Communications Manager

HDR • Charleston, SC

27d • Onsite

About The Position

HDR is looking for a Communications Manager to join our Transportation Business Group team in Charleston, SC. The Communications Manager will lead the development and implementation of strategic communications and public involvement plans for infrastructure and environmental projects, partnering with government clients, project managers, technical staff, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver successful project outcomes.

In this role we'll count on you to:
Serve as the communications lead for client projects, providing strategic guidance, managing communications deliverables, and measuring outreach effectiveness.
Manage the development and execution of communications plans by collaborating with internal business partners, creative, marketing and communications teams
Take ownership of tactics and outcomes and measure their impact
Partner with engineers, planners, environmental scientists, and project managers to develop communication materials that translate complex technical information for public, stakeholder, and government audiences.
Monitor industry best practices and maintain a repository of trends and examples
Advise project teams and government clients on stakeholder engagement, public involvement, and regulatory communications throughout project planning and delivery.
Plan and facilitate public meetings, workshops, open houses, and stakeholder engagement activities.
Research and develop content for distinct tactics and target audiences
Inform scope, schedule, and budget for communication activities pertinent to area of specialization
Bring genuine, creative ideas to the table
Manage and develop multidiscipline teams
Perform other duties as necessary

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years relevant industry experience, including management experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Self-motivated and ability to work independent with multiple teams as well as team oriented
• Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills
• Great interpersonal and communication skills - positive outlook and attitude
• High aptitude for managing and solving tactical issues
• An 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 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

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
• Master's degree or certifications in a relevant field
• Media buying experience or public relations campaign development experience preferred
• 10 years of experience developing and implementing strategic communications campaigns and/or public involvement programs for infrastructure, transportation, environmental, or government projects, preferably in a consulting environment
• Demonstrated leadership experience working with prominent stakeholders and executives
• Public speaking experience at industry events or external presentations
• Demonstrated experience developing major communications plans, stakeholder engagement strategies, and outreach campaigns for complex projects
• Local candidates are preferred

Responsibilities

• Serve as the communications lead for client projects, providing strategic guidance, managing communications deliverables, and measuring outreach effectiveness.
• Manage the development and execution of communications plans by collaborating with internal business partners, creative, marketing and communications teams
• Take ownership of tactics and outcomes and measure their impact
• Partner with engineers, planners, environmental scientists, and project managers to develop communication materials that translate complex technical information for public, stakeholder, and government audiences.
• Monitor industry best practices and maintain a repository of trends and examples
• Advise project teams and government clients on stakeholder engagement, public involvement, and regulatory communications throughout project planning and delivery.
• Plan and facilitate public meetings, workshops, open houses, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Research and develop content for distinct tactics and target audiences
• Inform scope, schedule, and budget for communication activities pertinent to area of specialization
• Bring genuine, creative ideas to the table
• Manage and develop multidiscipline teams
• Perform other duties as necessary

Benefits

• 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.
• We foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities.
• Employee-owners 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree