Communications Manager

ZGF is seeking a communicator with a can‑do attitude to lead communications efforts for our Seattle office. In this role, you will balance strategy, project management and creative execution in equal parts, working closely with our firm‑wide Communications team to proactively elevate our projects and people. As the Seattle Communications Manager you will be responsible for the day‑to‑day workflows in Seattle: project promotion cycles, press outreach, media lists and editorial calendars, awards and conferences, social media and website stories, photoshoots, and more.

Additionally, this role will support our Vancouver B.C. office for select strategic communications activities.

Who you are: someone with a detail‑oriented approach to your work, with the proven ability to multitask and work to tight deadlines. You’re a capable writer and storyteller strong in a wide range of writing experience, from social copy to website stories and award narratives. You can prioritize and keep simultaneous streams of work running smoothly from start to finish. A keen interest in design, the ability to thrive in ambiguity, think on your feet, and organize work will all be key to your success.

As a Seattle Communications Manager, you will…

• Lead the execution of strategic communications plans that span a variety of tactics and channels to foster greater visibility of ZGF Seattle’s projects and people.
• Cultivate relationships with client stakeholders and project partners to build trust, identify storytelling opportunities, and ensure consistent and appropriate project messaging.
• Research local events and other visibility opportunities and support on‑ground activities.

• Develop and nurture relationships with local and regional media.
• Maintain media lists, develop pitches, and secure features of ZGF’s projects, thought leadership, ideas, and people.
• Develop key messaging, briefing docs, and other materials to prep ZGF spokespeople for media interviews.

• Collaborate with Seattle Marketing and architecture teams to support content development for ZGF website, including project pages and blogs.
• Lead development of Seattle office conference submission and work closely with the Seattle Marketing team on award submissions.
• Directly manage and support social media accounts, developing content, posting, and reporting; identifying social media‑worthy opportunities, and ensuring alignment with established protocol and client expectations.

• Partner with Seattle Marketing on start‑to‑finish logistics for multiple architectural photoshoots per year. Depending on the year and projects completing, these vary from half‑day shoots in town to multi‑day shoots requiring travel.

• Partner with Vancouver office leadership and firm‑wide Communications team to identify project storytelling priorities.
• Collaborate with Vancouver Marketing and architecture teams to support content development for select projects to be published on ZGF website, including project pages and blogs.
• Work with Vancouver Marketing teams to identify social media‑worthy opportunities and develop post copy, ensuring alignment with established protocol and client expectations.
• Collaborate with Vancouver Marketing and firm‑wide Communications team on photoshoot planning for select Vancouver projects including photographer selection and shot list, with potential to travel to B.C. for photoshoots.

• Track architectural project timelines and major milestones for activation opportunities.
• Manage trackers for content, awards and conference deadlines, media opportunities, and earned media.
• Identify awards and conference opportunities for on‑boards and completed projects.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in communications, public relations, or related field.
• Demonstrated organizational and project management skills.
• Demonstrated storytelling experience from inception of idea through to completed product.
• Excellent writing, editing, proofreading and research skills.
• Proficiency in software programs including Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite is…