Communications Director

Who we are

The ideal candidate:

Key responsibilities:

• Internal Communications:
• Lead internal engagement strategies and create high-quality leadership communications and new content that effectively connects our employees and studios
• Develop internal comms and employee engagement strategies and narratives for teams and channels
• Partner with stakeholders to align comms approaches and strategy to the broader company roadmap
• External Communications
• Provide strategic insight, direction and counsel to key stakeholders and leaders on the communication approach and messaging, developing relationships to become a trusted partner and influence outcomes
• Celebrate and promote our design talent and achievements and convey the strategic goals and purpose of our business services to the broader firm, media and industry
• Set strategic direction for content distribution channels; identify and manage specialists as necessary to execute production and management
• Measure and improve the effectiveness of messaging, channels, and practices
• Serve as copy editor and/or ghostwriter for leaders as necessary
• Brand Stewardship and Leadership
• Infuse the vision of the organization into all internal and external messaging
• Continually and meaningfully connect “the why” to “the what” in brand communications
• Drive team building and mentorship for firmwide marketing staff
• Work collaboratively with a diversely skilled team of photographers, graphic designers, marketing staff, resource librarian and videographers
• Plan, lead, curate, collaborate and assist in the creation of digital, video, audio and print content
• Make sure all company materials have consistent and positive messaging and branding
• In concert with the CFO/COO, advise on the marketing and communications budget

Required skills and attributes:

• Candidates should have at least 7 years of experience in communications, public relations, marketing, advertising or other relevant industries.
• Superior storytelling skills to engage designers, craft a brief and design compelling communication campaigns around projects, outreach initiatives or research endeavors
• Ability to understand and integrate into the firm’s unique multi-studio culture
• Self-driven, creative individual with ability to generate ideas, self-manage, take direction and proactively direct on-going communications and marketing initiatives
• Professional demeanor with a positive, solution-seeking attitude and sense of personal responsibility
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to plan and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• In-depth knowledge of best writing and messaging practices for business correspondence, public relations, advertising, marketing and sales copy and social media
• Strong technical and persuasive writing, editing and proofreading skills
• Demonstrated results getting story placements and media coverage and managing crisis communications
• Experience leading and motivating staff to produce high-level, brand-driven content
• Analytical skills to solve problems and find the best way to convey a message
• An ability to communicate cross-generationally
• The technological ability to work on a variety of digital platforms and also create web and mobile content
• Strong writing and editing skills, with a capacity for SEO-friendly headlines and content
• Experience using CRM to capture and manage leads
• Work collaboratively with internal and external imaging professionals

Required experience / education:

Unparalleled benefits package unique to SWA:

• Annual salary range of $110,000-$140,000, depending on experience
• Employee stock contributions, profit sharing, and other wealth-building benefits.
• 401K
• Dental Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible work approach catered to individual needs
• Paid time off
• Candidate must be located in CA, NY, or TX and a commutable distance from one of SWA's design studios
• To learn more join us at: www.swagroup.com
• To apply for this position, please submit a resume, cover letter outlining your approach to communications / marketing and the unique value you would bring to SWA, one writing sample and samples of marketing and communications (video, print, various media, etc.) material you have developed