Chief Communications & Brand Strategist

Benesch; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth

Retirement plan

Flexible schedule

Paid time off

Parental leave

Mentorship

Job summary

Benesch seeks a Communications Director to lead company-wide communications, connecting employees, clients, and communities with a compelling voice and brand. You will shape strategy, advise executives, and lead a team to manage internal and external communications, digital channels, and thought leadership.

The role emphasizes storytelling, branding, and analytics to measure impact, with a hybrid work model and opportunities to engage across the AEC industry.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, marketing communications, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated communications strategies across internal and external audiences.
• Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and content development skills, with the ability to translate complex business, technical, and strategic topics into clear and compelling communications.
• Demonstrated experience advising executive leadership and senior business leaders on strategic communications.
• Experience leading and developing communications or marketing professionals and coordinating specialized teams or external partners.
• Strong understanding of brand strategy, positioning, reputation management, and integrated marketing communications.
• Experience managing corporate websites, digital communications, social media, and content strategy.
• Experience developing thought leadership content and positioning technical experts and business leaders as industry voices.
• Experience with internal communications strategies and communicating company strategy, organizational changes, culture, and employee initiatives.
• Experience with media relations and building relationships with industry publications and other external media outlets.
• Strong understanding of communications and digital analytics with the ability to use data and insights to evaluate effectiveness and improve programs.
• Strong business acumen and ability to connect communications strategies and priorities to broader business objectives.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, relationship-building, and influencing skills with the ability to work effectively across functions and organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with executive leadership, technical professionals, and employees at all levels of the organization.
• Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an integrated, company-wide communications strategy aligned with business objectives and brand.
• Strengthen Benesch's reputation, visibility, and market position within the AEC industry and communities served.
• Serve as a strategic communications advisor to executive leadership and leaders across the organization.
• Lead stewardship of the Benesch brand and ensure consistent voice and messaging.
• Lead website, digital channels, and social media strategy and development.
• Develop and execute communications strategies that explain strategy, performance, culture, and initiatives to employees.
• Oversee internal company-wide communications across offices and geographies.
• Partner with leadership on communications for initiatives, organizational changes, and employee programs.
• Partner with technical experts and business leaders to develop thought leadership content.
• Lead media relations and increase visibility through publications and events.
• Oversee website content, messaging, UX, and ongoing content strategy with internal/external resources.
• Coordinate campaigns across internal/external comms, digital platforms, and social channels.
• Identify emerging digital tools and practices to improve audience reach.
• Establish measures of effectiveness and use analytics to improve programs.
• Lead and mentor communications team members and coordinate work with external partners.
• Foster collaboration, creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement across the function.
• Represent Benesch at industry events and professional organizations.

Skills

Strategic communications leadership

Storytelling

Executive advisory

Media relations

Digital and social media

Analytics and measurement

Leadership and mentorship

Cross-functional collaboration

Brand strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications or related field

Tools

Content management systems (CMS)

Social media management tools

Website analytics tools

Job description

Benesch seeks a Communications Director to lead company-wide communications, connecting employees, clients, and communities with a compelling voice and brand. You will shape strategy, advise executives, and lead a team to manage internal and external communications, digital channels, and thought leadership.

The role emphasizes storytelling, branding, and analytics to measure impact, with a hybrid work model and opportunities to engage across the AEC industry.