Vice President, Public Outreach - Transportation
Bodewell Group, San Diego, CA, United States
Description
Bodewell Group is seeking a full‑time Vice President and Transportation Business Line Lead to join our Southern California team. This senior leader will guide client strategy, advance business development, and shape the firm’s transportation vision. The role requires a strategic thinker with deep expertise in public outreach, infrastructure communications, and strong relationships across the transportation industry. The leader will manage high‑profile client initiatives, develop communication strategies, and act as trusted advisor to executives and policymakers. Internally, the role supports business growth, mentors team members, and builds strategic partnerships to position the firm for major opportunities. The ideal candidate is a results‑driven leader with a proven track record in fast‑paced, high‑stakes environments.
Job Type Full‑time
About Bodewell Group At Bodewell Group, progress starts with people. We are a strategic engagement agency advancing the modern building blocks of society—water, energy, transportation, land and technology. Our 130+ team partners with public and private sector leaders to build understanding, align stakeholders and move complex initiatives forward, shaping the systems that communities rely on every day.
We invest in the best and brightest—innovative thinkers, strategic advisors and collaborative problem‑solvers who are committed to enhancing human prosperity and quality of life for generations to come. Recognized as a Certified Great Place to Work (2025–2026), we foster a culture grounded in trust and shared purpose while creating space for balance, connection and life outside of work.
Position Location and Travel: Roles hired in San Diego operate on a hybrid schedule, with 3 days onsite in the San Diego Headquarters. Roles outside of San Diego are primarily remote with varying expectations of visits to satellite offices and clients. Travel is required up to 20–30 % of the time, with possible additional travel for projects and conferences. This role may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends as required.
Salary Range: $140,000 – $180,000 (dependent on experience)
Responsibilities
Forecast staffing needs for all transportation business line projects and contracts, reporting fluctuations to senior leadership.
Support key company initiatives and promote company positions and needs with junior staff.
Manage budgeting and invoicing for transportation business line clients and forecast costs for proposed strategies.
Demonstrate strong project management skills, overseeing all aspects of a project and leading client interactions independently.
Build and maintain meaningful relationships with high‑level external audiences, contributing to business development efforts.
Act as a coach to junior staff, providing constructive feedback and guidance.
Coach supervisory staff (Managers and Directors) towards maximizing performance and meeting utilization targets.
Maintain an understanding of current transportation‑industry public outreach, public affairs, engagements and communications best practices.
Work with Executive Committee members to develop and drive strategic direction.
Lead a team in executing strategic communication programs (community relations, public outreach, media relations, etc.).
Oversee small to large‑scale communication projects, managing deliverables, budgets, timelines and teams.
Review collateral such as fact sheets, maps, eblasts and press releases to ensure quality.
Experience in transportation‑industry communications across all infrastructure phases.
Deep understanding of key policy issues and ability to simplify complex concepts.
Familiarity with construction outreach management and collaboration with contractors and third‑party organizations.
Experience managing complex, multilingual outreach campaigns and serving underserved populations.
Develop and manage all transportation business line proposals.
Seek business opportunities through networking, community events and professional associations.
Provide regular coaching and feedback to personnel.
Contribute to company‑wide professional development initiatives.
Advocate for integration across all SWS Group brands.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
15+ years of relevant experience in transportation public outreach/public affairs or related field.
10+ years of agency experience or 5+ years agency experience plus 10+ years in‑house with a local or state transportation agency.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Proven ability to manage large projects and small teams on sizable accounts.
Continued account management for a minimum of 3 years.
Experience managing both retainer and hourly billable projects.
Experience supporting transportation infrastructure projects.
Demonstrated active efforts to grow the business rather than focus on individual advancement.
Additional Requirements
Average monthly utilization of 85 % or higher (internal only).
Management of at least two significant client accounts with combined minimum revenue target.
Supervision of a team of staff members on major accounts.
Direct supervision of more than three staff and regular review cycles.
Willingness to work on any company project, including cross‑vertical work.
Generate at least three quality business leads per year.
Regularly serve on at least one high‑profile community or industry board or commission.
Attend a minimum of six non‑client community events per year.
Availability for weekends or extended hours as needed.
Attend a minimum of six meetings with non‑client contacts in government, business or media per year.
Travel required up to 20–30 % of the time, with additional travel for project demands.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
Flexible, hybrid schedule supporting balance.
Medical, dental and vision benefits with multiple low‑cost plan options, 100 % employer coverage and FSA offerings.
