Public Engagement & Strategic Communications Manager

About the role

At HDR, our employee-owners collaborate across specialties to solve complex challenges rooted in technical excellence and a shared sense of purpose. The Strategic Communications Project Manager develops, executes, and manages communication and public outreach activities on a variety of infrastructure projects, working closely with multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders to advance resilient, sustainable communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of scope, schedule, and budget for tasks and standalone projects.
• Interface with clients and client-facing teams to coordinate delivery of successful projects.
• Lead communications strategy development for planning, design, and construction projects.
• Lead campaign development activities including target audience analysis, branding, messaging, and market research.
• Direct customer-facing communication across social, print, video, and web mediums.
• Lead concept development, writing, and editing of collateral materials such as surveys, newsletters, websites, handouts, videos, advertisements, press releases, and public notices.
• Coordinate with creative disciplines including graphic design, web development, and social media to maintain consistent branding, messaging saturation, and user experience.

Who You Are

• Passionate about community engagement and comfortable leading contentious public meetings, hearings, open houses, and stakeholder sessions.
• Deep understanding of NEPA and infrastructure project development under these guidelines.
• Skilled writer with a talent for defining and articulating clear messages; describes self as a storyteller.
• Exceptionally organized with obsessive attention to detail; highly driven to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Record of creating and implementing communications plans that include target audience strategies, marketing and advertising plans, event planning, and collateral material development and execution.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, including preparing and monitoring scope and budget, implementing schedules, and coordinating team members for successful delivery.
• Highly creative with a strong grasp of clear communication across multiple channels and mediums.
• Lifelong learner who researches new technologies and trends, pushing clients and teams to innovate.
• Self-starter who thrives and adapts in fast-paced environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Previous work experience in the infrastructure industry.
• Deep knowledge of communications plans and campaigns for public involvement, stakeholder engagement, and public relations.
• Proven ability to develop compelling stories that strengthen messaging and engagement strategies.
• Strong project management skills.
• Commitment to a rigorous quality control process.
• Willingness to travel.
• Experience collaborating with graphic designers, web developers, and social media strategists to ensure cohesive messaging and user experience.
• Experience writing for multiple mediums including social, print, audio/video, and web.
• Service- and client-oriented personality with previous consulting experience.
• Self-starter able to work independently or in a team environment.
• Experience leading social media campaigns.
• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal requirements for public involvement.
• Experience in community advocacy, NEPA, CEQA, and infrastructure projects.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 7 years relevant industry experience, including management experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently across multiple teams and in team-oriented settings.
• Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a positive outlook and attitude.
• High aptitude for managing and solving tactical issues.
• Commitment to being an active participant in HDR’s employee-owned culture.
• Comfortable and competent working with senior leaders and managing cross-functional efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.
• Committed to quality, continuous improvement, and HDR values.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite – InDesign.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.