Employee Communications & Engagement Specialist

Austin Grill LLC; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision

401(k), matched up to 4%

Paid Time Off

Short and Long Term Disability

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Referral Program

Pet Insurance

Discounts: Hotels, Travel, Tickets, 55

Job summary

Thompson Hospitality is seeking a Communications Specialist to join the Employee Engagement team. You will craft engaging internal communications, publish the corporate newsletter, manage recognition programs, and coordinate onboarding communications for Home Office associates.

The role emphasizes storytelling, culture-building, and cross-functional collaboration to keep associates informed and connected across divisions, with a strong focus on brand standards and employee appreciation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, HR, Public Relations or related field preferred.
• 2–4 years in internal communications or employee engagement.
• Excellent written, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities with attention to detail.
• Experience creating newsletters and employee communications using Microsoft Office and digital platforms.
• Experience with UKG or other HCM systems is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Professional, collaborative, and customer-service oriented.

Responsibilities

• Develop and distribute engaging internal communications to keep associates informed and connected.
• Publish the company's corporate newsletter featuring updates, stories, achievements, and events.
• Manage the Team Member of the Month recognition program and related communications materials.
• Send welcome communications for new Home Office associates.
• Prepare and distribute company-wide promotion announcements.
• Administer the Service Awards program recognizing milestones.
• Update the UKG Home Page Gadgets with timely news and resources.
• Collaborate with HR, Talent Acquisition, Marketing, and Operations to promote initiatives.
• Ensure communications reflect Thompson Hospitality's culture, mission, and brand standards.
• Assist with planning employee appreciation events and recognition initiatives.
• Track communication effectiveness and propose improvements.

Skills

Editing

Storytelling

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Customer-service oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Bachelor's degree in Marketing

Tools

Microsoft Office

Canva

Digital communication platforms

UKG (HCM)

Job description

Thompson Hospitality is seeking a Communications Specialist to join the Employee Engagement team. You will craft engaging internal communications, publish the corporate newsletter, manage recognition programs, and coordinate onboarding communications for Home Office associates.

The role emphasizes storytelling, culture-building, and cross-functional collaboration to keep associates informed and connected across divisions, with a strong focus on brand standards and employee appreciation.