice Area Leaders, Regional Marketing Leadership, and the communications team to identify opportunities that strengthen Gensler's regional presence and industry influence.

As the senior communications leader for the region, you will shape positioning, guide thought leadership priorities, and oversee a team responsible for public relations, awards, and, social media. You will establish communications priorities that align with business goals while ensuring consistent messaging across offices, practices, and market sectors.

This role calls for a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills, sound business judgment, and a deep understanding of the design, real estate, and innovation landscape in the Northwest.

• Develop and lead an integrated communications strategy for the Northwest Region in partnership with regional and office leadership.
• Establish annual communications priorities that support regional business objectives, growth opportunities, and market positioning.
• Identify and shape strategic narratives that elevate Gensler's leadership in design, innovation, sustainability, workplace, cities, and emerging market sectors.
• Serve as the senior communications advisor to regional leadership and key business leaders.

• Lead executive communications strategy for Regional Managing Principals, Office Managing Directors, and practice leaders.
• Develop executive positioning, messaging frameworks, strategic presentations, keynote narratives, and high-profile communications.
• Guide the region's thought leadership agenda, ensuring alignment with Gensler's firmwide priorities and regional business opportunities.
• Counsel leaders on communication strategies that enhance visibility, influence, and industry leadership.

• Direct media relations strategy and provide guidance on high-impact regional and national opportunities.
• Hold and build relationships with top-tier business, design, real estate, technology, and innovation media.
• Advise leadership on reputational risk, crisis communications, and issues management.
• Monitor regional and industry trends to identify opportunities and potential communications risks.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Northwest communications team, fostering professional growth and strategic excellence.
• Establish priorities and workflows for communications initiatives across PR, awards, social media, content, and visual storytelling functions.
• Partner closely with regional marketing, business development, and practice area leaders to ensure PR efforts support client and business objectives.
• Represent the Northwest Region within Gensler's firmwide communications and public relations network.

• Define regional communications KPIs and evaluate performance against business and brand objectives.
• Leverage data and insights to optimize communications programs and inform future investment and strategy.
• Report outcomes, trends, and strategic recommendations to regional leadership.

• 12+ years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, executive communications, or strategic communications, including significant leadership and team management experience.
• Experience developing and leading communications strategies for complex organizations, preferably within architecture, design, commercial real estate, professional services, technology, or related industries.
• Proven track record advising senior executives and business leaders on…