Strategic Communications Area Business Class Lead

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.

We create connections between people and the projects and services that move communities forward.

Our team is seeking a Strategic Communications Area Business Class Lead to be a member of our Strategic Communications program, a global team of communicators who are passionate about putting people first in planning and infrastructure. As a full-service communications, engagement, and creative practice, we develop and implement ideas to bring people together in projects of every size and sector. We help people get to know each other, foster understanding, and build more connected, equitable, and sustainable communities.

As a Strategic Communications Area Business Class Lead you will manage the Strategic Communications team and program in HDR's Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware area. This includes staff management, project management, and business development duties. You will be responsible for the team's quality project delivery and Strategic Communications business performance and growth within the area across multiple infrastructure markets (e.g., transportation, water, power).

Core Technical Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the area Strategic Communications team, including workload, staff, and performance management
• Coordinate with local area staff and leaders, regional leadership, and HDR's Strategic Communications program to drive business growth and support key initiatives
• Ensure individual and team compliance with HDR policies, procedures, quality assurance, and risk management
• Serve as a seller-doer with the responsibility to pursue and win work and maintain a profitable utilization for your team and yourself

Function as a Strategic Communications Project Manager, including:

• Direct project communication and engagement strategy and plans
• Define messaging strategy for communication pieces including talking points, media releases, social media, project materials, and video scripts
• Manage formal and informal public meetings, hearings, open houses, workshops, advisory committees, or other stakeholder meetings
• Oversee meeting logistics and vendor management
• Direct task workback schedules and meeting plans
• Oversee the production and distribution of outreach materials such as newsletters, websites, handouts, presentations, advertisements, door hangers, press releases, and mailings
• Collaborate with specialists in social media, web, graphics, and video to produce outreach tools and materials
• Direct the identification of stakeholders and manage the development of distribution lists
• Direct the development and maintenance of project-specific comment management databases and responses to comment protocols
• Oversee documentation of outreach activities, including activity tracking and reporting

Other Job Responsibilities

• Develop and manage project scopes, schedules, and budgets
• Direct the work of others and ensure quality of work
• Independently represent HDR in client meetings
• Serve as the primary client contact for Strategic Communications projects
• Build and maintain productive working relationships with your team, partners, and clients
• Support and mentor staff
• Lead Strategic Communications pursuits and proposals
• Participate in industry events and personal professional development opportunities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing staff and/or directing the work of others
• Master's degree
• 10 years professional experience in communications, public relations, marketing, community engagement, or closely related field
• Professional experience in the infrastructure industry, specifically transportation, water, and/or power infrastructure
• Track record of leading successful communications and engagement strategies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including experience writing for various media (web, brochure, newsletter, social media, etc.)
• Great attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to handle multiple assignments at a time, prioritize among tasks, and set and meet deadlines
• Service- and client-oriented attitude
• Willingness to travel (up to 20% of time)
• Ability to drive or independently get oneself to project locations
• Self-starter who can work well independently or in a team environment with shared work assignments
• Desire to learn and grow professionally
• Creativity and ability to think outside the box
• Experience working with remote teams/clients
• General professionalism and ability to represent HDR in front of clients