Senior Communications Specialist

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR in Rapid City, SD is seeking a Senior Communications Specialist to develop compelling content, support global and local comms strategies, and collaborate with engineers and designers across HDR’s Transportation Business Group. The role emphasizes leading communications initiatives, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to a culture of employee ownership.

The position requires strong writing, editing, and strategic thinking, with experience in Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in closely related field.
• Previous consulting and/or creative agency experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop content that inspires audiences and drives engagement across HDR communication channels to elevate thought leadership, people and project work.
• Assist in driving global and local communications strategies by collaborating with internal business partners, creative, marketing and communications teams.
• Work with engineers, architects, designers and other subject matter experts to develop and write white papers, feature article content, thought leadership articles, and social media posts.
• Ghost write and edit blogs, social media posts, papers and/or presentations by subject matter experts.
• Help develop collateral pieces and other marketing campaign materials.
• Research, write and edit project narratives and case studies.
• Deliver employee training to activate and guide communications throughout the company.
• Monitor industry best practices and maintain a repository of trends and examples.
• Support event management where required.

Skills

Adobe InDesign

Microsoft Office

Written communication

Verbal communication

Public involvement

Social media

Event planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

InDesign

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Senior Communications Specialist - ( 195501 )

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?

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.

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.

In the role of Senior Communications Specialist, we'll count on you to:

• Develop content that inspires audiences and drives engagement across various HDR communication channels to elevate thought leadership, people and project work
• Assist in driving global and local communications strategies by collaborating with internal business partners, creative, marketing and communications teams?
• Work with engineers, architects, designers and other subject matter experts to develop and write white papers, feature article content, thought leadership articles, and social media posts
• Ghost write and edit blogs, social media posts, papers and/or presentations by subject matter experts
• Help develop collateral pieces and other marketing campaign materials
• Research, write and edit project narratives and case studies
• Deliver employee training to activate and guide communications throughout the company
• Monitor industry best practices and maintain a repository of trends and examples
• Support event management where required
• Bring genuine, creative ideas to the table
• Contribute subject matter expertise for the creation of content and engagement programs
• Lead engagement activities related to area of specialization
• Research and develop content for distinct tactics and target audiences
• Inform scope, schedule, and budget for communication activities pertinent to area of specialization
• Mentor and train junior specialists
• Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in closely related field
• Previous consulting and/or creative agency experience.

#LI-SG4

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years experience in a communications field of expertise: social media, event planning, community engagement, target marketing, descriptive writing, public involvement, etc
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Self-motivated and ability to work independent with multiple teams as well as team oriented
• 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 Dakota-Rapid City

Industry

Highway + Road

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass : Strategic Communications

Job Posting

Aug 21, 2026

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

We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employe r. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.