Senior Communications Manager

Portland, OR

Full Time

Communications and Public Relations

Senior Manager/Supervisor

ZGF is seeking a creative, strategic communicator to develop and drive a range of communications efforts for our busy Portland, Oregon office as a Senior Communication Manager. In this role, you will balance strategy and execution in equal parts, working closely with Portland office leadership and our firmwide Communications team to proactively elevate our projects and people. You will be responsible for managing the cycle of communications work for Portland’s design portfolio and thought leaders – liaising with external clients, crafting strategic promotion plans, leading media relations, drafting and project narratives and social media posts, owning award submissions, photoshoots, and more.

Who you are: someone with a strategic mindset who can deftly manage competing priorities, ask great questions, and make thoughtful recommendations – to clients, ZGF leadership, and other stakeholders – based on research and critical thinking. You bring a curiosity for all things design and architecture, and a storyteller’s nose for news. Your media-savvy approach and editorial relationships will ensure coverage for the firm and support strategic placement of ZGF stories across a range of local and national outlets. You can prioritize and keep simultaneous streams of work running smoothly from start to finish. The ability to thrive in ambiguity and think on your feet will be key to your success.

As a Senior Communications Manager, you will…

Strategic Communications Leadership

Work as a trusted advisor to office leadership.
Identify storylines for key projects and market sectors, aligning messaging and target audiences with objectives for ZGF’s business.
Develop and execute strategic communications plans that span a variety of tactics and channels to foster greater visibility of ZGF’s projects and people in the Portland market and across the U.S.
Cultivate relationships with client stakeholders and project partners, establish protocol for review and approval of materials, and ensure consistent and appropriate project messaging across ZGF channels.
Research local events and other visibility opportunities and provide recommendations to office leadership.

Media Relations

Develop and nurture relationships with local, regional and national media.
Secure features of ZGF’s projects, thought leadership and ideas, and people.
Develop key messaging, briefing docs, and other materials to prep ZGF spokespeople for media interviews.
Train ZGF spokespeople on media best practices.

Content

Collaborate with Portland Marketing and architecture and design teams to develop design narratives, blog posts, conference and award submissions, and other writing projects.
Support social media strategy for your office; identifying social media-worthy opportunities in Portland, developing and reviewing content for external sharing, and ensuring alignment with established protocol and client expectations.
Support content development for ZGF website, including project pages and blogs.

Photoshoot Planning

Own start-to-finish logistics for multiple architectural photoshoots per year. Depending on the year and projects completing, these vary from half-day shoots in town to multi-day shoots requiring travel.

Administration

Track architectural project timelines and major milestones for activation opportunities.
Manage trackers for content, awards and conference deadlines, media opportunities, and earned media.
Identify awards and conference opportunities for on-the-boards and completed projects.

People Management

Oversee work and professional development of the Portland Senior Communications Coordinator in partnership with firmwide Communications leads.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 7-8 years of experience in communications, public relations, or related field.
Agency experience strongly preferred.
People management experience strongly preferred.
Demonstrated organizational and project management skills.
Demonstrated experience in media relations and a strong understanding of the news cycle.
Demonstrated storytelling experience from inception of idea through to completed product.
Experience working with and serving as a trusted advisor to senior leadership.
Aptitude for providing structure and establishing workflows necessary to move work forward.
Excellent writing, editing, proofreading and research skills.
Proficiency in software programs including Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite is preferred.

Base Salary Range

$106,000/yr - $123,000/yr depending on skills and experience.

Benefits

ZGF Employees Enjoy Medical, Dental and Vision coverage with a generous employer contribution, HSA with employer contribution, 401k with employer match, 4 weeks of PTO and 10 paid holidays per year, paid parental and family leave programs.

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We know that great projects take more than a design team to become a reality. Whether you’re a finance professional, project manager, or specialist in another field, your expertise helps create a healthier, more equitable built environment. Studies show that women and people from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t check every box—your skills and experiences may be exactly what we need.

ZGF Architects is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate the unique qualities and perspectives that each individual brings to our team. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities to apply. Regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, we are excited to consider qualified candidates.

If you're ready to contribute to meaningful work, we invite you to submit your cover letter and resume online.

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