About Us

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

HDR has an opening for a Strategic Communications Manager/Team Lead in our Illinois/Indiana region. This position will provide three key functions: 1) Lead our strategic communications team in Illinois and Indiana 2) Support the communication needs of projects 3) Drive business growth.

HDR’s strategic communications program is growing. We are seeking an experienced professional who is passionate about communication but can also focus on staff development and business growth. Candidates should have experience building and leading teams that serve as communication liaisons with the public, stakeholders, elected officials, media, and other key audiences. In addition to leading the team, our preferred candidate will partner with HDR clients to develop and implement creative, engaging, and inclusive communication strategies.

This position will report to the Illinois/Indiana Area Operations Manager. The successful candidate should be comfortable working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, collaborating with colleagues, and working to make highly technical content easily understood.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the communications team, monitor workload, provide ongoing coaching/training, and support marketing efforts.
• Coordinate with the local area, regional leadership, and HDR’s Strategic Communications program to drive business growth and support key initiatives.
• Develop and implement a broad range of communication strategies to inform, educate, consult, involve, and/or collaborate with stakeholders and members of the public impacted by infrastructure improvement projects. Typical tasks include developing content for communication plans, message strategy, logistics coordination, outreach, public meetings/hearings, and open houses.
• Direct stakeholder coordination strategies, provide conflict resolution measures, and facilitate both in-person and online interactions.
• Manage media relations in accordance with HDR policy. Partner with, and sometimes manage subconsultants who are providing marketing and public relations services related to HDR projects.
• Drive, manage, and monitor digital engagement in partnership with HDR’s digital engagement team.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships within the local team, technical partners, clients, and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with HDR policies, procedures, quality assurance, and risk management.
• Prepare scopes of work, budgets, and schedules required for communication efforts.
• Seek out and participate in industry and community activities as a representative of HDR.

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Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations or closely related field
• A minimum of 3 years relevant communications experience
• Knowledge and experience developing and executing communications plans.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and actively problem-solve to advance key initiatives.
• Proven experience hiring, leading, and developing staff that includes coordinators, content developers, creatives, and digital engagement professionals.
• Excellent demonstrated written and oral communication skills.
• Positive attitude, and commitment to being an active participant in our employee owned culture is a must.
• Willingness to travel (approximately 30%).
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience implementing equitable outreach and engagement strategies with historically underserved, indigenous, and environmental justice/Justice40 audiences.
• 5 years of realted experience
• Consulting experience that includes working in partnership with marketing and business development initiatives to support growth.

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.