Public Relations Director

Gensler; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Gensler's Northwest Region is seeking an experienced and strategic communications leader to direct public relations, executive communications, thought leadership, and reputation management across one of the firm's most innovative and influential regions.

This role will serve as a trusted advisor to regional leadership and drive integrated communications strategies that elevate Gensler's brand, market leadership, and business priorities throughout the Bay Area, Seattle, and emerging Northwest

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in public relations or strategic communications, with leadership experience.
• Experience developing and leading communications strategies for complex organizations.
• Proven track record advising senior executives on communications strategy and reputation management.
• Strong media relationships across business, design, real estate, and technology.
• Exceptional writing, editing, presentation, and storytelling skills.
• Experience managing communications during sensitive business or reputational situations.
• Ability to lead multiple complex initiatives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field; advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an integrated communications strategy for the Northwest Region with leadership.
• Establish annual communications priorities supporting regional objectives and market positioning.
• Shape strategic narratives elevating Gensler's leadership in design, innovation, and sustainability.
• Serve as senior advisor to regional leadership and business leaders.
• Lead executive communications, thought leadership, and guide messaging frameworks.
• Counsel leaders on communication strategies to enhance visibility and influence.
• Direct media relations strategy and guide opportunities at regional and national levels.
• Mentor the Northwest communications team and collaborate with regional partners.
• Define regional KPIs and report outcomes to leadership.

Skills

Public relations leadership

Executive communications

Media relations

Strategic thinking

Crisis communications

Team leadership

Storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

General Information

• Posting Date: 09-04-2026
• Time Type: Full-Time
• Job ID: 8997
• Areas of Expertise: Public Relations
• Job Category: Marketing, Communications, Public Relations

Locations

San Francisco, CA, US

Description

Gensler's Northwest Region is seeking an experienced and strategic communications leader to direct public relations, executive communications, thought leadership, and reputation management across one of the firm's most innovative and influential regions. This role will serve as a trusted advisor to regional leadership and drive integrated communications strategies that elevate Gensler's brand, market leadership, and business priorities throughout the Bay Area, Seattle, and emerging Northwest markets.

Your Role

The Public Relations Director leads the Northwest Region's communications strategy, working closely with Regional Managing Principals, Office Managing Directors, Practice Area Leaders, Regional Marketing Leadership, and the communications team to identify opportunities that strengthen Gensler's regional presence and industry influence.

As the senior communications leader for the region, you will shape positioning, guide thought leadership priorities, and oversee a team responsible for public relations, awards, and, social media. You will establish communications priorities that align with business goals while ensuring consistent messaging across offices, practices, and market sectors.

This role calls for a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills, sound business judgment, and a deep understanding of the design, real estate, and innovation landscape in the Northwest.

What You Will Do

Regional Communications Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and lead an integrated communications strategy for the Northwest Region in partnership with regional and office leadership.
• Establish annual communications priorities that support regional business objectives, growth opportunities, and market positioning.
• Identify and shape strategic narratives that elevate Gensler's leadership in design, innovation, sustainability, workplace, cities, and emerging market sectors.
• Serve as the senior communications advisor to regional leadership and key business leaders.

Executive Communications & Thought Leadership

• Lead executive communications strategy for Regional Managing Principals, Office Managing Directors, and practice leaders.
• Develop executive positioning, messaging frameworks, strategic presentations, keynote narratives, and high-profile communications.
• Guide the region's thought leadership agenda, ensuring alignment with Gensler's firmwide priorities and regional business opportunities.
• Counsel leaders on communication strategies that enhance visibility, influence, and industry leadership.

Media Relations & Reputation Management

• Direct media relations strategy and provide guidance on high-impact regional and national opportunities.
• Hold and build relationships with top-tier business, design, real estate, technology, and innovation media.
• Advise leadership on reputational risk, crisis communications, and issues management.
• Monitor regional and industry trends to identify opportunities and potential communications risks.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Northwest communications team, fostering professional growth and strategic excellence.
• Establish priorities and workflows for communications initiatives across PR, awards, social media, content, and visual storytelling functions.
• Partner closely with regional marketing, business development, and practice area leaders to ensure PR efforts support client and business objectives.
• Represent the Northwest Region within Gensler's firmwide communications and public relations network.

Measurement & Business Impact

• Define regional communications KPIs and evaluate performance against business and brand objectives.
• Leverage data and insights to optimize communications programs and inform future investment and strategy.
• Report outcomes, trends, and strategic recommendations to regional leadership.

Your Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, executive communications, or strategic communications, including significant leadership and team management experience.
• Experience developing and leading communications strategies for complex organizations, preferably within architecture, design, commercial real estate, professional services, technology, or related industries.
• Proven track record advising senior executives and business leaders on communications strategy and reputation management.
• Strong media relationships and experience securing high-impact business, design, real estate, and innovation coverage.
• Exceptional writing, editing, presentation, and storytelling skills.
• Experience managing communications during sensitive business or reputational situations.
• Ability to lead multiple complex initiatives while operating in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated success building and developing high-performing teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

**The base salary will be estimated between $155-185k plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience. To learn more about our compensation philosophy and full benefits offerings, please visit Great People, Great Rewards | Gensler

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to "Well-being Awareness Week", our offices reflect our people's diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm's commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state and local law.

Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with federal, state and local law.

See also Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal, right to work and E-verify program, as required by law.

Gensler endeavors to make gensler.com/careers accessible to all applicants. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us.

Regarding Gensler's approach to recruiting new talent, we will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process. We advise all applicants seeking employment with Gensler to review available information on recruitment fraud. Anyone who suspects that they have been contacted by someone falsely representing Gensler should email [e-mail].