Strategic Communications Project Manager

(196029)

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 transportation is more than movement, it's the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR's Transportation Business Group, you'll help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably. From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly support economic vitality, public safety, sustainable and resilient communities and quality of life. We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental, strategic communications, economists, management consultants and specialists across disciplines to solve complex mobility challenges with innovation, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of community needs. Whether you're modernizing aging infrastructure or pioneering next-generation transportation solutions, your contributions will help define the future of mobility. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead progress, drive meaningful impact, and leave a legacy of smarter, more connected transportation networks. We are all employee-owners at HDR, which is the foundation of our collaborative culture that connects employees around the world.

We create connections between people and the projects and services that move communities forward.

We are looking for a Strategic Communications Project 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 Project Manager, you will direct 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 HDR leadership and clients. In this role, you will be expected to drive communications and engagement strategy for projects, delegate work to staff, and manage project scopes, schedules, and budgets in accordance with HDR's project management protocols.

Core Technical Responsibilities

Direct 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 project scopes, schedules, and budgets

Direct the work of others and ensure quality of work

Independently represent HDR in client meetings

Serve as the primary client contact for Strategic Communications projects

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

Support and mentor staff

Lead Strategic Communications pursuits and proposals

Participate in industry events and personal professional development opportunities

Perform other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree

10 years professional experience in communications, public relations, marketing, community engagement, or closely related field

Professional experience in the infrastructure industry, specifically transportation, water, and power infrastructure

Track record of leading successful communications and engagement strategies

Strong written and verbal communication skills including experience writing for various media (web, brochure, newsletter, social media, etc.)

Great attention to detail

Strong organizational skills

Ability to handle multiple assignments at a time, prioritize among tasks, and set and meet deadlines

Service- and client-oriented attitude

Willingness to travel (up to 30% of time)

Ability to drive or independently get oneself to project locations

Self-starter who can work well independently or in a team environment with shared work assignments

Desire to learn and grow professionally

Creativity and ability to think outside the box

Experience working with remote teams/clients

General professionalism and ability to represent HDR in front of clients

Proficiency in Microsoft Office products

A commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and related professional experience

7 years related experience

A minimum of 2 years project management experience

Must have the ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organizational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills

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-Texas-Dallas

Industry

: Highway + Road

Schedule

: Full-time

Employee Status

: Regular

BusinessClass: Strategic Communications

Job Posting

: Sep 10, 2026