π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Corporate Communications Director
πΉ Company: Kokosing
πΉ Location: Westerville, Ohio
πΉ Job Type: Full-Time
πΉ Category: Corporate Communications
πΉ Date Posted: May 15, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 10+ years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Strategic communication leadership to advance the companyβs corporate goals and brand
- Overseeing both internal and external communications to strengthen engagement and ensure consistent messaging
- Collaborating with internal stakeholders and external partners to support the company's digital presence
- Leading media relations, crisis communication, and public affairs efforts
- Supporting community relations and corporate initiatives to strengthen the companyβs image in local markets
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills to effectively manage both internal and external communications for a large, complex organization in the construction industry.
π Key Responsibilities
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Design and execute an integrated communications strategy that advances the companyβs corporate goals, major initiatives, and internal and external brand
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Ensure a consistent and compelling message across all channels that is aligned with the core values and objectives of the company
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Advise leadership on communication best practices, messaging, and reputational risk management
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Serve as the lead for media relations, crisis communication, and public affairs
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Design and deliver clear messaging for companywide initiatives, processes, policies, and major announcements
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Support internal initiatives such as employment brand campaigns, leadership development, community service, and recognition programs
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Develop and manage programs that promote team member engagement, including newsletters, town halls, leadership messages, company intranet, and change management communications
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Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to support the company's digital presence, including the website and social media channels
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Lead all media relations, including press releases, interviews, and public statements
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Engage communications resources (internal and/or external partners) including content creators, graphic designers, PR firms, and digital marketers
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Support community relations and corporate initiatives to strengthen the companyβs image in local markets
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Partner with Human Resources and business unit leaders to plan, develop, and deliver timely, team member-focused communications that align with business objectives, key initiatives, and the overall corporate calendar
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the construction industry and heavy civil projects, as well as exceptional executive communication, writing, and public speaking skills.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelorβs degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field; Masterβs degree preferred
Experience: 8β12 years of progressive experience in communications, preferably in the construction, engineering, architecture, or real estate industries
Required Skills:
- Strong understanding of the construction industry and heavy civil projects
- Proven success in strategic planning, media relations, crisis communication, and brand management
- Exceptional executive communication, writing, and public speaking skills
- Ability to translate complex topics into clear and engaging content
- Skilled at building relationships across all levels of an organization
- Proficient with communication technology platforms (e.g., Microsoft 365 and social media tools)
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the construction industry
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in corporate communications and a deep understanding of the construction industry will be best suited for this role.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Director of Corporate Communications with 10+ years of experience in the construction industry)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee discounts on company services
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for project needs
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and the level of experience required for this role. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's compensation structure.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Kokosing is a large, family-owned construction company with a strong presence in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. They offer clients the accessibility of a local firm with the stability and resources of a large contractor.
Company Size: Kokosing has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a large and diverse work environment with ample opportunities for career growth and development.
Founded: Kokosing was founded in 1951 and has since grown to become one of America's 60 largest general contractors, serving a broad spectrum of clients in both the private and public business sectors.
Company Description:
- Kokosing offers a wide range of services, including heavy civil/industrial construction such as highways, bridges, underground utilities, water/wastewater facilities, and marine construction
- The company is committed to attracting and retaining the most qualified technical personnel by offering visible challenges, superior quality, and attractive rewards
- Kokosing is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action federal and state contractor that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class
Company Specialties:
- General Management
- Construction Management
- Design-Build/EPC
- Collaborative Delivery
- Asphalt & Aggregates Materials
- Asphalt & Concrete Paving
- Mass Excavation/Site Development
- Heavy Civil
- Highway and Bridges
- Transportation/Mass Transit
- Utilities and Pipeline Infrastructure
- Marine Construction & Dredging
- Subaqueous Cable
- Off-Site Manufacturing/Fabrication
- Industrial Services and Maintenance
- Solar & Renewables
- Power Generation
- Transmission & Distribution
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Data Centers
- and Water/Wastewater
Company Website: www.kokosing.biz
ASSUMPTION: Kokosing's diverse range of services and large employee base provide ample opportunities for career growth and development within the company.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the director level, requiring a high degree of strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills to effectively manage both internal and external communications for a large, complex organization.
