Digital Advisory Lead

We are seeking a leader for our emerging Digital and AI Advisory practice who can expand our advisory efforts by bringing expertise, credibility, and strategic counsel to our engagement with top clients. This role requires deep expertise in the real-world application of AI and analytics within complex, margin-sensitive industries, prioritizing measurable impact over hype. The ideal candidate will guide clients in translating digital ambition into actionable, right-sized strategies and determine when AI or conventional digital tools offer the highest ROI.

Beyond technical depth, this leader must understand the competitive landscape of applied AI—particularly within infrastructure and transportation—and stay current on industry trends to inform market research, data partnerships, and acquisitions. The role will oversee programmatic decisions about digital and AI investments, working closely with HNTB’s DIS, advisory, and corporate leadership teams to position the firm as a leader in digital infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Apply technical expertise to project structuring, delivery options analysis, and commercial/technical provisions of procurement documents, with a focus on innovative delivery.
• Advise on technical elements of complex projects across all phases of the project life cycle.
• Act as a subject matter expert, providing strategic advice, engaging in marketing and business development, and preparing reports/presentations for HNTB leadership and senior client personnel.
• Manage tasks or major workstreams independently, interfacing with senior Advisory and client leadership to ensure delivery while managing client relationships.
• Oversee successful contracting and project execution, collaborating with regional HNTB staff and office leadership.
• Prepare technical materials for client engagements, including strategic analyses, commercial documentation, technical provisions, and procurement documents.
• Train and instruct line personnel on innovative delivery and other Advisory disciplines.
• Advise on business planning and support marketing efforts of the line organization.
• Lead support on strategically important client and project pursuits, providing strategic input and market knowledge to expand service offerings and enhance win probabilities.
• Contribute to strategic planning for Advisory and assist with thought leadership initiatives.
• Mentor and oversee junior Advisory staff through performance management and professional development.
• Represent Advisory and the firm at industry events, driving thought leadership and external positioning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 12 years of relevant experience.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field and 10 years of relevant experience.
• PhD/JD in a relevant field and 8 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Enterprise Owner/Executive Owner’s Representative mindset, with a proven record of owning outcomes, shaping decisions, and driving value realization.
• Senior leadership experience guiding major transformations, technology modernization, digital programs, or enterprise-level change.
• Ability to set direction and lead senior executives and peers in complex, high-stakes environments; comfortable advising at board and C-suite levels.
• Broad understanding of the infrastructure sector and digital ecosystem, including major players, vendors, consultants, software platforms, and emerging competitors.
• Familiarity with mobility analytics, transportation data platforms, and AI/ML applications—especially their influence on planning, policy, readiness, and decision-making.
• Demonstrated success operating in ambiguous or rapidly evolving environments, creating clarity, sequencing investments, and shaping actionable roadmaps.
• Strong commercial acumen, with deep understanding of financial, contractual, operational, and enterprise value drivers in digital and infrastructure programs.
• Extensive, credible professional network across infrastructure, digital infrastructure, transportation technology, and adjacent industries.
• Exceptional communication and executive-storytelling skills, translating complex digital concepts into clear, high-impact narratives.
• Executive presence and maturity, able to independently interface with boards, agency leadership, and senior decision-makers.
• Strategic thinker who understands the enterprise and market landscape, identifies growth opportunities, and helps shape differentiated service offerings.
• Strong understanding of consulting and advisory business dynamics, including how to drive margin, differentiate against competitors, and scale repeatable digital offerings.

Benefits

For more information on benefits, visit HNTB Total Rewards.

Pay

• Massachusetts: $286,607.22 - $457,827.12 (actual compensation dependent on qualifications, experience, and location).
• Virginia: $274,665.25 - $438,750.99 (actual compensation dependent on qualifications, experience, and location).

Schedule

Full-time, regular position.

Locations: Arlington, VA (Alexandria), Atlanta, GA, Austin, TX, Boston, MA.