Director, Strategic Communications — Architecture & Design

Empregara; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Chapter is a strategic communications consultancy based in New York, seeking an experienced Director to lead client relationships, craft communications strategies, and oversee PR, marketing, and editorial initiatives across our architecture and design portfolio.

You will manage multiple accounts, guide editorial materials, and mentor teams while identifying opportunities for growth and new business development in the architecture and design media landscape.

Qualifications

• BA/MA in Architectural History, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Studies, Art History, Communications, or related field.
• 5-7 years of agency experience focusing on architecture, landscape architecture, interiors, design.
• Demonstrated experience leading client relationships and independently developing and managing communications strategies.
• Established relationships with writers, editors, journalists, and publications across architecture, design, art, culture, and general interest media.
• Excellent communication skills with strong editorial sensibility and ability to develop compelling narratives around design, people, projects, and ideas.
• Experience managing multiple accounts, projects, and competing priorities.
• Mentoring and directing team members with ability to delegate and give feedback.
• Strong understanding of architecture/design media landscape and related publications.
• Genuine interest in architecture, landscape, interiors, design, art, and culture.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with systems for managing accounts, teams, and deliverables.
• Proactive, entrepreneurial approach to identifying opportunities and growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a portfolio of client accounts, serving as a primary point of contact and trusted strategic advisor.
• Develop a strong understanding of each client's business, goals, projects, and priorities, and translate these into actionable communications strategies.
• Direct and create comprehensive PR, communications, and marketing strategies for clients, identifying opportunities for media coverage, thought leadership, awards, partnerships, events, and broader profile-building initiatives.
• Develop and execute media strategies, identify editorial opportunities, pitch projects and stories, and cultivate relationships with key writers, editors, journalists, and publications across architecture, design, art, culture, business, and general interest media.
• Oversee the development of editorial materials, including project descriptions, press releases, award submissions, leadership biographies, op-eds, web texts, presentations, and other communications materials.
• Ensure that all written materials reflect a strong editorial perspective and clearly articulate each client's identity and work.
• Provide ongoing strategic guidance to clients, helping identify communications priorities, shape narratives, evaluate opportunities, and navigate challenges.
• Lead client meetings, establish agendas and priorities, and ensure clear follow-through on agreed-upon initiatives.
• Support account teams, delegating responsibilities, providing editorial and strategic guidance, reviewing work, and ensuring high-quality delivery within timelines.
• Identify opportunities to expand Chapter's relationships and services with existing clients, contribute to new business development, participate in prospect meetings, and help develop proposals and scopes of work.
• Maintain a strong understanding of architecture, landscape architecture, interiors, design, art, and cultural media, as well as industry developments and comparable firms.
• Guide social media and digital communications strategies for clients and Chapter, including editorial direction, content planning, copy development, and opportunities to strengthen online presence.
• Oversee award strategies and submissions, managing calendars and deadlines, and guiding submission materials.
• Establish and maintain systems for account management, media research, project tracking, client reporting, and internal communications.
• Contribute to Chapter's media database, institutional knowledge, and internal processes.

Skills

Client relationships

Editorial storytelling

Strategic communications

Project management

Team leadership

Business development

Education

BA/MA in Architecture/Design/Related field

Job description

Chapter is a strategic communications consultancy based in New York, seeking an experienced Director to lead client relationships, craft communications strategies, and oversee PR, marketing, and editorial initiatives across our architecture and design portfolio.

You will manage multiple accounts, guide editorial materials, and mentor teams while identifying opportunities for growth and new business development in the architecture and design media landscape.