The Southwest Regional Public Relations Director is responsible for the overall reputation development and earned, owned, social, and paid media channels for the region. This person knows how to navigate traditional and trade media, social media, and various markets and leadership structures while creating unique story lines that also fit into a larger, global narrative.

We are seeking a strategic thinker and highly collaborative individual to lead and manage external communications and content development to position our people as innovative design-leaders in our local markets and build our firm’s local and global reputation through project PR across our practice area of expertise. We want to tell stories of how Gensler unites creativity, imagination, and innovation to cultivate human connection and drive positive change in the built environment.

Your Role

Gensler seeks a proven senior-level storyteller with a passion for design to lead our Southwest Public Relations.  We are looking for a proactive individual who can simultaneously manage multiple deliverables with strategic thinking. They need to understand the positive impact of design on the human experience and in real estate markets, and position Gensler’s impact as engaging stories. This individual needs to communicate our firm’s unique approach and how it differentiates us from our competition.

The Southwest Public Relations Director works with Regional Managing Principals, Office Leaders, Regional Marketing Director, Practice Area Leaders, and the larger PR and marketing team to gain an understanding of stories, identify and secure opportunities, and to develop proactive content and campaigns across various platforms in support of our strategic objectives.

What You Will Do

Work with Regional Leadership, Office Leadership and Regional Marketing Director to create annual, strategic PR plans based on their business goals and needs for the Southwest offices

Establish and manage media relationships at a regional level to pitch strategic and impact stories about Gensler people and projects

Work collaboratively with the global PR team on national media placements

Establish and maintain local business and industry media contacts

Lead and manage PR team on responding to incoming media inquiries and interview requests, and craft talking points for our speakers

Develop executive communications and positioning plans for key external market leaders

Mentor and train key Gensler thought leaders on market engagement strategies

Create compelling thought leadership content with key messaging for Gensler.com, our blogs, and firmwide publications

Lead PR efforts to track speaking opportunities with local and national organizations and craft compelling speaking abstracts to submit

Develop social media strategies and work with PR Specialist and Marketing to optimize local channels

Lead and mentor a team of pr and communications professionals

Understand our firm’s portfolio in detail, including a keen understanding of industry trends affecting clients, and make appropriate recommendations regarding communication strategy surrounding them

Utilize PR team to track metrics on PR reach and engagement across region as a way to inform leadership, future strategies, and localized tactics.

Your Qualifications

15+ years of experience in a variety of public relations, media, communications, or marketing roles, either agency based or in-house. Experience in business-to-business is preferred over business-to-consumer.

Experience working in a dynamic, collaborative, and creative environment with people who encompass a range of skills and experiences.

Has a range of media contacts and evidence of building long-term relationships within the press.

Deep familiarity with social media and web-based channels as marketing tools.

Timely communicator.

Excellent writing skills and is an articulate and accurate.

Demonstrate high energy and initiative to deliver results.

Can build and sustain momentum and has an ability to keep an eye on the big picture while managing the details.

Proficient with MS Office package, presentation software such as Adobe Creative Suite with additional print/digital design skills highly desirable

**if the position is located in Los Angeles, CA; the base salary range will be estimated between $110,000-150,000 plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience. For all other locations, the base salary range will be based on their local market.

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests. 

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities.  Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.