Community Relations Lead

Bechtel•Houston, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Bechtel is seeking a Community Relations Lead to join our Bechtel Manufacturing & Technology global business unit. This position is full-time at Bechtel’s job site in the Generation Park area of Houston, Texas. The primary focus of this role is community engagement and workforce development that supports a construction megaproject for an advanced manufacturing facility. Government coordination and infrastructure engagement responsibilities are performed in close coordination with the Site Manager, Project Director and customer. The successful candidate will develop and execute a community and workforce engagement plan that directly supports safe project execution, workforce readiness, and long-term community benefit. Bechtel’s approach is informed by successful workforce development programs implemented across major construction projects and is structured to prioritize local recruitment, skills development, and partnerships with educational institutions. These efforts are designed not only to meet project workforce needs, but also to leave a positive legacy in the surrounding community. A strong candidate will also support the project communications team on an ad hoc basis, as well as supporting our Field Engineering team with our permitting process and engagement with local Harris County organization. This position reports locally to the Site Manager and is matrixed as a member of the company’s Corporate Affairs & Marketing function.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public affairs, public policy, or related field with 7–10 years of relevant experience preferred.
Skill in working and communicating effectively with public officials, industry leaders, and community groups.
Proven ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Strong knowledge of the Houston stakeholder environment, including workforce organizations, education partners, and local and state government entities.
Demonstrated experience developing and executing workforce development, community engagement, or public affairs strategies in support of large, complex projects.
Proven ability to engage credibly and effectively with senior‑level government, education, nonprofit, and community leaders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate technical, construction‑related information into clear, accessible messaging for external audiences.
Sound judgment and experience identifying, assessing, and mitigating community, political, or reputational risks.
Strong collaboration skills and the ability to operate within a matrixed environment across project leadership, Corporate Affairs & Marketing, and customer teams.
Experience developing executive‑level presentations and briefings, including PowerPoint materials for senior leadership.
Ability to work independently in a dynamic construction site environment, including occasional outdoor work under varying weather conditions.
Self-motivation, independence, and adaptability in dynamic environments.
Excellent skills and experience building trusted, collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the engineering, construction, infrastructure, or industrial project environment preferred.
Spanish language proficiency a plus.

Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Site Manager and Project Director, identify and advance high‑impact community investment opportunities.
Develop and execute the local workforce and external stakeholder communications strategy in coordination with Corporate Affairs & Marketing.
In close alignment with the customer, establish early senior‑level engagement with local and state government stakeholders.
Coordinate power, water, wastewater, transportation, and flood mitigation planning with relevant authorities.
Identify and mitigate political, community, and reputational risks prior to major capital deployment.
Maintain community trust through transparent communications and increase visibility of Bechtel’s community investments.
Develop and manage Bechtel’s relationships with local workforce development organizations, trade schools, technical colleges, and institutions of higher learning.
Work with the Industrial Relations team to create and execute a comprehensive project workforce development and local hiring program.
Lead engagement with local high schools to establish a sustainable, long‑term talent pipeline.
Plan and coordinate participation in career days, site tours, and workforce outreach programs to attract and retain craft professionals.
Support the establishment and coordination of site‑based employee resource groups.
Creates content for internal and external communications including for media, website and social media channels, including creating content and managing team events.
Coordinates internally with our customer communications team to develop a program that is aligned and compliant with their policies and expectations, as well as with Bechtel policies, procedures, and processes.
Supports manager to identify, analyze, and prioritize external issues, and coordinate a response.
Support and participate in community forums, events, and consultations led by the customer, serving as a Project representative.
Facilitate information sharing between contractors and project teams.