Public Engagement & Strategic Communications Manager

HDR•Salem, NC

18h

About The Position

At HDR, our 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. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. At HDR, our employee‑ownership model shapes everything we do, including how we support and care for our people. Our diverse service lines, including Water, Architecture, Building Engineering Services, Field Services, Power, Waste, Industrial, and Transportation reflect our commitment to shaping resilient, sustainable, and forward‑thinking communities around the world. Across these disciplines, our teams design and deliver solutions that safeguard public health, enhance quality of life, power innovation, and drive responsible growth. Whether advancing clean water, creating healing and learning environments, engineering next‑generation facilities, or building the infrastructure that moves people and energy, our work is rooted in technical excellence and a shared sense of purpose. Our employee‑owners collaborate across specialties, combining creativity, precision, and deep expertise to solve the most complex challenges facing our clients and communities. The Strategic Communications Project Manager will develop, execute, and manage communication and public outreach activities on a variety of infrastructure projects. This is a person who is passionate about community engagement, loves to collaborate, and has a habit of thinking outside the box as a member of a high-performing team.

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
You have a deep understanding of NEPA and how infrastructure projects are developed under these guidelines.
You are not afraid of leading and facilitating contentious public meetings, public hearings, open houses and other meetings with the public, clients and other project stakeholders.
You are a great writer, skilled at defining and articulating messages. You describe yourself as a storyteller.
You are exceptionally organized, with an almost obsessive attention to detail, and highly driven with the ability to manage several projects and meet deadlines.
You have a record of accomplishment of creating and implementing communications plans that included target audience strategies, marketing and advertising plans, event planning, and collateral material development and implementation.
You have demonstrated a track record of successfully managing projects, including preparing and monitoring scope and budget, preparing and implementing schedule, and coordinating with team members to deliver successful projects.
You are a highly creative person who understands the importance of clear communication across multiple channels and mediums.
You are a lifelong learner who is constantly researching new technologies and trends, pushing clients and the team to innovate. You embrace the new.
You’re a self-starter who thrives and adapts in fast-paced environments.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree preferred
Previous work experience in the infrastructure industry
Deep knowledge of communications plans and campaigns for public involvement, stakeholder engagement and public relations.
Proven ability to develop compelling stories that strengthen messaging and engagement strategies for a program, initiative or project.
Strong project management skills
Commitment to a rigorous quality control process
Willingness to travel
Experience collaborating with graphic designers, web developers and social media strategists to ensure cohesive message and user experience.
Experience writing for multiple mediums including social, print, audio/video, and web.
Service- and client-oriented personality with previous consulting experience
Self-starter; can work well independently or in a team environment
Experience leading social media campaigns
Working knowledge of local, state and federal requirements for public involvement
Experience in community advocacy, NEPA, CEQA and infrastructure projects

Responsibilities

Lead the development of scope, schedule and budget for tasks and standalone projects.
Interface with client and/or client-facing teams to coordinate delivery of a successful project.
Lead communications strategy development for planning, design and construction projects.
Lead campaign development activities including target audience analysis, branding, messaging, and market research
Direct customer-facing communication in a variety of mediums including social, print, video and web.
Lead concept development, writing and editing of collateral materials such as surveys, newsletters, websites, handouts, videos, advertisements, press releases and public notices.
Coordinate with creative disciplines including graphic design, web development and social media to maintain consistency of brand, saturation of messaging, and user experience.