Community Outreach Specialist
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 work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the 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.
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 work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the 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.
This position will work closely with project managers, contractors, customers, and the community to enhance awareness, understanding, and engagement on active construction projects. The selected candidate will also collaborate with a team of consultant communications professionals supporting our client's statewide program.
- Project Communications & Engagement
- Attend weekly construction progress meetings to stay informed on project developments
- Develop clear, accessible, and timely communication (fact sheets, PowerPoint presentations, graphics, FAQs, and project updates)
- Serve as a liaison between construction projects and the community, ensuring stakeholders receive accurate and timely information
- Coordinate and execute public outreach campaigns before, during, and after construction activities
- Plan and facilitate public meetings, open houses, and community engagement sessions to inform residents, businesses, and stakeholders about project impacts
- Develop content for our client's website, project webpages, newsletters, and other outreach platforms
- Stakeholder Coordination & Issue Resolution
- Collaborate with construction project managers to identify and manage public information needs
- Track and respond to inquiries, complaints, and concerns received by the client
- Coordinate with leadership, local agencies, elected officials, and community groups to maintain positive relationships and proactively address concerns
Research, draft, and submit timely responses to media and elected official inquiries
Assist in the preparation and distribution of mass mailers and digital updates to impacted communities
- Special Events & Outreach Support
- Plan and support groundbreakings, ribbon-cuttings, and other special events
- Develop educational and promotional materials to enhance community understanding of our client's projects
- Represent the Enterprise at community meetings, industry conferences, and public outreach events
- Social Media & Digital Communications
- Research, write, and post approved content for Enterprise social media platforms (X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.)
- Assist with digital outreach efforts, including email communications and website updates
- General Support & Reporting
- Provide strategic communication support to leadership as needed
- Maintain outreach documentation and reports to track engagement efforts
- Assist in ensuring consistency with messaging guidelines
- Some evening and weekend work may be required for public meetings and special events.
- Travel within Florida may also be required.
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Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field
- Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with an ability to convey complex information in a clear and engaging manner
- Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, project managers, and external stakeholders
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
- Experience in public information and communications related to transportation, construction, or infrastructure projects
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Experience writing in AP style for professional communications
- Ability to interact effectively with senior management, public officials, media, and customers
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to address public concerns diplomatically
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion
- Experience working on FDOT projects
- Knowledge of FDOT public involvement policies and best practices
- Familiarity with construction processes, terminology, and project phases
- Experience using graphic design tools such as Canva, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, or similar tools
- Knowledge of web design, web content management, and digital communications
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) with translation experience
- Completion of FDOT public involvement training
- Local candidates preferred.
- A minimum of 8 years relevant industry experience
- 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
- Strong organizational skills
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
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.
