About the Role
At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things. Success at SOM Means Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm. Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge. Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work. Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm. Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential. Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work. Position Responsibilities Supports the Communications Manager and Leadership in the advancement of new initiatives in line with SOM’s global communications strategy. Helps lead the creation of project storytelling, narratives, press kits, and related content. Leads the preparation of award submittals, including the coordination of graphics and narrative production as well as attendance at awards ceremonies. Assist with external events and speaking opportunities including research, organization and producing presentation/lecture content. Oversees and maintains SOM’s media and press clipping database. Assists in liaising with the media. Coordinates internal communications initiatives and events. Liaising with Internal Communications Manager about local activity and content Producing content for local Townhall Assists in developing content for SOM.com and SOM social media channels. Maintains internal databases for project milestones, images, and data. Coordinates with the Visual Team to document projects, people, and office events as needed. Supporting with producing photography briefs Reviewing and organizing visual assets Ensuring materials are shared and stored appropriately across teams Performs other responsibilities as may be required for the position. The Communications Specialist role is a full-time role as set out above. This is not intended to be all inclusive and other duties may be required. It is important that the job holder recognizes this and adopts a flexible approach to the role. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, graphic design, architecture, or other related field of study. Minimum of 3 years of experience in public relations, marketing, communications, or related journalism Interest in architecture, engineering, and/or design. Ability to work accurately and effectively in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work positively and collaboratively with leadership and colleagues representing different points of view. Able to execute and prioritize project tasks efficiently and accurately. Keen attention to detail. Excellent problem-solving, multi-tasking, time management and organizational skills. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment. Exceptionally strong visual/design skills used for developing collateral materials. Exceptional written and verbal English communication skills, with demonstrated confidence and clarity in professional writing. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign SOM offers opportunities to work on transformational projects, competitive salaries, health insurance, wellness, retirement and financial and other work/life plans. At SOM, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We believe an inclusive environment benefits our employees, our firm, and our community, while also enriching and challenging our own thinking about design. We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Visit this page to learn more about SOM's employment policy and how to apply offline: www.som.com/employment_opportunities_and_policy For more about SOM: www.som.com Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is a global practice of architects, engineers, and planners renowned for designing buildings, interiors, and public spaces that push the boundaries of technical and environmental innovation. Our interdisciplinary teams collaborate across an international network of studios to deliver projects of lasting impact. Through our built work, research, and advocacy, we are advancing strategies to decarbonize the built environment. Learn more about our commitment to climate action. Working at SOM Our practice was built to champion inclusivity of expertise, people, and ideas. Together, we cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset that equips our teams to face new challenges. Our studio culture offers opportunities for mentorship, growth, and leadership across project teams, offices, and employee resource groups. SOM is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, and we have been recognized with the highest ranking awarded on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index. We publish an annual Impact Report as part of our ongoing commitment to advancing equity in our practice and the profession. Our Benefits Our comprehensive benefits package is built to support many facets of your well-being—your health, your financial future, and your continued professional growth. We offer medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and accident insurance. We also offer retirement support, free access to employee assistance programs for employees and family members, workplace flexibility, paid holidays, family leave, and paid time off. We reimburse costs for professional licenses, certifications, and exams, and offer specialized, in-house career development and mentorship programs designed to help you advance your knowledge and expertise. Notice to Applicants Portfolios must be submitted for all design positions (Architecture, Interiors, Planning, etc). Applications without work samples will not be reviewed. Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB. Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks you for your Resume or CV. Learn more about SOM's employment policy and how to apply offline here.