Director of Brand and Communications

Lead and elevate HGA's brand identity, voice, and presence across all channels!

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Brand and Communications who will be responsible for driving the development and execution of brand positioning, corporate messaging, internal and external communications, and digital presence to ensure a consistent, compelling narrative aligned with the firm's mission, culture, and business goals.

As a key member of the Marketing & Communications leadership team, the Director will partner closely with firm leadership, sector marketing leads, business development teams, and HR to build awareness, trust, and engagement among clients, employees, and industry peers.

This role calls for a visionary leader with a deep understanding of brand dynamics and communication strategies. If you're passionate about shaping impactful narratives that strengthen identity and engagement, join HGA's Marketing & Communications leadership team.

Leadership & Strategy

define and execute a long-term brand and communications strategy aligned with the firm's mission, culture, design ethos, and business objectives;
• work with colleagues across HGA to ensure that brand and communications efforts are carried through in business development, client engagement, and geographic/sector expansion plans;
• actively contribute to marketing strategic planning and organizational development as part of the marketing leadership team;
• establish KPIs and metrics for brand and communications, noting baselines and showcasing the impact of tactics on key metrics; and
• increase firmwide education about the drivers behind brand and communications strategies and outcomes, seeking buy-in and collaboration.

Brand Stewardship

• oversee the firm's visual identity and brand architecture, ensuring consistency and clarity across all internal and external channels;
• conduct market and competitor analysis to identify differentiation opportunities and inform brand evolution;
• lead brand refresh initiatives, including repositioning, rebranding, or acquisitions, as needed. Uphold and evolve brand identity across all channels, ensuring visual and verbal consistency from proposals to presentations to digital platforms;
• develop and execute brand awareness initiatives and campaigns in support of national brand, sectors, and regions; and
• collaborate with national sector leaders and marketing teams and regional offices to ensure that brand messaging is targeted to their clients, partners, and geographies.

Integrated Communications Leadership

• develop and implement a comprehensive communications and content strategy that supports firm growth, business development, and recruitment goals;
• lead a high-performing communications team across PR, content, digital media, thought leadership, and internal communications;
• in collaboration with regions and national sectors, develop a vision and planning process for strategic awards and sponsorships; and
• serve as a key adviser to executive leadership during high-stakes or sensitive communications (e.g., strategic planning, leadership transitions, acquisitions, crisis planning).

Thought Leadership & Content Strategy

• position the firm as a leading voice in architecture, engineering, sustainability, and innovation through original content, executive platforms, and speaking engagements;
• collaborate with practice leaders and technical experts to turn insights into high-impact narratives for clients, media, and talent audiences;
• oversee editorial direction and quality control for all communications materials including websites, publications, and press releases. Lead a content strategy that highlights our portfolio, process, and people-translating technical excellence into engaging narratives for clients, peers, and the public;
• supervise the creation of digital and print materials, social media, case studies, and internal newsletters; and
• collaborate with design and project teams to identify storytelling opportunities from concept through completion

Team Development & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• lead, mentor, and grow a multidisciplinary communications and brand team;
• partner with leaders across marketing, business development, HR, sector, and operations to ensure alignment and impact; and
• manage external agencies, consultants, and vendor relationships.

Preferred attributes include:

• ability to critically analyze, synthesize and manage a complex array of strategic and tactical projects with multiple partners,
• ability to interact and communicate with people at many levels in a professional and confident manner,
• ability to work effectively in a team and matrixed environment,
• comfortable with public speaking and thought leadership,
• comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment,
• demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated marketing strategies,
• demonstrated experience managing people and processes across a company of comparable scale,
• exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills,
• experience working with technical teams and translating complex services into client value,
• strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail, and
• strong research, analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Business, or a related field
• 12-15+ years of progressive leadership experience in branding and communications, with 5+ years of people management
• experience with B2B client base, relationship-based sales approaches, C-suite clientele
• proven track record in developing and executing brand strategy at a firm-wide scale
• strong executive presence, with outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
• experience managing teams and complex projects with multiple stakeholders
• skill in managing change and communicating across a matrixed, multidisciplinary organization

The pay range listed aligns to the geography of the office for which this position is posted. Actual compensation will be based upon work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Individuals in this role working more than 24 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in HGA's robust benefit programs which include an annual bonus and success sharing bonus program, 401(k) guaranteed contribution, paid parental leave, medical, dental and life insurance plans as well as PTO and short- and long-term disability programs. Salary Range: $150,000 - 186,100

HGA is a place where you can do your best work. We believe that enduring, impactful design results from deep insight into the people and passions that animate each unique environment. We value empathy, are fueled by curiosity, and embrace the hard work that leads to innovation. Equally important is our commitment to creating a culture of inclusivity and diversity where we encourage your originality, respect the need for flexibility and work-life balance, and empower your desired career growth. HGA is a national award-winning interdisciplinary design firm rooted in architecture and engineering. Learn more about us here.

Equity

Equity is a living, breathing part of who we are and what we do at HGA. Our goal is to ensure that every employee brings their authentic self to work, feels a sense of belonging and works collaboratively to support each other.

Sustainability

We are committed to meeting our clients' sustainability goals as well as challenging our industry. We aim to develop the expertise and research to push beyond net zero energy to net positive energy; from a neutral effect on health, safety, and resources to a positive one. As the need and desire for sustainability environments grow, so does the focus on high-performance buildings with sound data that we can share back with clients and our design teams.