Internal Communications Director
Responsible for leading strategy, planning and execution of firmwide internal communications, events, and cultural engagements. Connects employees across the globe to the firm's mission, strategy, and values through storytelling, experiences, and dialogue. Responsible for the design and execution of all internal communications programs - including CEO and leadership share-outs, organizational updates, educational content, events, and celebrations - ensuring that every touchpoint strengthens culture and alignment across HKS. Partners closely with the Communications, Events, Digital, and Brand COEs to create consistent, high-impact engagement experiences that foster pride, connection, and clarity. Also partners with other Enterprise functions such as Corporate Strategy, Human Resources, Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development to ensure key initiatives and messages are shared in the most impactful ways.
Responsibilities :
- Develops and executes a comprehensive internal communications strategy that informs, inspires, and unites employees around HKS's mission, values, and business priorities
- Translates firmwide strategy into clear, accessible communications that foster understanding and alignment across geographies and practices
- Defines a consistent narrative and editorial framework for all enterprise communications
- Serves as communications advisor to the CEO, President, and senior leaders for all internal messaging, events, and announcements
- Leads a team to develop talking points, scripts, and storytelling frameworks for executive presentations, all-hands meetings, and key share-outs
- Coaches leaders to communicate with authenticity, empathy, and impact
- Leads enterprise-wide culture initiatives that strengthen employee connection, belonging, and pride
- Partners with the Talent Team on communications and experiences tied to DEI, recognition, onboarding, and employee engagement programs
- Develops campaigns and cultural moments that celebrate people, milestones, and firm achievements
- Oversees firmwide internal events, including all-hands, town halls, leadership summits, end-of-year galas, and local office activations
- Collaborates with the Events COE and Brand COE to ensure experiences are aligned to firm values and visual identity
- Integrates digital and in-person experiences to reach global audiences effectively
- Oversees the internal communications ecosystem - intranet, Teams, newsletters, video content, digital signage, and other channels
- Establishes governance and content calendars to ensure coordinated and timely communication across the enterprise
- Partners with the Digital COE to evolve internal communications platforms and enhance digital engagement capabilities
- Defines KPIs for internal communications effectiveness (reach, comprehension, sentiment, participation)
- Uses analytics, surveys, and feedback loops to evaluate success and refine strategies
- Benchmarks best practices in communications, culture, and employee engagement to ensure continuous improvement
- Serves as communications lead for firmwide transformation initiatives - ensuring clarity, transparency, and empathy during change
- Partners with Talent, IT, and Practice Leadership to plan and execute change communications that drive understanding and adoption
- Models and holds others accountable to the firm's cultural values, including a commitment to quality, innovation, learning and growth
- Actively invests in the professional development of staff through mentoring, performance management and career planning
- Supports efforts in attracting, training, retaining, growing and recognizing diverse talent
- Manages conflict effectively and encourages a healthy team environment
- Fosters and maintains a collaborative professional working relationship with the project team, including promoting communication and creating approachability
- Takes personal responsibility for fostering a green workplace through sustainable work practices
- Collaborates to develop budgets and timelines of team projects in collaboration with Chief Marketing Officer and Marketing leadership
- May lead team in identifying and implementing cost savings ideas
- Collaborates in and is responsible for delivering projects on defined budget requirements
- Responsible for crafting a strong culture and internal identity for HKS that excites, engages and motivates all employees, while aligning the firm behind our core vision
- May collaborate on marketing campaigns with BD priorities and pipelines, ensuring consistency in messaging and targeting
- May collaborate on client pursuit strategies by contributing market insights, competitive intelligence, and differentiated messaging
- May equip BD teams with tailored content, insights, and positioning to strengthen client engagement and proposal success
- May support the business development process by identifying new opportunities and relationship building
Qualifications :
Bachelor's degree in Marketing or related degreeTypically with 15+ years of experience in strategic global marketing communications, with a focus on internal engagement and organizational storytellingExperience in InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator graphic software preferredProficiency in MS Office Suite, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint preferredPrior experience in the architecture / interior design industry preferredProven ability to work across and influence stakeholder groups, functional areas, geographies, and differing levels of seniorityProven ability to manage complex events, communications programs, and executive relationships with discretion and professionalismSuccessful track record with managing a team and performing duties in a fast-paced environmentExperience in logistics management including connecting people and resources to the right place at the right timeExcellent analytical skills with the ability to measure contribution to growthExcellent attention to detail and commitment to excellenceExcellent editing and proofreading skills, with a keen eye for detailExcellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with all levels of staff and customers; ability to forge trusting relationships within a diverse teamStrong understanding of digital communication tools and employee engagement strategiesStrong presentation skillsStrong organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same timeAbility to define clear global standards and enable regional / local executionAbility to adapt quickly to changing priorities, markets, and technologies while maintaining strategic focusAbility to confidently communicate with a wide variety of internal and external constituentsAbility to proactively problem solve and apply innovative solutionsAbility to work and collaborate in a team environment, and ability to work independently and prioritize workAbility to effectively meet deadlines at expected qualityTravel may be requiredBase Salary Range : $115k to $175k annually - Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, Seattle, and Washington DC locations only. The estimate displayed represents the general base salary range of candidates hired in the above locations only. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. HKS offers a comprehensive total compensation & benefits package with health, dental, and vision care coverage, 401(k) plans, life & AD&D insurance, short / long term disability plans, paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, vacation), and much more for benefits-eligible employees. To learn more about our benefits visit this page.
Application Deadline : 1 / 1 / 2026
If you currently work for HKS, please submit your application via the Internal Careers Portal.
HKS is an EEO / AA Employer : M / F / Disabled / Veteran
HKS is an EEO / Affirmative Action Employer and committed to a policy of non-discrimination in all employment practices including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, advancement, compensation, and termination.