Public Engagement and Communications Director

HNTB Corporation•Columbus, OH

1d•$150,500 - $300,512

About The Position

From transformative infrastructure projects to innovative mobility solutions, HNTB is shaping how communities connect and thrive powered by strategic communication that builds trust and drives engagement. As Public Engagement and Communications Director, you will champion transparency, turning complex transportation programs into compelling clear, actionable plans and messaging that resonates with stakeholders and decision-makers. You will develop strategies, foster collaboration, and guide campaigns that move projects forward while mentoring a team of passionate communicators. At HNTB, you will perform career-defining work as an employee-owner, and your impact will be felt in communities nationwide. This opportunity entails designing strategies to enhance changes for acceptance by the public and political officials. Developing innovative approaches for informing the public and generating feedback. Coordinating and implementing media relations strategies, including producing media releases and media kits, conducting news conferences, conducting opinion research, implementing direct mail campaigns. Organizing and facilitating public meetings. Writing and producing newsletters, flyers, briefing books, manuals, brochures and a variety of other written products.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Marketing, Communications, English, Journalism or related field and 10 years relevant experience including 2 years supervisory/ lead experience

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Political Science, Marketing, Communications, English, Journalism or related field
APR, PMP, or IABC certification
10+ years of relevant experience, including 5+ years in supervisory or leadership roles
Knowledge of and direct involvement in the transportation industry and has a proven ability to integrate communications and public engagement strategies
Extensive program management experience, with a track record of leading large-scale public engagement and communications programs and teams in the transportation industry
Strong cross-functional and cross-level communication skills
Demonstrated ability to identify, develop, and expand new business opportunities while successfully building and leading high performing teams to achieve growth objectives

Responsibilities

Responsible for establishing goals and objectives for public engagement and communications programs.
Provides strategic support, guidance and recommendations to the client to develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies and programs to advance client goals and build stakeholder support.
Presents proposals and strategies to clients to help win work in conjunction with other project leadership.
Delivers quality work, on time, on budget and to the client's satisfaction.
Identifies potential audiences, reviews who is affected directly and indirectly, and involves new individuals and groups as others become engaged.
Directs the development of and approves overall program messaging, implementation strategies, collateral materials and all other supplemental communications materials.
Responsible for teams adherence to compliance with rules and laws specifically outlined by state and federal regulations and those that may be requested by clients.
Directs and manages public engagement and communications employees in developing and administering public involvement, communications, and outreach programs.
Oversees support staff efforts to ensure successful implementation and development of events, print and graphic materials, and program messaging as scoped, providing direction as needed.
Responsible for the recruitment, hiring, mentoring, development, and retention of staff. Includes but not limited to development of plan for staff reporting, performance and compensation reviews, and succession planning.
Contracts with and manages sub-consultants for public/community relations, graphic design, and other outside work when needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.