Public Engagement & Strategic Communications Manager

The Strategic Communications Project Manager will develop, execute, and manage communication and public outreach activities for infrastructure projects across HDR, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement and public advocacy. Who You Are: Forward‑thinking and comfortable working on multidisciplinary teams. Deeply knowledgeable about NEPA and infrastructure development under its guidelines. Unapologetically leads and facilitates contentious public meetings, hearings, and open houses. Excellent writer and storyteller, adept at defining and articulating messages. Highly organized with obsessive attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Demonstrated success in creating and implementing communications plans, including target‑audience strategies, marketing, event planning, and collateral development. Proven project‑management track record: scope, budget, schedule, and coordination with team members. Creative thinker who values clear communication across multiple channels and mediums. Lifelong learner who researches new technologies and trends to drive innovation. Self‑starter who thrives and adapts in fast‑paced environments. Responsibilities: Lead the development of scope, schedule, and budget for tasks and standalone projects. Interface with client or client‑facing teams to coordinate project delivery. Develop overall communications strategy 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 media, print, video, and web. Write and edit collateral materials such as surveys, newsletters, websites, handouts, videos, advertisements, press releases, and public notices. Coordinate with creative disciplines (graphic design, web development, social media) to maintain brand consistency and messaging saturation. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree (preferred). Previous experience in the infrastructure industry. Deep knowledge of communications plans and campaigns for public involvement and stakeholder engagement. Ability to craft compelling stories that strengthen messaging and engagement strategies. Strong project‑management skills and a rigorous quality‑control process. Willingness to travel as required. Experience collaborating with graphic designers, web developers, and social media strategists. Experience writing for multiple media (social, print, audio/video, web). Consulting experience with a client‑orientated personality. Independence and teamwork ability as a self‑starter. Experience leading social‑media campaigns. Working knowledge of local, state, and federal public‑involvement regulations. Background in community advocacy, NEPA, CEQA, and infrastructure projects. Required Qualifications: Minimum of 7 years relevant industry experience, including management experience. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Self‑motivated and able to work independently with multiple teams. Demonstrated leadership and organizational abilities. Positive interpersonal skills and an upbeat attitude. High aptitude for solving tactical issues. Commitment to becoming an active participant in an employee‑owned culture. Comfortable working with senior leaders and managing cross‑functional initiatives. Ability to operate strategically and tactically in a high‑energy, fast‑paced environment. Commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and HDR values. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite – InDesign. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Location: Raleigh, NC (other offices: Winston‑Salem, Charlotte, Wilmington, Asheville). Schedule: Full‑time. Industry: Strategic Communications. Employee Status: Regular. HDR is committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal‑opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest, and conviction records. #J-18808-Ljbffr HDR