Federal and State Workforce Lead

HNTB Corporation•Cincinnati, OH

9d•Onsite

About The Position

At HNTB, you can build a meaningful career while helping create infrastructure solutions that strengthen communities. With more than a century of delivering complex projects nationwide, this is an exciting time to join our growing team of employee-owners. We are seeking a Federal and State Workforce Lead to provide strategic compliance expertise and advisory support across projects and leadership teams. This role serves as a subject matter expert in DBE/SBE programs (49 CFR Part 26), offering guidance to ensure regulatory compliance, successful project delivery, and client satisfaction. The position supports the development of best practices, workforce strategies, and small business engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate combines deep regulatory knowledge with strong stakeholder engagement skills—building trusted relationships with community partners, agencies, contractors, and public officials. They are data-driven, producing audit-ready reporting while identifying risks and solution pathways early. This individual brings experience administering or overseeing DBE/SBE programs at the federal, state, consultant, or regional contractor level, along with an understanding of workforce and industry trends in infrastructure and transportation. Success in this role requires professionalism, strategic thinking, clear communication, and an unwavering commitment to integrity, accountability, and public trust.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field with 12 years of relevant experience
Master’s degree in relevant field with 11 years of relevant experience
In lieu of degree, 16 years of relevant experience
Deep expertise in federal and state compliance requirements, including DBE/SBE programs under 49 CFR Part 26, with experience administering or overseeing compliance
Ability to interpret complex regulations and translate them into clear, actionable guidance for project teams and contractors
Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with a track record of building trusted relationships across agencies, community groups, workforce partners, and small businesses
Experience working in infrastructure or transportation programs, with understanding of workforce development and industry trends
Proficiency in compliance tracking systems, data analysis, and producing accurate, audit-ready reports
Strong communication skills, including the ability to convey complex topics to non-technical audiences and represent programs in public forums
Strategic mindset with the ability to balance long-term program goals and day-to-day compliance execution
Practical, solutions-oriented approach to resolving compliance challenges collaboratively and proactively
Demonstrated cultural competence and commitment to inclusive, equitable community engagement
Professional judgment, composure, and discretion in high-visibility or politically sensitive environments
Commitment to continuous learning, staying current with regulations, tools, and best practices
Uncompromising integrity, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and protecting program credibility

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Public Administration, Business, Engineering, or related field
Prior experience with federal, state DOT, contractor or consultant roles supporting compliance, workforce programs, or public funding initiatives
Strong understanding of workforce development, small business participation, and community engagement strategies within infrastructure or transportation programs
Experience working with compliance tracking systems, databases, and reporting tools to produce accurate, audit-ready documentation
Experience building partnerships with community organizations, workforce agencies, contractors, and small businesses
Strong problem-solving skills with a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to compliance
16 years of relevant experience

Responsibilities

Applies technical expertise and guidance in area of practice.
Acts as subject matter expert to provide strategic advice and analysis and engage in marketing and business development efforts for pursuits.
Prepares technical materials for projects, including strategic analyses, commercial documentation, technical provisions, procurement documents, and other materials pertaining to applicable subject matter focus.
Works with the line organization in a senior support role on strategically important client and project pursuits, providing technical input and market knowledge to navigate complex projects and enhance win probabilities and client satisfaction.
Targets national and international associations, trade shows, etc., to help the division/region/office identify leads, win work and maintain industry recognition.
Identifies, pursues, and executes high-level projects with assigned departments, agencies, and programs.
Assists in the successful contracting and project execution process, working closely with regional HNTB staff and office leadership.
Partners with National Practice Consultants and Leaders to develop and promote technical knowledge and applicability of practice area.
Works with HNTB project leadership to manage client relationships and guides the application of HNTB services within a specific practice area to best serve the interests of the client and HNTB.
Contributes to strategic planning in area of expertise and assists with thought leadership initiatives.
Performs other duties as assigned.