Financial growth and stability: competitive salary, 401(k) participation, profit‑sharing and life insurance.
Professional growth: development stipend, internal training, mentorship and exposure to high‑impact projects.
Rest, renewal and well‑being: three weeks PTO, 13 paid holidays and a wellness stipend.
Community and recognition: company events and employee recognition program.
Salary Description $140,000 – $180,000
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Job Type Full‑time
About Bodewell Group At Bodewell Group, progress starts with people. We are a strategic engagement agency advancing the modern building blocks of society—water, energy, transportation, land and technology. Our 130+ team partners with public and private sector leaders to build understanding, align stakeholders and move complex initiatives forward, shaping the systems that communities rely on every day.
We invest in the best and brightest—innovative thinkers, strategic advisors and collaborative problem‑solvers who are committed to enhancing human prosperity and quality of life for generations to come. Recognized as a Certified Great Place to Work (2025–2026), we foster a culture grounded in trust and shared purpose while creating space for balance, connection and life outside of work.
Position Location and Travel: Roles hired in San Diego operate on a hybrid schedule, with 3 days onsite in the San Diego Headquarters. Roles outside of San Diego are primarily remote with varying expectations of visits to satellite offices and clients. Travel is required up to 20–30 % of the time, with possible additional travel for projects and conferences. This role may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends as required.
Salary Range: $140,000 – $180,000 (dependent on experience)
Responsibilities
Forecast staffing needs for all transportation business line projects and contracts, reporting fluctuations to senior leadership.
Support key company initiatives and promote company positions and needs with junior staff.
Manage budgeting and invoicing for transportation business line clients and forecast costs for proposed strategies.
Demonstrate strong project management skills, overseeing all aspects of a project and leading client interactions independently.
Build and maintain meaningful relationships with high‑level external audiences, contributing to business development efforts.
Act as a coach to junior staff, providing constructive feedback and guidance.
Coach supervisory staff (Managers and Directors) towards maximizing performance and meeting utilization targets.
Maintain an understanding of current transportation‑industry public outreach, public affairs, engagements and communications best practices.
Work with Executive Committee members to develop and drive strategic direction.
Lead a team in executing strategic communication programs (community relations, public outreach, media relations, etc.).
Oversee small to large‑scale communication projects, managing deliverables, budgets, timelines and teams.
Review collateral such as fact sheets, maps, eblasts and press releases to ensure quality.
Experience in transportation‑industry communications across all infrastructure phases.
Deep understanding of key policy issues and ability to simplify complex concepts.
Familiarity with construction outreach management and collaboration with contractors and third‑party organizations.
Experience managing complex, multilingual outreach campaigns and serving underserved populations.
Develop and manage all transportation business line proposals.
Seek business opportunities through networking, community events and professional associations.
Provide regular coaching and feedback to personnel.
Contribute to company‑wide professional development initiatives.
Advocate for integration across all SWS Group brands.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
15+ years of relevant experience in transportation public outreach/public affairs or related field.
10+ years of agency experience or 5+ years agency experience plus 10+ years in‑house with a local or state transportation agency.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Proven ability to manage large projects and small teams on sizable accounts.
Continued account management for a minimum of 3 years.
Experience managing both retainer and hourly billable projects.
Experience supporting transportation infrastructure projects.
Demonstrated active efforts to grow the business rather than focus on individual advancement.
Additional Requirements
Average monthly utilization of 85 % or higher (internal only).
Management of at least two significant client accounts with combined minimum revenue target.
Supervision of a team of staff members on major accounts.
Direct supervision of more than three staff and regular review cycles.
Willingness to work on any company project, including cross‑vertical work.
Generate at least three quality business leads per year.
Regularly serve on at least one high‑profile community or industry board or commission.
Attend a minimum of six non‑client community events per year.
Availability for weekends or extended hours as needed.
Attend a minimum of six meetings with non‑client contacts in government, business or media per year.
Travel required up to 20–30 % of the time, with additional travel for project demands.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
Flexible, hybrid schedule supporting balance.
Medical, dental and vision benefits with multiple low‑cost plan options, 100 % employer coverage and FSA offerings.
Financial growth and stability: competitive salary, 401(k) participation, profit‑sharing and life insurance.
Professional growth: development stipend, internal training, mentorship and exposure to high‑impact projects.
Rest, renewal and well‑being: three weeks PTO, 13 paid holidays and a wellness stipend.
Community and recognition: company events and employee recognition program.
Salary Description $140,000 – $180,000
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