We are looking for a Senior Strategic Communications Project Manager to join 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 help clients communicate complex infrastructure programs, build trust with stakeholders, and strengthen public understanding. We are looking for a strategic communicator who enjoys solving complex challenges, advising clients, and leading multidisciplinary teams.
As a Senior Strategic Communications Project Manager, you will provide strategic communications leadership for major infrastructure programs throughout planning, design, construction, and operations. You will partner with clients to develop communications strategies, advise project leadership, direct multidisciplinary teams, and oversee successful project delivery. This role combines strategic counsel, client relationship management, project leadership, and team leadership.
In the role of Senior Strategic Communications Project Manager, we'll count on you to:
- Lead communications strategy for major infrastructure programs
- Serve as a trusted communications advisor to clients and project leadership
- Develop messaging, executive communications, media strategies, and stakeholder engagement approaches that support client objectives
- Develop stakeholder engagement and relationship strategies for infrastructure and planning programs
- Direct stakeholder engagement programs, including executive briefings, advisory committees, public meetings, elected official engagement, and partner coordination
- Provide strategic communications counsel during high-profile, sensitive, or complex project issues
- Direct multidisciplinary teams, subconsultants, and vendors to successfully deliver communications initiatives
- Lead integrated teams of communications, digital, creative, and technical specialists to deliver communications programs and tools
- Develop and strengthen long-term client relationships while identifying opportunities to expand Strategic Communications services
- Lead the successful delivery of large and complex Strategic Communications projects, including oversight of project scopes, schedules, budgets, and risk management
- Direct the work of others and ensure quality of work
- Serve as a trusted advisor and represent HDR in client meetings, executive briefings, and strategic discussions
- Serve as the primary Strategic Communications client relationship manager for large infrastructure programs.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with clients, partners, and colleagues that support long-term project and business success.
- Support and mentor staff
- Lead strategic pursuits, proposals, interviews, and business development activities to support practice growth
- Participate in industry events and personal professional development opportunities
- Perform other duties as assigned
Preferred Qualifications - Master's degree
- 15 years professional experience in communications, public relations, marketing, community engagement, or closely related field
- Professional experience in infrastructure, including transportation, water, or power
- Track record of directing successful communications and engagement strategies
- Track record of successful project management
- 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 15% of time)
- Ability to drive or independently get oneself to project locations
- Desire to learn and grow professionally
- Creativity and ability to think outside the box
- General professionalism and ability to represent HDR in front of clients
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products
QualificationsRequired Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in related field
- 10 years related experience
- A minimum of 5 years of project management experience
- Familiar with Microsoft Office, estimating and scheduling software, project management software
- Must have the ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organizational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
