Communications Coordinator
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Madison, WI, United States
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? Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story. 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. We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you’ll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You’ll work side‑by‑side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.
HDR is seeking a Communications Coordinator to join our team and support communications and engagement. This role is ideal for a highly organized, detail‑oriented professional who is passionate about community engagement, enjoys collaboration, and is excited about supporting strategic communications and public engagement initiatives. As a Communications Coordinator, you will work closely with the Minnesota–Wisconsin Strategic Communications team to develop, execute, and manage community engagement and communications activities.
Our Strategic Communications program is a global team of communicators passionate about putting people first in planning and infrastructure. We are a full‑service community engagement and creative practice, developing and implementing ideas that bring people together, foster understanding, and build more connected, equitable, and sustainable communities. As Strategic Communications professionals, we work with our client’s brand – not HDR – to strengthen our client’s messaging and engagement strategies for a program, initiative, or project.
Responsibilities
Coordinate logistics for public meetings, open houses, and other community engagement events.
Organize and assist with meeting logistics and vendor management.
Develop and manage detailed project schedules to keep tasks on track and deadlines met.
Maintain organized notes, assign tasks with clear deadlines, track progress, and follow up to ensure accountability.
Implement engagement strategies and communications plans for projects, making sure there’s alignment with project goals and community needs.
Draft and edit copy for newsletters, websites, presentations, advertisements, mailings, and other communications materials.
Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams—including creative staff, other coordinators, and technical colleagues—to achieve project objectives.
Assist with information gathering, note‑taking, and supporting project managers during meetings.
Partner with HDR clients to develop, refine, and carry out stakeholder and public outreach strategies.
Travel to project locations (including overnight stays) to support on‑site engagement efforts.
Lead the identification of stakeholders and manage the development of distribution list for inclusion in project database.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in related field or three years relevant experience
Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing for diverse media
Experience in public outreach, community relations, and event planning
Service‑and‑client‑oriented mindset
Willingness to travel
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)
Ability to drive or navigate independently within project areas
Familiarity with the architecture and engineering consulting industry
Preference given to local candidates
Required Qualifications
A minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational skills
Service‑and‑client‑oriented personality with the ability to handle multiple assignments at a time and meet set deadlines
Self‑starter who can work well independently or in a team environment
Experience using social networking/social media programs
An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must
What We Believe HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other’s 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 – Wisconsin – Madison
Industry Strategic Communications
Schedule Full‑time
Employee Status Regular
BusinessClass: Strategic Communications
Job Posting Mar 25, 2026
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.
#LI-EV1
Ready to learn more? Let’s work together to make great things possible. We design solutions to the world’s greatest challenges. We’re always looking for great talent to join our global teams.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
HDR is seeking a Communications Coordinator to join our team and support communications and engagement. This role is ideal for a highly organized, detail‑oriented professional who is passionate about community engagement, enjoys collaboration, and is excited about supporting strategic communications and public engagement initiatives. As a Communications Coordinator, you will work closely with the Minnesota–Wisconsin Strategic Communications team to develop, execute, and manage community engagement and communications activities.
Our Strategic Communications program is a global team of communicators passionate about putting people first in planning and infrastructure. We are a full‑service community engagement and creative practice, developing and implementing ideas that bring people together, foster understanding, and build more connected, equitable, and sustainable communities. As Strategic Communications professionals, we work with our client’s brand – not HDR – to strengthen our client’s messaging and engagement strategies for a program, initiative, or project.
Responsibilities
Coordinate logistics for public meetings, open houses, and other community engagement events.
Organize and assist with meeting logistics and vendor management.
Develop and manage detailed project schedules to keep tasks on track and deadlines met.
Maintain organized notes, assign tasks with clear deadlines, track progress, and follow up to ensure accountability.
Implement engagement strategies and communications plans for projects, making sure there’s alignment with project goals and community needs.
Draft and edit copy for newsletters, websites, presentations, advertisements, mailings, and other communications materials.
Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams—including creative staff, other coordinators, and technical colleagues—to achieve project objectives.
Assist with information gathering, note‑taking, and supporting project managers during meetings.
Partner with HDR clients to develop, refine, and carry out stakeholder and public outreach strategies.
Travel to project locations (including overnight stays) to support on‑site engagement efforts.
Lead the identification of stakeholders and manage the development of distribution list for inclusion in project database.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in related field or three years relevant experience
Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing for diverse media
Experience in public outreach, community relations, and event planning
Service‑and‑client‑oriented mindset
Willingness to travel
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)
Ability to drive or navigate independently within project areas
Familiarity with the architecture and engineering consulting industry
Preference given to local candidates
Required Qualifications
A minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational skills
Service‑and‑client‑oriented personality with the ability to handle multiple assignments at a time and meet set deadlines
Self‑starter who can work well independently or in a team environment
Experience using social networking/social media programs
An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must
What We Believe HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other’s 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 – Wisconsin – Madison
Industry Strategic Communications
Schedule Full‑time
Employee Status Regular
BusinessClass: Strategic Communications
Job Posting Mar 25, 2026
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.
#LI-EV1
Ready to learn more? Let’s work together to make great things possible. We design solutions to the world’s greatest challenges. We’re always looking for great talent to join our global teams.
#J-18808-Ljbffr