Sr External Communications Specialist

DPR Construction; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Wellness programs

Job summary

DPR Construction seeks a Sr External Communications Specialist to lead external storytelling, editorial strategy and media engagement from its Pasadena office. You will craft executive messaging, manage complex content across channels, and align activities with brand and business goals.

You’ll partner with marketing and project teams, mentor junior staff, analyze performance metrics, and drive process improvements while maintaining compliance and a strong reputation for integrity and results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in communications, journalism, or related field.
• APR or CMP certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes external communications plans with partners.
• Leads drafting and editing of executive messaging, feature stories, and press releases.
• Cultivates relationships with media, industry partners, and community organizations.
• Analyzes performance metrics and recommends improvements.
• Mentors less experienced specialists and ensures quality and compliance.

Skills

Writing

Editing

Media relations

Storytelling

Content creation

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

APR or CMP certification preferred

Job description

## Sr External Communications SpecialistApply: Newport Beach, CA: San Diego, CA: Phoenix, AZ: Pasadena, CA: Full time: Posted Today: JR-17389## **Job Description****At DPR, roles and responsibilities are more than describing a job title—they are a commitment to building great things together. The job description(s) below defines core responsibilities and the scope of the role and is a starting point. Every employee is expected to lead from where they are, take ownership of outcomes, and always act in the best interest of the team, customer, project and organization.** **As a purpose-driven organization on a journey to be most admired, we rely on trust, shared leadership, open communication, disciplined action and a deep respect for the individual to drive exceptional performance. Success is not just about what we build, but who we build and how we build it: with integrity, enjoyment, uniqueness and an ever-forward mindset.****Job Summary:** Develops and executes external communications plans that enhance organizational reputation and visibility. Leads the creation of advanced content and storytelling across multiple channels, applying expert writing and editing skills to ensure alignment with brand and business objectives. Partners with internal teams to identify and promote key stories, initiatives, and thought leadership opportunities. Provides guidance to peers and contributes to process improvements and best practices within the communications function. **Key Responsibilities:** Develops and implements communications plans for specific initiatives, campaigns, or projects in collaboration with business and Communications + Brand partners. Leads drafting and editing of complex external materials, including executive messaging, feature stories, and press releases. Cultivates and manages relationships with external media, industry partners, and community organizations to support earned media strategies. Analyzes communication performance metrics and develops recommendations for improving message reach and engagement. Mentors less experienced specialists, reviewing materials to ensure quality and adherence to organizational standards. Coordinates cross-functional contributions to ensure integrated communication outcomes. Ensures alignment of all messaging and materials with organizational strategy, values, and compliance requirements. **Education Qualifications:** Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience required. **Work Experience:** 5–7 years of experience in communications, journalism, or a related field required. **Certifications and Licenses:** APR or CMP certification preferred.This role partners with construction and marketing teams on project communications plans, proactively pitches stories, builds reporter relationships, and manages routine media inquiries. The specialist also manages business journal surveys and award submissions recognizing employees and construction projects through business and trade publications.**Anticipated starting pay range:**$90,000.00- $120,000.00***Nothing is more important than your health and wellness. DPR offers a variety of medical, dental, vision and wellness benefits to keep you healthy. Read more about eligibility and available benefits programs******for*** skilled craft and labor or experienced professionals and recent graduates.