Communications Strategist, Market Insights

HKS, Inc.•Raleigh, NC

About The Position

Acts as a strategic thinker and skilled storyteller who plays a critical role in how HKS identifies, develops and shares its expertise with the market. Combining the instincts of a journalist with the perspective of a communications strategist, this role uncovers compelling ideas, insights and narratives across the firm that strengthen HKS’s brand and thought leadership. Serving as an internal “beat reporter,” this role builds relationships across practices and geographies to uncover expertise, research and project insights that often remain embedded within organizational silos. Monitors developments across the industries HKS serves, connecting emerging trends to the firm’s work and perspective. Self-starter, able to influence and drive change, to deal with ambiguity and to demonstrate results to the business. Teaches and mentors staff and effectively embodies and expresses the firm’s values and mission.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, English, Marketing, Architecture, Urban Studies or a related field
Typically with 8-10+ years of experience in journalism, strategic communications, industry analysis, thought leadership or related roles
Proficiency in InDesign
Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint preferred
Proven experience translating complex industry topics into clear, compelling narratives or strategic insights
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with leadership, designers and subject-matter experts across a global organization
Strong organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same time in a fast-paced, matrixed environment
Strong writing, editing and presentation skills; able to articulate insights clearly in written and verbal formats
Strong attention to detail and commitment to excellence
Ability to connect disparate signals into coherent points of view with exceptional curiosity
Ability to manage team with diplomatic and collaborative leadership style which puts value on relationships and collaboration, both internal and external
Ability to communicate and present ideas in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing
Ability to proactively problem solve and apply innovative solutions
Ability to collaborate and encourage collaboration in a team environment, and ability to work independently and prioritize work
Ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality

Nice To Haves

Experience in editorial strategy strongly preferred
Experience in Photoshop, Illustrator and Sketchup graphic software preferred
Familiarity with architecture, design, real estate or adjacent industries highly preferred
Familiarity with industry monitoring and research tools such as media monitoring platforms, research databases, content management systems or analytics platforms preferred

Responsibilities

Acts as an internal “beat reporter,” building strong relationships with practice leaders, designers, researchers and subject-matter experts across the firm to uncover compelling insights, stories and emerging ideas
Owns the identification of storytelling opportunities across the firm by extracting insights embedded within practices and project teams, and supports the development of strategic narratives in partnership with the broader marketing team.
Surfaces project narratives, research insights, design innovations and practitioner perspectives that may otherwise remain embedded within organizational silos
Shapes these insights into clear storytelling opportunities that support communications campaigns, thought leadership and PR efforts
Maintains a continuous pipeline of narrative opportunities by actively engaging with teams across sectors, geographies and disciplines
Works with Communications leadership to prioritize story opportunities that align with firmwide messaging priorities and campaign strategies
Collaborates with Communications and PR leaders to identify timely thought leadership opportunities aligned with industry conversations and firm priorities
Helps develop angles for Op-Eds, bylines, perspective pieces, speaking opportunities and executive commentary
Ensures HKS perspectives are grounded in real insight and practitioner expertise rather than trend-chasing
Supports media strategy by helping articulate why a story matters now and how HKS contributes meaningful perspective to broader conversations about the built environment
Works with PR partners to connect internal insights with relevant media opportunities
Translates internal insights and external signals into messaging frameworks, narrative angles and story concepts that support integrated communications campaigns
Contributes to campaign development by identifying where HKS can offer distinctive perspectives and speak with authority on emerging industry topics
Partners with PR, Digital Channels, Practice Marketing and Creative teams to ensure insight-driven narratives are reflected across communications platforms
Supports development of positioning statements, narrative frameworks and campaign messaging that strengthen HKS’s external voice
Provides strategic input during campaign planning to ensure storytelling opportunities are identified early in the process
Partners with the Market Intelligence team to stay informed on global market shifts, emerging trends and innovations influencing architecture, design and the industries HKS serves
Integrates research, data and client/competitor insights generated by Market Intelligence into communications narratives and messaging strategies
Synthesizes external signals and research into actionable perspectives that inform storytelling, thought leadership and campaign positioning
Works collaboratively with Market Intelligence colleagues to ensure communications strategies reflect credible, evidence-based insights about where industries are heading
Helps translate complex market insights into accessible narratives that resonate with clients, media and broader industry audiences