Senior Manager

Senior Manager

Bodewell Group is seeking a full-time Senior Manager to support transportation and infrastructure public outreach and communications projects. This role is responsible for managing key client accounts, leading project outreach strategies, and overseeing the day-to-day execution of complex communications and stakeholder engagement programs. The Senior Manager serves as a primary client contact, collaborates closely with project teams and public agencies, and provides guidance and mentorship to junior staff. This position requires strong project management, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement skills, with opportunities to contribute to business development and support the growth of client relationships.

At Bodewell Group, progress starts with people. We are a strategic engagement agency advancing the modern building blocks of society—water, energy, transportation, land and technology. Our team partners with public and private sector leaders to build understanding, align stakeholders and move complex initiatives forward, shaping the systems that communities rely on every day. We invest in the best and brightest—innovative thinkers, strategic advisors and collaborative problem-solvers who are committed to enhancing human prosperity and quality of life for generations to come. Recognized as a Certified Great Place to Work (2025–2026), we foster a culture grounded in trust and shared purpose while creating space for balance, connection and a life outside of work.

If you want to do meaningful work that shapes communities and grow your career alongside people you trust, you'll find your place at Bodewell.

This position is primarily based at a client site in San Jose, with an expected onsite presence of approximately 4 days per week, subject to change based on client needs and availability. The role may also involve early mornings, evenings and weekend hours, as needed. Travel is required up to 30% of the time. Additional travel may arise to accommodate project demands, company needs and conference participation.

The annual base amount for this position is dependent on several factors, including the candidate's geographic location, experience, and qualifications. The annual base amount may be adjusted based on market conditions in the location where the employee resides. A typical annual base range for this role is: $90,000– $115,000 (actual compensation may vary by location and will follow local regulations).

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of project communications strategies, ensuring proactive stakeholder engagement and timely dissemination of information.
• Manage public communications and stakeholder outreach, supporting impacted residents, businesses, and community groups throughout the process.
• Develop and execute construction outreach strategies and crisis communications plans, anticipating community concerns, mitigating project risks, and coordinating responses to emerging issues.
• Oversee community coordination efforts, ensuring stakeholders are informed of project impacts, schedules, and monitoring outcomes.
• Support the development and implementation of public communications programs, including public meetings, notifications, and stakeholder briefings.
• Coordinate with across multifaceted and multidisciplinary project teams to ensure consistent messaging, effective stakeholder engagement, and seamless communication throughout project delivery.
• Facilitate and manage stakeholder advisory forums, fostering productive dialogue, gathering community input, and supporting project objectives.
• Serve as a primary liaison between project teams, public agencies, community stakeholders, elected officials, and impacted residents to build trust and maintain positive project relationships.
• Monitor community sentiment and stakeholder concerns, providing strategic recommendations to project leadership and supporting issue resolution efforts.
• Prepare and review public-facing materials, presentations, project updates, meeting summaries, and outreach collateral to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with project goals.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements:

• 8+ years of experience in public outreach, public affairs, strategic communications, community engagement, or a related field, preferably supporting transportation, infrastructure, utility, or public agency projects.
• 5+ years of agency experience or a combination of agency and in-house experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Public Administration, Political Science, or a related field.
• Experience managing client accounts, projects, budgets, and multiple concurrent priorities in a professional services environment.
• Demonstrated experience supporting public outreach, stakeholder engagement, or communications programs for infrastructure, transportation, utility, land use, or public sector projects.
• Experience supporting construction-phase communications and public outreach, including stakeholder notifications, community engagement, issue management, and coordination related to project impacts, schedules, and milestones.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible messaging.
• Excellent project management, client service, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience mentoring and supporting junior staff.
• Willingness to support projects across sectors as business needs require.
• Ability to work occasional extended hours or weekends and travel up to 30% as needed.

We believe meaningful work must be supported by meaningful benefits. Bodewell supports your professional growth, financial stability, health and overall well-being so you can focus on building what matters.

• A hybrid work model that supports flexibility, collaboration and work-life balance.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage including several low-cost medical plan options, 100% employer covered dental and vision, and FSA offerings to support our team and their families.
• Competitive salaries with clear paths for advancement, 401(k) participation, profit-sharing opportunities and life insurance benefits.
• A professional development stipend, internal training programs, mentorship from experienced professionals and exposure to influential stakeholders and complex, high-impact projects.
• Three weeks of PTO, 13 paid holidays and a company wellness stipend for ClassPass.
• Company events and an employee recognition program celebrate contributions, milestones and the collaborative spirit that defines our culture.