Marketing Communications
San Francisco Studio

Your Challenge

As the MarCom Lead, you will help DIALOG share their creative vision through brand initiatives and market engagement, building a remarkable portfolio of clients and projects in the Bay Area and beyond.

DIALOG is seeking a creative, thoughtful, and organized MarCom professional to join the SF Studio. You will play a key role in the success of DIALOG’s vision and strategy by leading the marketing and communications efforts for the SF Bay Area and other regions throughout the USA.

You will work in concert with  a variety of constituents across the platform of the firm, including leaders at all levels, as well as colleagues in the other Studios and Firmwide Resources.

Your Impact

• Be the regional marketing expert, researching and understanding the SF Studio’s regional portfolio and opportunities, and sharing them with Practice Groups and other MarCom team members.

• Actively participate in the development of a regional marketing and business development (BD) strategy and plan.

• Lead integration and advancement of strategy related to brand communications, market positioning, competitive strategy, and value propositions.

• Build relationships with the local/regional team to ensure that MarCom strategy is applied consistently and to best advantage.

• Leverage your exceptional organizational skills, outstanding communications, and presentation abilities to build the DIALOG brand and position the firm as a leader in the SF/US built environment.

• Lead development of the Studio’s annual budget and sales revenue targets. Work with Financial Operations to define and track return on investment and other financial metrics and criteria.

• Support the efforts of Partners and key practice leaders to target potential clients, build relationships, and secure new commissions, working in concert with marketing/bd specialists.

• Maintain pursuit pipeline information and data on client cultivation and engagement, working within the CRM and other systems.

• Attend local Partner meetings and participate and/or lead discussions as they pertain to regional/local BD opportunities.

• Coordinate regional go/no-go decision-making

• Manage marketing activities, including development of content for the SF Studio and US market, such as individual bios, project information, and thought leadership, as well as events, seminars, and other tactics for the SF/US market.

• Collaborate with firm-wide teams on branding, graphics, proposals, PR/media, and other communications.

• Lead the Studio’s efforts in pre-positioning, generating, and submitting proposals; preparing for presentations; and managing CRM, working in concert with the firm-wide Proposal Team.

• Support your team on large pursuits and/or proposals including writing/editing content, graphic design and layout, preparing presentation portfolios, and providing strategic interview support — being able to step in when necessary to keep everyone on track.

• Work with teams to prioritize and develop action plans for award applications, project photography, conference participation, sponsorships, donations, and other stakeholder and client engagement initiatives.

• Participate in co-leading, coordinating, and/or managing key firm-hosted events.

• Serve as a DIALOG ambassador at relevant industry associations and actively engage and participate in relevant groups and programs.

• Collaborate with functional leads (People + Culture, Finance, Operations, Technology) to support marketing and BD initiatives across the platform of the firm.

The ideal candidate will be engaging, self-motivated, collaborative, and willing to integrate into the DIALOG practice by learning their culture and business goals from the inside out.

As the regional MarCom Lead, you are likely to be involved in the following activities:

• Brand Communications + Market Positioning – 10%

  • Strategy, planning, integration, and execution

• Marketing Content – 20%

  • Development and management of marketing collateral for public and media use.

• Community Connections + Events – 15%

  • Representing DIALOG as an ambassador in civic and professional activities
  • Develop and coordinate firm-hosted events and sponsorships

• Market Intelligence – 5%

  • Research and development of information and networking resources related to markets, competitors, and teaming
  • Development of opportunities to create recognition of DIALOG people and projects related to network building and thought leadership

• Portfolio Development + Pursuit Coordination – 50%

  • Support and management of portfolio development initiatives related to clients and projects
  • Management of CRM tracking
  • Development of content for pitches, proposals,and presentations

• Collaboration with your Constituency

  • Within the SF Studio
  • Across the platform of the firm

The new MarCom Lead will work directly with a variety of leaders involved in marketing and business development, as well as client relationship management and other professional services.

• Partners in the SF Studio

• Multi-disciplinary Practice Chairs across the platform of DIALOG, actively involved in client development while serving as subject-matter experts in design and management

• Colleagues in marketing, branding, and communications:

• • Simone Hughes – Global Head of Marketing, Business Development + Communications
  • MarCom Leads in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver
  • Communications, Brand + Graphics Teams (firmwide resource)
  • Proposal Team (firmwide resource)
  • Other specialists involved in market research and business intelligence, business development and pursuits, and public/media relations.

