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Ware Malcomb is hiring: Public Relations & Communications Leader in Irvine

Ware Malcomb · Irvine, CA, USA ·

Pay:
$100,000-$130,000/yr
Job type:
Full Time

Role Overview by Level



  • Manager level: Owns core PR and communications initiatives and executes programs aligned with firmwide strategy, with accountability for results and day‑to‑day delivery.

  • Director level: Provides broader strategic leadership and oversight, including governance, long‑range planning and executive advisory responsibilities.


Your Role



  • Develop and execute integrated PR and communications plans aligned with firmwide strategy, brand positioning and business objectives.

  • Oversee external communications, including media relations, press strategy, social media, email marketing, awards and speaking opportunities.

  • Lead PR campaigns and initiatives tied to strategic priorities; track editorial calendars and identify proactive visibility opportunities.

  • Serve as a key member of the crisis communications team, drafting response materials and following escalation and approval protocols to ensure timely, effective messaging.

  • Establish KPIs, benchmark performance and report outcomes; translate insights into recommendations and continuous optimization.

  • Manage agencies and external partners (PR firms, writers, photographers, freelancers), including scopes, budgets, timelines and success criteria.

  • Collaborate closely with Visual Brand, Marketing Leadership and cross‑functional partners on website strategy, SEO alignment, planning and budgeting.

  • Support firmwide storytelling through press materials, thought leadership content, awards submissions and digital channels.

  • Prepare spokespeople for interviews and media engagement; support leadership with messaging, talking points, Q&A and presentations.

  • Contribute hands‑on execution when needed to ensure quality, consistency and deadlines are met.


Additional Responsibilities (Director Level)



  • Lead annual communications planning, KPI frameworks, playbooks, budgeting and team development.

  • Set governance for messaging, approvals and escalation; steward reputation management across regions and markets.

  • Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on high‑visibility, complex, or sensitive initiatives.

  • Represent PR & Communications in leadership forums and cross‑firm planning efforts.

  • Optimize the operating model (processes, tools and partner ecosystem) to enable scale, consistency and measurable impact.

  • Lead, mentor and develop PR & Communications team members, fostering growth, accountability and performance.


Qualifications



  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or a related field (or equivalent experience).

  • Demonstrated experience leading firmwide public relations and communications programs.

  • Strong media relations background with a track record of securing high‑impact coverage.

  • Experience partnering with senior leaders and multidisciplinary teams.

  • Proven ability to manage high visibility communications initiatives and work effectively with agencies and vendors.

  • Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into clear, engaging narratives.

  • Strong project management skills, including prioritization across competing deadlines.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365 tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, OneNote).

  • Experience in Architecture/Engineering, Construction, Real Estate or professional services strongly preferred.


Experience by Level (Guidelines)



  • Manager: 5–7 years in PR/comms (AEC or professional services strongly preferred)

  • Senior Manager: 7–10+ years with program leadership and executive support

  • Director: 10–15+ years with strategic leadership, issues/crisis experience and team management


Skills



  • Strong leadership, collaboration and mentorship capabilities (as appropriate by level)

  • Excellent communication, judgment and stakeholder‑management skills

  • Issues management and crisis readiness (scope varies by level)

  • High attention to detail, discretion and accountability

  • Positive, proactive and highly collaborative working style

  • Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment

  • Operational rigor across workflows, approvals, calendars and reporting.


$100,000 - $130,000 a year. This full‑time, long‑term position includes bonus eligibility. The compensation range may be exceeded for highly qualified candidates.


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