Strategic Communications Manager

Strategic Communications Manager - ( 194566 )

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 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 communications, 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.

As a Strategic Communications Manager, you will be responsible for the development, management, and execution of communication and engagement activities on a variety of infrastructure projects. You will work collaboratively as part of a broader Strategic Communications team and take direction from Project Managers and clients. In this role, you will be expected to drive communications and engagement strategy for projects, delegate work to staff, and manage task scopes, schedules and budgets.

Core Technical Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of project communication and engagement strategy and plans

Define messaging strategy for communication pieces including talking points, media releases, social media, project materials, and video scripts

Manage formal and informal public meetings, hearings, open houses, workshops, advisory committees, or other stakeholder meetings

Oversee meeting logistics and vendor management

Direct task workback schedules and meeting plans

Oversee the production and distribution of outreach materials such as newsletters, websites, handouts, presentations, advertisements, door hangers, press releases, and mailings

Collaborate with specialists in social media, web, graphics, and video to produce outreach tools and materials

Direct the identification of stakeholders and manage the development of distribution lists

Direct the development and maintenance of project-specific comment management databases and responses to comment protocols

Oversee documentation of outreach activities, including activity tracking and reporting

Other Job Responsibilities

Develop and manage task scopes, schedules, and budgets

Direct the work of others and ensure quality of work

Independently represent HDR in client meetings to discuss project tasks

Serve as the primary client contact for Strategic Communications work

Build and maintain productive working relationships with your team, partners, and clients

Support and mentor staff

Lead the development of Strategic Communications content for pursuits and proposals

Participate in industry events and personal professional development opportunities

Perform other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications
*LI-BC1

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 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-South Dakota-Rapid City

Industry
Highway + Road

Schedule
Full-time

Employee Status
Regular

BusinessClass : Strategic Communications

Job Posting
Jul 30, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affir

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We'realways looking for great talent to join our global teams.

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