• Functional roles across the platform of the firm:

• • Financial Operations
  • People + Culture
  • Practice Operations
  • Risk Management
  • Technology

Does this sound like you?

• Highly creative and adept at managing others, while simultaneously meeting deadlines and managing multiple projects and people.

• Enjoy the challenge of creating order to avoid chaos.

• Have a strong business acumen and keen understanding of marketing services in B2B professional services.

• A resolution-enthusiast who appreciates change and the incredible opportunities it can present!

• Have your finger on the pulse of current global events and local happenings, possessing the skills to identify and leverage opportunities to pull DIALOG to the forefront of design thinking and thought leadership discussions.

• Knows what it takes to win business and thrive in a fast-paced, owner/partner-led environment,

• Brings fresh thinking as a self-starter who seeks constructive feedback while leading projects and your team with minimal supervision.

• Possess the ability to make sound judgment, using tact and diplomacy along with a positive attitude and the ability to work under pressure.

• Can work in a matrixed environment, integrating sector plans into a cohesive and balanced regional plan.

• Have an established network in the region with a track record of developing professional relationships that support your firm’s market positioning and development activities.

• Will quickly learn DIALOG’s portfolio of work, practice areas, and capabilities

Minimum Criteria

• 8+ years of progressive business experience, including 2+ years managing others.
• 5+ years of experience within the A/E industry in a role focused on marketing, communications, and/or business development.
• BA or BS degree in business, communications, journalism, marketing, or other relevant area of study (eg, art history, creative writing, design).

Leadership + Strategy

• Multitasking in a fast-paced environment, coordinating a broad range of stakeholders from senior-level partners to other design professionals and external consultants in the context of rapid and frequent deadlines.
• Leading, developing and executing strategic marketing plans in times of change that get results.
• Developing staff and managing a variety of employees at every age and stage of development.

Creative + Interpersonal

• Excellent storytelling skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships across different audiences.

Design + Technical

• Advanced proficiency in design and layout of proposal materials and best practices for brand development and application.
• Technical proficiency in software that includes:
  • Adobe Creative Cloud, including InDesign
  • Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint
  • CRM software, such as AEC360, Cosential by Unanet, Deltek Vision or Vantage Point
  • Digital Asset Management (DAM) and Knowledge Management, such as OpenAsset and Synthesis
  • Visual Communications, including Canva, Miro, and Zoom

Job Type
Full-Time, Permanent

DIALOG supports work/life balance and offers opportunities for a hybrid work schedule, preferring that the majority of a full-time employee’s time is in the Studio.

Anticipated Travel

Primarily within the San Francisco Bay Area, with occasional travel to other DIALOG Studios.

Anticipated Compensation

$120,000 to $150,000
This is the base salary range at the time of this posting.

Salaries are reviewed annually and benchmarked with the industry. In addition to base salaries, registered professionals and management are also eligible for annual bonuses.

Benefits commence on the first day of employment and are available to permanent full-time or permanent part-time DIALOGers who work a minimum of 20 hours per week.

We welcome an opportunity to share more information about the MarCom role and DIALOG,

We’d also like to learn more about you. Please reach out to us via email or LinkedIn —

Katherine Bajor
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-bajor-078a609a/

Marjanne Pearson
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjannepearson/

Linda Wallack
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-wallack-1560a51/

In 2017, DIALOG expanded, by opening a Studio in the United States. Their thriving San Francisco team tackles a new adventure every day, led by:

• Mara Baum – Partner – FAIA | LEED® Fellow | WELL AP | EDAC | Living Future Accredited (LFA)
  An architect with more than 20 years of experience in sustainability, urban planning, research, and teaching, Her design solutions are always two-pronged: creating places that make people healthier and happier, and providing strategies that build a healthier environment. She also serves as a member of DIALOG Partnership’s Governing Council.

• Lisa Bottom – U.S. Interior Design Lead – NCIDQ | IIDA
  An accomplished, award-winning industrial and commercial interior designer, Lisa brings decades of experience designing interior spaces for a variety of client segments and use-types throughout the SF Bay Area. She is based in SF, collaborating with the interior design team across the platform of the firm.

• Anthony Fieldman – Partner – AIA | LEED® AP
  An architect with a reputation for looking beyond prevailing norms to focus instead on what’s possible, with an approach to design that is without constraints. He was previously based in New York City and Toronto and has recently joined the SF Studio, leading projects across North America.

