Communications Manager

HDR; South Carolina; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Communications Manager to join our Transportation Business Group in Charleston, SC. You will lead strategic communications for infrastructure and environmental projects, collaborating with government clients, project managers, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver outcomes.

The role requires guiding communications plans, engaging stakeholders, and translating technical info for diverse audiences. HDR champion our employee-owned culture and community impact.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant industry experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong ability to manage cross-functional teams and projects.
• Experience developing strategic communications plans for infrastructure/government projects.

Responsibilities

• Serve as communications lead for client projects, providing strategic guidance and measuring outreach impact.
• Develop and execute communications plans with internal partners and creative teams.
• Translate complex technical information for public and stakeholder audiences.
• Advise on stakeholder engagement and regulatory communications throughout projects.
• Plan and facilitate public meetings and engagement activities.
• Develop content for distinct tactics and target audiences.

Skills

Leadership

Public speaking

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Master's degree or certifications in relevant field

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Microsoft Office

Job description

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.

HDR is looking for a Communications Manager to join our Transportation Business Group team in Charleston, SC. The Communications Manager will lead the development and implementation of strategic communications and public involvement plans for infrastructure and environmental projects, partnering with government clients, project managers, technical staff, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver successful project outcomes.

In this role we’ll count on you to:

• Serve as the communications lead for client projects, providing strategic guidance, managing communications deliverables, and measuring outreach effectiveness.
• Manage the development and execution of communications plans by collaborating with internal business partners, creative, marketing and communications teams
• Take ownership of tactics and outcomes and measure their impact
• Partner with engineers, planners, environmental scientists, and project managers to develop communication materials that translate complex technical information for public, stakeholder, and government audiences.
• Monitor industry best practices and maintain a repository of trends and examples
• Advise project teams and government clients on stakeholder engagement, public involvement, and regulatory communications throughout project planning and delivery.
• Plan and facilitate public meetings, workshops, open houses, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Research and develop content for distinct tactics and target audiences
• Inform scope, schedule, and budget for communication activities pertinent to area of specialization
• Bring genuine, creative ideas to the table
• Manage and develop multidiscipline teams
• Perform other duties as necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
• Master's degree or certifications in a relevant field
• Media buying experience or public relations campaign development experience preferred
• 10 years of experience developing and implementing strategic communications campaigns and/or public involvement programs for infrastructure, transportation, environmental, or government projects, preferably in a consulting environment
• Demonstrated leadership experience working with prominent stakeholders and executives
• Public speaking experience at industry events or external presentations
• Demonstrated experience developing major communications plans, stakeholder engagement strategies, and outreach campaigns for complex projects
• Local candidates are preferred

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 Carolina-Charleston

Industry

Strategic Communications

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass : Strategic Communications

Job Posting

Oct 13, 2026

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

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.