Sr External Communications Specialist

DPR family of companies Open · verified Oct 7, 2026

Newport Beach PasadenaPhoenix +1 Full-time Senior Communications

At a glance

Senior Communications role at DPR family of companies. Newport Beach · full-time · $90,000–$120,000 base.

SalaryStated by DPR family of companies

$90,000 – $120,000

Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.

RoleCommunications

SenioritySenior

LocationNewport Beach

EmploymentFull-time

Base pay$90,000–$120,000

PostedOct 7, 2026 · today

Also hiring inPasadena, Phoenix, San Diego

Role brief

growthroles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

Build communications plans with construction and marketing teams for projects and other initiatives
Write and edit executive messages, feature articles and press releases for external audiences
Pitch stories, develop reporter relationships and handle routine media questions
Run business journal surveys and prepare award entries about employees and construction projects
Review communications results and recommend ways to expand reach and engagement

What you bring

You have five to seven years in communications, journalism or a related field
You hold a communications, public relations, journalism or marketing degree, or bring equivalent experience
You bring strong writing and editing skills for complex external materials

Who this fits

This senior role suits an experienced communications specialist who can guide peers and coordinate work across teams. The starting pay range is $90,000 to $120,000 per year.

From the employer

Job Description

At DPR, roles and responsibilities are more than describing a job title—they are a commitment to building great things together. The job description(s) below defines core responsibilities and the scope of the role and is a starting point. Every employee is expected to lead from where they are, take ownership of outcomes, and always act in the best interest of the team, customer, project and organization.

As a purpose-driven organization on a journey to be most admired, we rely on trust, shared leadership, open communication, disciplined action and a deep respect for the individual to drive exceptional performance. Success is not just about what we build, but who we build and how we build it: with integrity, enjoyment, uniqueness and an ever-forward mindset.

Job Summary:
Develops and executes external communications plans that enhance organizational reputation and visibility. Leads the creation of advanced content and storytelling across multiple channels, applying expert writing and editing skills to ensure alignment with brand and business objectives. Partners with internal teams to identify and promote key stories, initiatives, and thought leadership opportunities. Provides guidance to peers and contributes to process improvements and best practices within the communications function.

Key Responsibilities:
Develops and implements communications plans for specific initiatives, campaigns, or projects in collaboration with business and Communications + Brand partners.
Leads drafting and editing of complex external materials, including executive messaging, feature stories, and press releases.
Cultivates and manages relationships with external media, industry partners, and community organizations to support earned media strategies.
Analyzes communication performance metrics and develops recommendations for improving message reach and engagement.
Mentors less experienced specialists, reviewing materials to ensure quality and adherence to organizational standards.
Coordinates cross-functional contributions to ensure integrated communication outcomes.
Ensures alignment of all messaging and materials with organizational strategy, values, and compliance requirements.

Education Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience required.

Work Experience:
5–7 years of experience in communications, journalism, or a related field required.

Certifications and Licenses:
APR or CMP certification preferred.

This role partners with construction and marketing teams on project communications plans, proactively pitches stories, builds reporter relationships, and manages routine media inquiries. The specialist also manages business journal surveys and award submissions recognizing employees and construction projects through business and trade publications.

Anticipated starting pay range:

$90,000.00- $120,000.00

Nothing is more important than your health and wellness. DPR offers a variety of medical, dental, vision and wellness benefits to keep you healthy. Read more about eligibility and available benefits programs

for skilled craft and labor or experienced professionals and recent graduates.

DPR Construction is a forward-thinking, self-performing general contractor specializing in technically complex and sustainable projects for the advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education and commercial markets. Founded in 1990, DPR is a great story of entrepreneurial success as a private, employee-owned company that has grown into a multi-billion-dollar family of companies with offices around the world.

Working at DPR, you'll have the chance to try new things, explore unique paths and shape your future. Here, we build opportunity together—by harnessing our talents, enabling curiosity and pursuing our collective ambition to make the best ideas happen. We are proud to be recognized as a great place to work by our talented teammates and leading news organizations like U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, Fast Company and Newsweek.

Explore our open opportunities at www.dpr.com/careers.