Senior Strategic Communications Coordinator

About Us

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

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We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

Primary Responsibilities

In the role of Senior Strategic Communications Coordinator you’ll be responsible for managing projects and building strong relationships with some of HDR’s most unique clients in the Energy, Waste, Oil and Gas, Mining and Industrial markets. As a natural connector of people, you’ll interface with clients to understand their priorities and challenges with the objective of engaging the right communication and engagement strategies. This requires deep knowledge of public involvement, public relations and community engagement strategies along with the ability to listen, develop unique strategies, and identify team synergies concentrated on solving the challenges facing our clients.

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.

HDR is looking to add a talented Senior Strategic Communications Coordinator to our growing program to lead client development in the Energy, Waste, Oil and Gas, Mining and Industrial markets in Minnesota and Wisconsin. As a communications professional working within an engineering company, this role will continue to build and foster internal relationships with HDR project managers and staff.

• Lead or support the development and implementation of communications plans (target audience strategy, media relations and tracking, collateral material development, comment response programs, event planning, overall activity schedule, information lines, contact databases, and reporting).
• Coordinate and lead production/planning teams, lead concept development, writing, editing and assisting in graphic coordination of outreach materials such as surveys, newsletters, websites, handouts, videos, advertisements, and press releases.
• Faciliate virtual and/or in-person public meetings, hearings, open houses, focus groups, workshops, advisory committees, and other stakeholder meetings, as well as coordinate project-related data gathering and political analysis and monitoring.
• Assist with the development and management of political outreach strategies and manage social media campaigns. This will involve media coordination/management, including public notices and press releases, media monitoring/tracking for project documentation, and the management of external service providers including court reporters, videographers, acoustical consultants/sub-consultants.
• Lead stakeholder coordination and conflict resolution via in-person visits, phone calls, email. including court reporters, videographers, acoustical consultants and subconsultants, and research industry news coverage and industry trends for client projects
• Perform other duties as needed

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in a closely related field, or combination of education and relevant experience
• 5+ years related experience in media coordination for advertisements, including public notices and press releases
• Experience leading social media campaigns
• Service- and client-oriented personality with the ability to handle multiple assignments at a time and set and meet deadlines
• Self-starter; can work well independently or in a team environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to travel
• Working knowledge of local, state and federal requirements for public involvement
• Strong organizational skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

Preferred Qualifications

• Media relations experience desired
• Experience in the energy, waste, oil and gas, mining and/or industrial markets
• Previous consulting or account management experience preferred

Why HDR

At HDR, we know work isn't only about who you work for; it's also about what you do and how you do it. Led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we network with each other, build on each other's contributions, and collaborate together to make great things possible. When you join HDR, we give you license to do the same. We help you take charge of your career, giving you multiple growth opportunities along the way.

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