Digital Advisory Lead

About the role

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 person will provide a credible, complete perspective on the application of AI within clients’ programs and organizations, with a background reflecting real-world application of AI and analytics in complex, margin-sensitive industries. They will prioritize measurable impact over hype, distinguishing themselves by knowing when, how, and where to deploy AI solutions—and when conventional digital tools offer a higher ROI.

Beyond technical depth, this role requires an understanding of the competitive landscape of applied AI—ideally within infrastructure and transportation—and staying current on industry trends to guide market research, data partnerships, software reviews, 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 make informed, dominance-building decisions that position HNTB as a leader in digital infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Apply technical expertise and guidance 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 to provide strategic advice and analysis, engage in marketing and business development, and prepare reports and 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 and day-to-day interactions.
• 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, procurement documents, and other relevant materials.
• Train and instruct line personnel on innovative delivery and other Advisory disciplines.
• Advise on business planning and support marketing efforts of the line organization.
• Work with the line organization in a lead support role 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 the work of junior Advisory staff through performance management and professional development opportunities.
• Represent Advisory and the firm at industry events and organizations, driving thought leadership and external positioning efforts.
• 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, able to create clarity, sequence investments, and shape 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, with the ability to translate 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.

Pay

The approximate pay range for Massachusetts is $286,607.22 - $457,827.12. Actual compensation will depend on factors including, but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as physical work location within the state.

The approximate pay range for Virginia is $274,665.25 - $438,750.99. Actual compensation will depend on factors including, but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as physical work location within the state.

Schedule

Full-time, regular position.

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