Internal Communications Leader
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.
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
Bachelor's degree in Marketing or related degree
Typically with 15+ years of experience in strategic global marketing communications, with a focus on internal engagement and organizational storytelling
Experience in InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator graphic software preferred
Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint preferred
Prior experience in the architecture / interior design industry preferred
Proven ability to work across and influence stakeholder groups, functional areas, geographies, and differing levels of seniority
Proven ability to manage complex events, communications programs, and executive relationships with discretion and professionalism
Successful track record with managing a team and performing duties in a fast-paced environment
Experience in logistics management including connecting people and resources to the right place at the right time
Excellent analytical skills with the ability to measure contribution to growth
Excellent attention to detail and commitment to excellence
Excellent editing and proofreading skills, with a keen eye for detail
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with all levels of staff and customers; ability to forge trusting relationships within a diverse team
Strong understanding of digital communication tools and employee engagement strategies
Strong presentation skills
Strong organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same time
Ability to define clear global standards and enable regional / local execution
Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities, markets, and technologies while maintaining strategic focus
Ability to confidently communicate with a wide variety of internal and external constituents
Ability to proactively problem solve and apply innovative solutions
Ability to work and collaborate in a team environment, and ability to work independently and prioritize work
Ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality
Travel may be required
Director Enterprise • Atlanta, GA, US