Senior Communications Associate

Walbridge; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Walbridge, based at its Detroit headquarters, seeks a Senior Communications Associate to lead internal and external messaging, elevating the Walbridge brand. The role collaborates with marketing and comms teams to support media relations, executive communications, internal comms, and crisis response.

The ideal candidate has strong writing, PR, and journalism background. The position is onsite in Detroit, with occasional travel for events and jobsite visits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related role.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing both internal and external communications strategies.
• Media relations experience, including pitching stories, managing press inquiries, and building relationships with journalists and industry contacts.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

Responsibilities

• Builds and manages relationships with journalists, editors, and industry contacts; proactively identifies and pitches stories to secure earned media coverage.
• Drafts, edits, and distributes press releases and media statements; manages media inquiries and interview logistics and prepares key messages for spokespeople.
• Writes executive communications, including talking points, and briefing documents, and helps prepare leadership for speaking engagements and public appearances.
• Manages internal communications planning and execution, including leadership messages, change communications, and content for internal channels.
• Serves as a backup on issues and crisis communications, drafting holding statements and helping coordinate rapid response alongside the Senior Corporate Communications Manager.
• Partners with the Senior Marketing Communications Associate and Social Media Manager to align messaging across press, social, internal, and marketing channels, and to elevate media stories across multiple platforms.
• Tracks and reports on media coverage and the performance of communications initiatives, using data to inform strategy and recommendations.
• Leads or supports special projects, presentations, and other communications, marketing and special events and initiatives.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Media relations

Press writing

Editing

Public speaking

Project management

Leadership

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/PR/Journalism

Tools

PR Newswire

Cision

Business Wire

Microsoft Office

Canva

Generative AI tools

Job description

Overview

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Communications Associate to help drive the organization's internal and external communications to ensure unified and consistent messaging that strengthens and elevates Walbridge’s brand.

The ideal candidate is proactive, can work independently, and has a strong background in communications, PR, or journalism. This role works closely the other members of the marketing and communications team to support media relations, executive communications, and internal communications, and serves as a backup for issues and crisis communications and to keep messaging aligned across multiple channels.

Location

This position is based at our headquarters in Detroit, Michigan. The ideal candidate must be available to work onsite at our HQ on a regular basis. Occasional travel may be required for off-site events, jobsite visits, and meetings.

Responsibilities

Your key responsibilities

• Builds and manages relationships with journalists, editors, and industry contacts; proactively identifies and pitches stories to secure earned media coverage.
• Drafts, edits, and distributes press releases and media statements; manages media inquiries and interview logistics and prepares key messages for spokespeople.
• Writes executive communications, including talking points, and briefing documents, and helps prepare leadership for speaking engagements and public appearances.
• Manages internal communications planning and execution, including leadership messages, change communications, and content for internal channels.
• Serves as a backup on issues and crisis communications, drafting holding statements and helping coordinate rapid response alongside the Senior Corporate Communications Manager.
• Partners with the Senior Marketing Communications Associate and Social Media Manager to align messaging across press, social, internal, and marketing channels, and to elevate media stories across multiple platforms.
• Tracks and reports on media coverage and the performance of communications initiatives, using data to inform strategy and recommendations.
• Leads or supports special projects, presentations, and other communications, marketing and special events and initiatives.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To qualify for this role, you must have

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• 5 or more years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related role.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing both internal and external communications strategies.
• Media relations experience, including pitching stories, managing press inquiries, and building relationships with journalists and industry contacts.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

Technical Proficiency

• Advanced proficiency with PR/media intelligence platforms for media monitoring, media list building, and outreach
• Advanced proficiency using and optimizing press release distribution services (e.g., PR Newswire, Cision, Business Wire) to maximize reach, targeting, and media pickup for company announcements.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint).
• Proficiency with generative AI tools (Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, Claude, or similar) to support research, drafting, content optimization, and daily productivity.
• Experience with Canva to design and produce polished, on-brand marketing and communications materials that maintain brand consistency.

Skills and Attributes

• Exercise sound judgment and composure under pressure, with the ability to manage sensitive or time-critical communications with minimal oversight and represents the communications function with minimal oversight.
• Experience presenting to or advising senior leadership.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and mentor other team members as needed.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines at once with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative approach and confidence working across the marketing and communications team as well as with leadership and cross-functional partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the AEC or professional services industries
• Familiarity with rebranding initiatives
• Video content development or podcast/series production experience

EEO/AA Employer M/F/D/V

Walbridge is an equal opportunity employer with a culture that promotes diversity in the workforce. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, military or protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, promotions, and termination.