Director of Communications

Founded in 1919, KJ has always looked to the future. With a talented team of professionals and a culture of continuous improvement, we deliver exceptional engineering, environmental consulting, and construction management services, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Using advanced analytics, technology, and tools, KJ improves designs, reduces risk, and finds better ways to deliver projects from planning through construction.

KJ is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for clients, including green infrastructure design, strategies to reduce energy use and environmental impacts, award-winning water reuse projects, and efficient construction management practices that ensure quality, safety, and on-time delivery. We are known for our dedication to industry-leading client service and tailored solutions.

The Director of Communications leads Kennedy Jenks’s internal and external communications strategy, shaping how our story is told and experienced by employees, clients, and the broader industry. Working closely with senior leadership, this role drives clear, consistent, and compelling communications that advance our strategy, strengthen our culture, and support long-term growth.

As a key partner to the Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, CEO, and executive team, the Director of Communications translates strategy into narrative—helping leaders and employees understand the why, see their role in execution, and stay aligned as KJ evolves. This role also coaches senior leaders on using communication as a powerful leadership and engagement tool.

Strong executive presence, exceptional writing skills, and experience in the engineering or professional services industry are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and lead KJ’s communications strategy, ensuring consistent messaging across all internal and external audiences.
• Advise the CEO, Board, and senior leadership on strategic messaging, positioning, and communications opportunities.
• Own and evolve KJ’s brand, including voice, visual identity, and brand standards, to reflect a future-focused vision.
• Establish communications standards, editorial governance, and messaging frameworks across the organization.
• Direct visual and content strategy across platforms, including website, marketing materials, client deliverables, conferences, and social media.

• Lead executive and internal communications strategies that align leadership messaging with business priorities.
• Strengthen the employer brand through purpose-driven, transparent communication that fosters engagement and connection.
• Partner closely with leaders across KJ, challenging and refining thinking where needed to ensure clarity and alignment.
• Support KJ’s internal events (virtual and in-person) that inform, engage, and connect employees.
• Oversee editorial planning, content creation, and distribution of major internal communications.
• Leverage technology and data to modernize internal communications and enhance employee experience in a distributed work environment.

• Craft and activate compelling corporate narratives that clearly articulate KJ’s values through content, thought leadership, social media, events, and earned media.
• Position KJ as an employer of choice through innovative employer branding and recruitment-focused communications.
• Own KJ’s website, including content strategy, SEO, analytics, and ongoing updates.
• Lead social media strategy and content to support brand, talent, and business development goals.
• Develop regional communications strategies to support growth across geographies.
• Manage inbound communications, external inquiries, and targeted award submissions for staff and leadership.

• 15+ years of experience leading complex, integrated communications strategies
• Deep understanding of how PR, editorial, social, marketing, and thought leadership work together
• Proven ability to develop, execute, and measure high-impact communications programs
• Exceptional storytelling skills with a strong strategic lens
• Executive-level presence and comfort partnering with C-suite…