Strategic Communications Project Manager

Strategic Communications Project Manager

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

In the role of Strategic Communications Project Manager, we'll count on you to: Create connections between people and the projects that move communities forward.

We are looking for a Strategic Communications 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 community 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. The Strategic Communications Project Manager will develop, execute and manage communication and outreach activities on a variety of infrastructure projects. This is a person who is passionate about community engagement, loves to collaborate, has a natural ability to create and maintain trusting client relationships, and has a habit of thinking outside the box as a member of a high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of scope, schedule and budget for tasks and standalone projects.
• Plan and implement communications strategy for infrastructure projects in various stages, including planning, environmental, design and construction projects.
• Plan and execute grassroots communication strategies and tactics, including managing project hotlines and emails and canvassing businesses and residents ahead of project impacts.
• Lead campaign development activities, including target audience analysis, branding, messaging, and research.
• Direct customer-facing communication in a variety of mediums including social, print, video and web.
• Interface with client and/or client-facing teams to coordinate delivery of a successful project.
• Plan and facilitate contentious public meetings, public hearings, open houses and other meetings with the public, clients and project stakeholders.
• Lead concept development, writing and editing of collateral materials such as surveys, presentations, newsletters, trainings, websites, handouts, videos, advertisements, press releases and public notices.
• Use technologies to push clients and teams to creative solutions and to support clear communication across multiple channels and mediums.
• Coordinate with creative disciplines, including graphic design, web development and social media to maintain consistency of brand, saturation of messaging, and user experience.
• Work with business/accounting manager and operations leadership to monitor project health. Perform other duties as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous work experience in infrastructure engineering and/or construction industries (e.g., transportation (roads/
• Minimum 8 years of relevant industry experience.
• Masters Degree.
• Experience and understanding of NEPA and how infrastructure projects are developed under these guidelines.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of 7 years relevant industry experience, including management experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Self-motivated and ability to work independent with multiple teams as well as team oriented
• Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills
• Great interpersonal and communication skills - positive outlook and attitude
• High aptitude for managing and solving tactical issues
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
• Comfortable and competent while working with senior leaders and managing cross-functional efforts
• Demonstrated ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a high-energy, fast-paced environment
• Committed to quality, continuous improvement, and HDR values
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite - InDesign
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

What We Believe HDR is our company. Together, we build on each others life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location: United States-Utah-Salt Lake City

Industry: Strategic Communications

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

Job Posting: Sep 16, 2025

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.