Public Relations Manager, Community

Overview:

Responsibilities:

• Partners with cross-functional teams to activate all relevant communication channels (e.g., conferences, in-office events, media relations, social media, HKS website, e-marketing) in support of integrated campaigns; represents PR in campaign planning to align earned media strategy, messaging, and timing with firmwide priorities

• Crafts integrated communication campaigns by understanding the firm’s business strategy, projects, research, and stories, translating these into measurable PR plans informed by market insights and business objectives

• Ensures all content aligns with HKS Brand messaging frameworks and supports thought-leadership storytelling

• Collaborates with Global PR team to raise the firm’s external visibility through editorial calendars, PR opportunities, and developing strong media relationships

• Mentors a high-performing global PR team and agency network with a focus on accountability, collaboration, and innovation

• Oversees goal setting and performance management for the PR function

• Develops a global measurement framework tying PR activity to brand and business KPIs

• Collaborates with Director of Events and office leadership for events that enhance client and community engagement while supporting PR visibility and campaign goals   

• Collaborates with global Marketing team by partnering with a team of writers, designers, producers, and strategists to support communication programs and ensure PR messaging is integrated across channels and creative touchpoints

• Evaluates opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, and advertising on an on-going basis

• Builds and maintains live dashboards that track earned media performance, sentiment, and ROI

• Delivers transparent, real-time reporting to executives via dashboards and quarterly briefings

• Champions the exploration of emerging tech, including AI tools for media monitoring, sentiment analysis, content generation, and workflow automation

• Collaborates with Market Insights to translate trends, competitive analysis, and client intelligence into proactive PR strategies

• Maintains a deep understanding of the firm’s business strategy and market drivers to ensure PR supports growth objectives

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related degree

• Typically, 7+ years of media relations, PR, journalism, or communications experience, preferably in design, architecture, real estate, professional services, or related industries

• Preferred experience supporting PR in a matrixed global organization or AEC industry experience

• Preferred AEC experience within any of the following industries: Health, Education, Life Science, Government

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint preferred

• Experience in logistics management including connecting people and resources to the right place at the right time 

• Familiarity with PR tools (e.g., Cision, Meltwater, Muck Rack), asset gathering, and newsroom workflows

• Familiarity with project management and workflow tools (e.g., Asana, Miro)

• Excellent writing, editing, interviewing, and communication skills

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to excellence

• Collaborative, proactive, and able to work confidently with senior leaders and subject matter experts

• Strong presentation skills

• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously

• Ability to manage team with diplomatic and collaborative leadership style which puts value on relationships and collaboration, both internal and external

• Ability to communicate and present ideas in a clear, concise, and professional manner both verbally and in writing

• Ability to proactively problem solve and apply innovative solutions

• Ability to work and collaborate in a team environment, and ability to work independently and prioritize work

• Ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality
• Travel may be required

If you currently work for HKS, please submit your application via the Internal Careers Portal.

HKS is an EEO/AA Employer: M/F/Disabled/Veteran