Sr External Communications Specialist

DPR Construction; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

DPR Construction in Phoenix is seeking a seasoned communications professional to develop and execute external communications plans, craft compelling content, and promote DPR’s stories across multiple channels, including press, digital, and social media. You will work with business leaders to translate complex projects into clear, credible narratives that advance our reputation.

You will partner with internal teams to identify key stories, manage media relations, and mentor junior staff, guiding

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements external communications plans for initiatives and projects.
• Leads drafting and editing of external materials including executive messaging and press releases.
• Cultivates and manages media relationships to support earned media strategies.
• Analyzes communication performance metrics and makes recommendations to improve reach and engagement.
• Mentors less experienced specialists, reviewing materials for quality and standards.
• Coordinates cross-functional contributions to ensure integrated communication outcomes.
• Ensures messaging aligns with organizational strategy, values, and compliance requirements.

Skills

External communications

Editing

Media relations

Strategic comms

Mentoring

Cross-functional collab

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, PR, journalism, marketing

APR or CMP certification

Job description

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.

DPR Construction is a forward-thinking, self-performing general contractor specializing in technically complex and sustainable projects for the advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education and commercial markets. Founded in 1990, DPR is a great story of entrepreneurial success as a private, employee-owned company that has grown into a multi-billion-dollar family of companies with offices around the world.

Working at DPR, you'll have the chance to try new things, explore unique paths and shape your future. Here, we build opportunity together-by harnessing our talents, enabling curiosity and pursuing our collective ambition to make the best ideas happen. We are proud to be recognized as a great place to work by our talented teammates and leading news organizations like U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, Fast Company and Newsweek.

Explore our open opportunities at www.dpr.com/careers.