We are looking for a Communications Director for our London studio (DCAL). This is not a conventional communications role; the ideal candidate should have a strong visual sense and while an architect could be a good fit, it is not an absolute requirement.
About the role
As Communications Director, you will take on a role created to reinforce how we think about our work and how we communicate our ideas and thinking. It will involve both strategic oversight and hands-on involvement.
In close collaboration with the senior leadership team, you will foster a culture of critical thinking, enhancing project development, client engagement and directly contribute to shaping the practice’s identity. As part of a broader collective effort, you will direct the studio’s approach to written and graphic project communications, ensuring design narrative is compelling, cohesive, and consistent.
In addition, you will lead a team responsible for written and graphic communication, press and archive, guiding them through the creative process and ensuring that all communications—whether internal or external—are aligned with DCAL’s strategic objectives and build on the practice’s ethos.
Responsibilities
— Creative Direction: Work alongside the Studio Directors to direct the studio’s attitude to shaping, executing and communicating the work during the life of a project.
— Strategic Stewardship: Cultivate critical thinking across the practice, including supporting disciplines such as Graphics, Drawings and Visualisation, to shape a positive and energetic internal culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement.
— Leadership: You will have individual responsibilities and decision-making authority, but will also work collaboratively with fellow Directors, reporting to one another as a group and making key decisions together in the best interests of the practice.
— Communication Team Management: Foster a collaborative team culture, encouraging innovation and process adherence. Manage a team handling written and graphic communication, press and archive. Collaborate with the New Projects team to provide regular guidance and informed support.
— External Relations: Work closely with project and client teams to oversee project launches, milestones and completions. Oversee press strategy, press releases, responses to media inquiries, and manage publications. Coordinate proactive publication of practice activities through traditional and social media.
— DCA Group collaboration: Lead coordination of DCAL communications with the DCA Group, ensuring consistency across the internal digital library, website, and social media channels.
Skills and Experience
— Architectural design process: Understanding how ideas are shaped, executed and communicated, with the ability to apply this knowledge in various project contexts.
— Creative leader: Driving transformative change through collaboration and mentorship.
— Editorial narrative: Distilling complex ideas into engaging, accessible content, utilising editorial expertise to guide the creation of dynamic storyboards and narratives.
— Communication and influence: Tailoring communication to diverse audiences, cultivating relationships, and using influencing skills to drive initiatives forward.
— Connecting to broader contexts: Articulating the connection and relevance of architectural ideas within wider political, social, environmental, and arts-related contexts.
What we offer
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the way we approach and communicate our work. Our studio offers a dynamic and creative environment, supported by a talented and dedicated team of 100 staff members who are committed to environmental and social sustainability.
In addition to a stimulating work culture, we provide a range of employee benefits, including private health insurance, a cycle-to-work scheme, a cash health plan, employer pension contributions, an employee assistance plan, and enhanced maternity and paternity leave. For candidates who need to relocate to London, we also offer visa assistance.
Our flexible core hours policy allows you to customise your working day, and we also offer the opportunity to work abroad for up to 30 days a year.
Shaping the role
During the interview process, we will welcome your ideas on how to shape and develop this new role. Your perspective will be highly valued as we collaborate to define its impact and potential within the practice.
To apply please upload a letter of introduction and a CV as pdf files with a maximum size of 15 MB via our online portal.