•  Dong Kim – Partner + SF Studio Chair – AIA | LEED® AP
  As Studio Chair, he is responsible for serving the firm’s clientele while creating a successful and diverse portfolio. Dong is an architect and is an integral part of the Northern California design community, focused on improving our world through thoughtful design practices, including a specific interest in building science. He is a past Board member of AIA/East Bay.

• Mona Lovgreen – Partner – AIA CA NY CO | Architect AIBC (British Columbia) | LEED® AP (BD+C)
  Mona led the development of the SF Studio by relocating from DIALOG Vancouver to open the new office, serving as the first SF Studio Chair. She has set a clear direction for the studio that aligns with the overall vision of the firm, connecting to their clients and building local relationships, while encouraging DIALOGers to deliver world-class service and design from the first U.S. Studio.

• Amit Price Patel – Partner – AIA | AIBC | Architect CO CA WA | AICP | NCARB | LEED® AP
  An architect and city planner, Amit is deeply committed to making inclusive cities of opportunity and human connection, motivated by his vision of urban places that promote climate resiliency and social equity. He has served as a Design Advisor on the Mayors’ Institute on City Design, an initiative of the National Endowment of the Arts in partnership with the United States Conference of Mayors.

DIALOG is determined to make the world a better place.

At DIALOG, the pursuit of great design can and should create meaning and lasting improvements to our communities and the environment we all share. They want to design innovative solutions that push boundaries, improve community well-being and urban vibrancy, create equitable environments, and address issues of climate change in every project.

Teams work together to solve complex challenges, taking a collaborative approach to designing, with their communities and the environment in mind. In 2018, DIALOG partnered with The Conference Board of Canada to demonstrate the link between design and community well-being through evidence-based research. Learn more.

As a Certified B Corp, they are committed to using business as a force for good. They actively seek ways to engage communities, clients, and fellow collaborators in their approach, continuously nurturing their shared knowledge, capacity and reach, which they monitor through indicators that include:

• Impact

• Investment in Knowledge

• Reputation

• Empowering People

The DIALOG operating principles define how they work together every day and empower all people to make a difference.

• Collaboration

• Aspiration

• Diversity

• Optimism

Working in concert, the Partnership is united by its commitment to the highest standards of professional practice, fostering a thriving people-centric culture and a resilient practice ecosystem. Throughout the firm, people are enthusiastic, energetic, and down to earth, as they embrace the firm’s values and commitment to and design excellence.

DIALOG currently has Practice Studios in

• Calgary, Alberta

• Edmonton, Alberta

• Toronto, Ontario

• Vancouver, British Columbia

• San Francisco, California

In addition to being a Certified B Corporation, DIALOG is proud to be one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies (2020), Canada’s Top Employers for Young people (2020), and Canada’s Greenest Employer (2019).

DIALOG celebrates diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. They are committed to an inclusive environment for all, free of discrimination and harassment. Employment-related decisions are made without regard to sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, and race.

DIALOG’s multi-disciplinary services include architecture, engineering, interior design, laboratory design, landscape architecture, planning and urban design, and sustainability + building performance consulting.

Their portfolio of projects includes:

• Aviation

• Bridges & Urban Infrastructure

• Civic & Culture

• Education

• Health & Wellness

• Hospitality

• Mixed-Use

• Office & Workplace

• Resiliency & Sustainability

• Residential

• Retail

• Science & Technology

• Sports & Recreation

• Transportation

• Urban Planning & Policy

DIALOG is an evolution that’s six decades in the making. Its roots were in the formation of Cohos Evamy in Calgary in 1960, followed by a series of mergers, as well as organic growth.

In 2020, a new era began for a group of the leading Canadian architecture, engineering, interior design, planning, and urban design firms*, as they adopted a new name and governance model — and became known collectively as DIALOG.

As stated on their website, “In a world of increasing challenges in the way people live, move and work, DIALOG is well positioned to be a strong voice for innovative thinking and sustainable leadership — a discussion that can only benefit from the collaboration of people with unique perspectives and skills.”

Learn more about the timeline of DIALOG’s evolution.

* Cohos Evamy, Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden, Mole White Associates, and Office for Urbanism

Header Photographs

1. Greetings from San Francisco – SF Studio Team Members
2. University of Calgary MacKimmie Complex
3. University of Calgary MacKimmie Complex
4. Centennial College ‘A-Building
5. Madison Park Academy Expansion (Dong Kim at Byrens Kim Design Works)
6. Peel Regional Police Operational Support Facility
7. Calgary Central Library (Snøhetta and DIALOG Design)

Information, photographs, and graphics © DIALOG Design, 2024. All rights reserved.