Public Engagement & Strategic Communications Manager

DescriptionAt HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?Watch Our Story:' ' Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. At HDR, our employee‑ownership model shapes everything we do, including how we support and care for our people. Our diverse service lines, including Water, Architecture, Building Engineering Services, Field Services, Power, Waste, Industrial, and Transportation reflect our commitment to shaping resilient, sustainable, and forward‑thinking communities around the world. Across these disciplines, our teams design and deliver solutions that safeguard public health, enhance quality of life, power innovation, and drive responsible growth. Whether advancing clean water, creating healing and learning environments, engineering next‑generation facilities, or building the infrastructure that moves people and energy, our work is rooted in technical excellence and a shared sense of purpose. Our employee‑owners collaborate across specialties, combining creativity, precision, and deep expertise to solve the most complex challenges facing our clients and communities.The Strategic Communications Project Manager will develop, execute, and manage communication and public outreach activities on a variety of infrastructure projects. This is a person who is passionate about community engagement, loves to collaborate, and has a habit of thinking outside the box as a member of a high-performing team.Who You Are:You are a forward-thinking person who is comfortable working on multi-disciplinary teams and collaborating effectively with colleagues in both content and technical development.You have a deep understanding of NEPA and how infrastructure projects are developed under these guidelines. You are not afraid of leading and facilitating contentious public meetings, public hearings, open houses and other meetings with the public, clients and other project stakeholders. You are a great writer, skilled at defining and articulating messages. You describe yourself as a storyteller. You are exceptionally organized, with an almost obsessive attention to detail, and highly driven with the ability to manage several projects and meet deadlines. You have a record of accomplishment of creating and implementing communications plans that included target audience strategies, marketing and advertising plans, event planning, and collateral material development and implementation. You have demonstrated a track record of successfully managing projects, including preparing and monitoring scope and budget, preparing and implementing schedule, and coordinating with team members to deliver successful projects.You are a highly creative person who understands the importance of clear communication across multiple channels and mediums. You are a lifelong learner who is constantly researching new technologies and trends, pushing clients and the team to innovate. You embrace the new. You’re a 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 and/or client-facing teams to coordinate delivery of a successful project.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 in a variety of mediums including social, print, video and web.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 consistency of brand, saturation of messaging, and user experience.#LI-BC2Preferred QualificationsMaster’s Degree preferredPrevious work experience in the infrastructure industryDeep 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 for a program, initiative or project. Strong project management skillsCommitment to a rigorous quality control processWillingness to travelExperience collaborating with graphic designers, web developers and social media strategists to ensure cohesive message and user experience.Experience writing for multiple mediums including social, print, audio/video, and web.Service- and client-oriented personality with previous consulting experienceSelf-starter; can work well independently or in a team environmentExperience leading social media campaignsWorking knowledge of local, state and federal requirements for public involvementExperience in community advocacy, NEPA, CEQA and infrastructure projectsQualificationsRequired Qualifications A minimum of 7 years relevant industry experience, including management experienceExcellent written and verbal communication skillsSelf-motivated and ability to work independent with multiple teams as well as team orientedDemonstrated leadership and organizational skillsGreat interpersonal and communication skills - positive outlook and attitudeHigh aptitude for managing and solving tactical issuesAn attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must Comfortable and competent while working with senior leaders and managing cross-functional effortsDemonstrated ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a high-energy, fast-paced environmentCommitted to quality, continuous improvement, and HDR valuesProficient in Adobe Creative Suite - InDesignProficient in Microsoft Office SuiteWhat We BelieveHDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.Our CommitmentAs employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.Job Field: Strategic CommunicationsSchedule: Full-timeEmployee Status: Regular