We are looking for a Strategic Communications Project Manager 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 Project Manager, you will direct the development, management, and execution of communication and engagement activities on a variety of infrastructure projects. You will work collaboratively as part of a broader Strategic Communications team and take direction from HDR leadership and clients. In this role, you will be expected to drive communications and engagement strategy for projects, delegate work to staff, and manage project scopes, schedules, and budgets in accordance with HDR's project management protocols.
Core Technical Responsibilities- 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- 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 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 30% 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
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products
- A commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture
QualificationsRequired Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and related professional experience
- 7 years related experience
- A minimum of 2 years project management experience
- 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
