Colorado Strategic Communication Leader

The Colorado Strategic Communications Area Lead is responsible for leading HDR's Strategic Communications and Creative Services team in Colorado. This role combines project delivery, client service, business development support, team leadership, and strategic communications expertise to help clients navigate complex infrastructure projects and achieve successful stakeholder and community outcomes. The Area Lead provides direct supervision, mentoring, performance management, and professional development for a multidisciplinary team of communications, engagement, and creative professionals while maintaining an active role in project delivery and client service. The position also supports the growth and visibility of Strategic Communications services by building relationships across HDR business groups, supporting pursuits, and identifying opportunities to integrate communications and engagement solutions into projects. Maintaining approximately 75% utilization through project delivery, consulting, project management, and client-facing activities is essential to maintaining technical credibility and supporting the team's success. A strong presence within Colorado offices is important for fostering collaboration, mentoring staff, and increasing awareness of Strategic Communications capabilities across HDR. Working closely with Business Group Managers, Project Managers, and National Strategic Communications leadership, the Area Lead helps position HDR as a market leader in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, public involvement, facilitation, and creative communications while advancing the practice to meet future client and industry needs. Key Responsibilities Business Development & Client Service - Support the growth of Strategic Communications services across Colorado by identifying opportunities, supporting pursuits, and building client relationships. - Promote HDR's communications, engagement, and creative capabilities both internally and externally. - Serve as a communications strategist, project manager, or technical lead on key projects while maintaining strong technical expertise and client service. Team Leadership & Practice Development - Directly manage, mentor, and develop Strategic Communications and Creative Services staff. - Lead recruitment, onboarding, retention, performance management, and succession planning efforts. - Foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive team culture while coordinating staffing and workload management. - Support continuous improvement, technical excellence, and professional development across the team. Collaboration & Visibility - Build strong partnerships with Business Group Managers, Project Managers, and leadership to integrate Strategic Communications services into projects and pursuits. - Maintain a visible presence within Colorado offices to support collaboration, mentorship, relationship building, and business development. - Promote awareness and value of Strategic Communications services throughout HDR and support knowledge sharing across business groups and regions. - Coordinate with national and regional Strategic Communications leaders to align best practices, growth opportunities and workshare across the company. Success Measure - Growth in Strategic Communications revenue, backlog, and booked work. - Successful project delivery and client satisfaction. - Employee engagement, retention, and professional development. - Increased visibility, utilization, and integration of Strategic Communications services across HDR. #LI-MV3 Qualifications Required Qualifications - Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience - A minimum of 10 years experience - Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role - Strong communication and listening skills - Ability to handle multiple assignments - Good leadership and organizational skills - An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must