Strategic Communications Specialist

HDR•New York, NY

About The Position

HDR is seeking a Strategic Communications Specialist with water sector communications experience to join its global Strategic Communications program. This full-service communications, engagement, and creative team supports planning and infrastructure projects by helping people connect, fostering understanding, and building more connected, equitable, and sustainable communities. The specialist contributes expertise to communications and engagement activities for infrastructure projects, collaborating with the broader team and taking direction from Communications Managers, Project Managers, and clients. The role calls for keeping current with water sector communications best practices and industry trends, applying that knowledge to planning and infrastructure projects, and helping build HDR’s reputation in the market. The position also involves client meetings, working relationships with internal partners, industry events, and professional development. HDR describes itself as an employee-owned company committed to inclusion, collaboration, and empowering employees to bring their authentic selves and ideas to work. Its Employee Network Groups support belonging and engagement across the organization.

Requirements

At least 3 years of relevant industry experience.
Experience in a communications area such as social media, event planning, community engagement, target marketing, descriptive writing, or public involvement.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently with multiple teams and as part of a team.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a positive outlook and attitude.
Ability to manage and solve tactical issues.
Commitment to actively participating in HDR’s employee-owned culture.
Comfort working with senior leaders and managing cross-functional efforts.
Demonstrated ability to work strategically and tactically in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.
Commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and HDR values.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Professional experience in the infrastructure industry, specifically drinking water, wastewater, and/or water resources.
Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time.
Ability to drive or independently get to project locations.
Experience working with remote teams or clients.
Experience supporting Lead and Copper Rule communications, including Lead Service Line Replacement programs.
Local candidates preferred.

Responsibilities

Support the development and implementation of communication and engagement plans, including target audience strategy.
Write copy for communications materials, including talking points, media releases, social media, project materials, and video scripts.
Coordinate formal and informal public meetings, hearings, open houses, workshops, advisory committees, and other stakeholder meetings.
Organize meeting logistics and manage vendors.
Develop and implement task workback schedules and meeting plans.
Coordinate the production and distribution of outreach materials, including newsletters, websites, handouts, presentations, advertisements, door hangers, press releases, and mailings.
Collaborate with social media, web, graphics, and video specialists to produce outreach tools and materials.
Coordinate communications approaches with technical project and program managers.
Identify stakeholders and manage the development of distribution lists.
Develop and maintain project-specific comment management databases and coordinate responses according to protocols.
Document outreach activities, including activity tracking and reporting.
Participate in client meetings to discuss project tasks.
Build and maintain productive working relationships with the team and internal partners.
Participate in industry events and professional development opportunities.
Perform other duties as assigned.