HDR is seeking an experienced creative professional who thrives on collaboration and building strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders to help the public engage on projects that impact quality of life. This position is for the role of a Strategic Communications Consultant as part of an industry-leading team in HDR with a practice of nearly 180+ communication-consulting practitioners nationwide. This position requires an experienced communications professional that is passionate about strategic communications and stakeholder engagement in transportation markets. They will join an industry leading practice of more than 150 communication-consulting practitioners across North America who deliver strategic communications services to client organizations in the architecture, engineering, and planning industry.

The Strategic Communications team prioritizes equity and justice in all our work because we believe in amplifying the voices of the people most affected by the projects in their communities. This position will play a lead role in planning, developing, managing, and executing public engagement and strategic communications programs for major transportation, and infrastructure projects in Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas. They will drive big ideas to make improvements to the way we work, coordinating the development and pursuit of goals, writing documents, interfacing with other leaders across HDR and moving our communications program forward.

Who You Are:

You are a storyteller, skilled at amplifying community voices to define and articulate a consistent message. You have a knack for articulating complex ideas through simple, beautiful, clear and engaging visuals.

You are a consultative forward thinker comfortable working on multi-disciplinary teams and collaborating effectively with clients and colleagues to determine the most effective visual strategy for project delivery.

You are a lifelong learner who is constantly researching new technologies and trends, pushing clients and the team to innovate. You test and embrace the new.

You are a natural leader who thrives on bringing out the best creative solutions and collaborative efforts from individuals within a team environment.

You thrive on building and managing people and project teams. You are exceptionally organized and highly driven with the ability to manage several projects and meet client deadlines. You prioritize asks strategically and manage time effectively.

You enjoy managing and leading clients and developing relationships to build our strategic communications programs.

You exhibit strong attention to detail, respond positively to feedback, and want to be part of an engaged team who values collaboration and shares a goal of creative excellence.

You invest in the community you work in through maintaining relationships with key community stakeholders before projects even begin.

Responsibilities

Engages in internal and external client meetings and acts as a creative consultant within the firm

Providing advisory and consulting services to executive-level leadership across various industries including transportation, water, and resources
Consistently raise the bar for program development and execution and provide constructive, actionable feedback to teammates

Project and task management, including preparing and monitoring scope and budget, preparing and implementing schedules, and coordinating with team members to deliver successful projects

Leading communication and engagement strategy on planning, design, and construction projects

Managing and leading strategic communication projects and tasks
Leading concept development, writing, and editing of collateral materials such as surveys, newsletters, websites, handouts, videos, advertisements, press releases, and public notices

Coordinating with creative disciplines including graphic design, web development, and social media to maintain consistency of brand, saturation of messaging, and user experience

Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate effectively with senior management with an intense service mindset.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or relevant field

Minimum of 12 years of related experience in communications, public relations, public involvement and/or community engagement

Understands the integration of people, processes and technology needed to implement change

High aptitude for managing and solving tactical issues
Strong project management skills

Deep knowledge off communications plans and campaigns for public involvement, stakeholder engagement and public relations for waste projects

Proven ability to develop compelling stories that strengthen messaging and engagement strategies for a program, initiative or project

Willingness to travel (up to 25%)

Experience collaborating with graphic designers, web developers and social media strategists to ensure cohesive message and user experience
Experience writing for multiple mediums including social, print, audio/video, and web

Service/client-oriented personality with previous consulting experience

Must be a self-starter who can work well independently or in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications

An entrepreneurial spirit that is energetic, positive and resourceful
Candidates with experience in community advocacy or government infrastructure projects are preferred

Why HDR

At HDR, we know work isn't only about who you work for it's also about what you do and how you do it. Led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we network with each other, build on each other's contributions, and collaborate together to make great things possible. When you join HDR, we give you license to do the same. We help you take charge of your career, giving you multiple growth opportunities along the way.

Primary Location: United States-Tennessee-Nashville
Other Locations: United States-Kentucky-Louisville, United States-Kentucky-Lexington