Southwest Water Strategic Communications Lead

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?

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

We are looking for a Southwest Water Strategic Communications Lead 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 Southwest Water Strategic Communications Lead, you are a known and respected expert in the water sector with robust communications consulting experience. You have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that water infrastructure managers face, and you harness the power of strategic communications, engagement, and visual design to advance clients' organizational goals and operational effectiveness.

Working alongside the Water Strategic Communications Director and collaboratively as part of a broader Strategic Communications team, you will support projects while advancing water business development, service line integration, and HDR's reputation in the market.

Core Technical Responsibilities

Business Development

* Strengthen strategic communications service line integration and market opportunities through active coordination with southwest Water Business Group business class, market sector, and business development leaders.

* Support Strategic Communications Area Business Class Leads in water business development planning and strategy.

* Serve as a key pursuit team member or lead as appropriate.

* Develop and curate strategic communications project qualifications and case studies.

* Enhance HDR's reputation in the southwest market via industry thought leadership (e.g., publications, presentations, industry association participation, etc.).

Project Delivery

* Manage strategic communication programs and projects with a focus on emerging water sector issues and/or developing markets.

* Create communication and engagement strategies to support water clients' operations, strategic planning, capital improvement program development, prioritization, and delivery across a multitude of media (e.g., social, print, web).

* Lead concept development, writing and editing of collateral materials such as surveys, newsletters, websites, handouts, videos, advertisements, press releases and public notices.

* Coordinate with creative disciplines including graphic design, web development and social media to maintain consistency of brand, saturation of messaging and user experience.

Other Job Responsibilities

* Develop and manage project scopes, schedules, and budgets and direct quality products and timely delivery.

* Serve as a primary client contact for work within your area of expertise.

* Build and maintain productive working relationships with internal partners and clients.

* Mentor strategic communications practitioners with a focus on individuals with a passion for the water sector.

* Perform other duties as requested (e.g., initiative leadership, strategic planning, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree, or equivalent additional experience.

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

* Current knowledge of water industry needs and drivers and a track record of leading successful water sector communications strategy and work products as relayed by references (i.e., clients and colleagues).

* Ability to handle multiple assignments at a time and prioritize among tasks as indicated by meeting delivery timelines and adhering to established quality requirements.

* Willingness to travel (up to 15% of time).

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

* Master's degree

* Experience working directly with clients at an executive level.