Public Engagement and Communications Director

HNTB Corporation; Blue Ash (OH); On-site; USD 150,500 - 240,409; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure firm is looking for a Public Engagement and Communications Director in Blue Ash, Ohio. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree along with a decade of relevant experience, including supervisory roles. This position involves developing communication strategies, managing public engagement initiatives, and leading a team. The firm offers a compensation range of $150,500 - $240,409 based on the location. The role requires strong stakeholder management and program management skills as well as the ability to foster collaboration and drive projects forward.

Qualifications

• 10 years of relevant experience including 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and develop new business opportunities.
• Extensive program management experience in the transportation industry.

Responsibilities

• Establish goals for public engagement and communication programs.
• Directs public engagement and communications employees.
• Oversee recruitment and development of staff.

Skills

Strategic communication

Public engagement

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Marketing, Communications, English, Journalism

Job description

HNTB is shaping how communities connect and thrive through transformative infrastructure projects and innovative mobility solutions. As Public Engagement and Communications Director, you will champion transparency and turn complex transportation programs into compelling, clear, actionable plans and messaging that resonates with stakeholders and decision-makers. You will develop strategies, foster collaboration, guide campaigns that move projects forward, and mentor a team of passionate communicators. At HNTB, you will perform career-defining work as an employee‑owner, and your impact will be felt in communities nationwide.

What You’ll Do:

• Responsible for establishing goals and objectives for public engagement and communications programs, providing strategic support and recommendations to the client to develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies and programs to advance client goals and build stakeholder support.
• Presents proposals and strategies to clients to help win work in conjunction with other project leadership, delivering quality work on time, on budget and to the client's satisfaction.
• Identifies potential audiences, reviews who is affected directly and indirectly, and involves new individuals and groups as others become engaged.
• Directs the development of and approves overall program messaging, implementation strategies, collateral materials and all other supplemental communications materials.
• Responsible for teams adherence to compliance with rules and laws specifically outlined by state and federal regulations and those that may be requested by clients.
• Directs and manages public engagement and communications employees in developing and administering public involvement, communications, and outreach programs.
• Oversees support staff efforts to ensure successful implementation and development of events, print and graphic materials, and program messaging as scoped, providing direction as needed.
• Responsible for the recruitment, hiring, mentoring, development, and retention of staff, including development of plan for staff reporting, performance and compensation reviews, and succession planning.
• Contracts with and manages sub-consultants for public/community relations, graphic design, and other outside work when needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Need:

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Marketing, Communications, English, Journalism or related field and 10 years relevant experience including 2 years supervisory/lead experience.

What We Prefer:

• Master's degree in Political Science, Marketing, Communications, English, Journalism or related field.
• APR, PMP, or IABC certification.
• 10+ years of relevant experience, including 5+ years in supervisory or leadership roles.
• Knowledge of and direct involvement in the transportation industry and has a proven ability to integrate communications and public engagement strategies.
• Extensive program management experience, with a track record of leading large-scale public engagement and communications programs and teams in the transportation industry.
• Strong cross‑functional and cross‑level communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, develop, and expand new business opportunities while successfully building and leading high performing teams to achieve growth objectives.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran.

Pay range: The approximate pay range for Ohio is $150,500.15 - $240,409.34; nationwide range is $150,500.15 - $300,511.68.