Reporting Structure: The Corporate Communications Director will report directly to the company's leadership team and work closely with various internal stakeholders, including business unit leaders and Human Resources.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with flexibility for remote work as needed. The position requires a presence in the Westerville, Ohio office for regular team meetings and collaboration with internal stakeholders.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a Vice President or Chief Communications Officer role within the company
- Opportunities to lead communications for specific business units or projects
- Chance to mentor and develop junior communications team members
ASSUMPTION: Given Kokosing's size and diverse range of services, there are ample opportunities for career growth and development within the company for the right candidate.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Kokosing's Westerville, Ohio office is a modern, professional environment with ample space for collaboration and teamwork.
Office Location(s): 6235 Westerville Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081, US
Geographic Context:
- Westerville is a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, with a population of approximately 40,000 residents
- The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and a vibrant food scene
- Columbus is the 14th-largest city in the United States and the capital of Ohio, providing ample opportunities for professional networking and growth
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for project needs
ASSUMPTION: The Westerville office provides a collaborative and professional work environment, with easy access to the amenities and attractions of the Columbus metropolitan area.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with the Human Resources department
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or other members of the leadership team
- Presentation or case study to assess communication skills and strategic thinking
- Final interview with the company's CEO or another senior leader
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Understanding of the construction industry and Kokosing's business
- Leadership and team-building skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Include specific examples of your communication, leadership, and strategic thinking abilities in your application materials
- Prepare for the interview by researching Kokosing's business and industry trends
- Be ready to discuss your long-term career goals and how this role fits into your overall professional development plan
ATS Keywords: Strategic communication, corporate communications, media relations, crisis communication, public affairs, internal communications, external communications, brand management, executive communication, writing, public speaking, construction industry, heavy civil projects
ASSUMPTION: Kokosing's interview process is designed to assess the candidate's communication skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit with the company's values and mission.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
- Social media platforms (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc.)
- Crisis communication software (e.g., OnSolve, Everbridge)
- Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the candidate's background and the company's current technology stack.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Safety: Kokosing prioritizes the safety of its employees, clients, and the public above all else
- Integrity: The company conducts its business with honesty, fairness, and respect for all stakeholders
- Quality: Kokosing is committed to delivering high-quality products and services that meet or exceed client expectations
- Innovation: The company encourages creativity, continuous learning, and improvement in all aspects of its operations
- Teamwork: Kokosing values collaboration, open communication, and mutual support among its employees
Work Style:
- Kokosing values a fast-paced, dynamic work environment with a strong focus on results and continuous improvement
- The company encourages employees to take ownership of their roles and contribute to the organization's success
- Kokosing fosters a culture of open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect among its employees
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong understanding of the construction industry and heavy civil projects?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a strong focus on results and continuous improvement?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative work environment with open communication and mutual respect among employees?
ASSUMPTION: Kokosing's culture values strong communication, collaboration, and a commitment to safety, integrity, quality, innovation, and teamwork.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- The role may require working on tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Kokosing's diverse range of services and large employee base may present complex communication challenges
- The role may require occasional travel to Kokosing's other offices or project sites
- The company's fast-paced, dynamic work environment may be challenging for candidates who prefer a more structured or predictable work environment
ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges associated with this role are outweighed by the opportunities for career growth and development within Kokosing.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other corporate communications roles, this position requires a strong understanding of the construction industry and heavy civil projects
- Kokosing's size and diverse range of services provide unique opportunities for career growth and development within the company
- This role offers the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and have a significant impact on the company's overall communications strategy
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to similar corporate communications positions in other industries or company sizes.
π Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive crisis communication plan for a major construction project
- Creating and implementing a strategic communication plan to support the launch of a new business unit or service offering
- Managing a team of internal and external communications professionals to support a major corporate event or announcement
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects associated with this role may vary depending on the company's current initiatives and the candidate's background and skills.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's current communication strategy and how this role fits into its overall business objectives?
- How does Kokosing support the professional development and growth of its communications team members?
- What are the biggest communication challenges facing Kokosing in the next 1-3 years, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Kokosing measure the success of its corporate communications efforts, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) does the company track?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does it support its employees' personal and professional growth?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates the candidate's interest in the role and commitment to Kokosing's success.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for the interview by researching Kokosing's business and industry trends, and be ready to discuss your long-term career goals and how this role fits into your overall professional development plan
- Follow up with the hiring manager or Human Resources department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your continued interest in the position
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.