Communications Lead

Position Summary

HillDay is seeking a Communications Lead to support and lead public involvement and outreach efforts on large-scale transportation and infrastructure projects. The Communications Lead will play a critical role in developing and implementing strategic communication and public engagement initiatives that inform stakeholders, encourage meaningful dialogue, and build public trust and project acceptance.

This position requires a strategic thinker who can take ownership of public involvement tasks, collaborate across multidisciplinary project teams, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including residents, elected officials, agencies, property owners, and community organizations.

Key Responsibilities

The Communications Lead's responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Public Involvement & Strategy

• Prepare, coordinate, and successfully implement comprehensive public involvement and outreach programs for large infrastructure and transportation projects.
• Take ownership of public involvement tasks and proactively develop effective PI strategies that result in meaningful engagement and stakeholder buy-in.
• Develop strategic messaging that educates stakeholders and the public on project purpose, need, benefits, and potential impacts.
• Assist with research and data collection related to environmental impact evaluations.
• Adhere to and support NEPA public involvement processes and procedures.

Planning & Project Coordination

• Collaborate with project teams to develop Public Involvement Plans (PIPs) and tailor outreach activities and events for each project.
• Develop and maintain project mail and email contact lists using EPITOME software and maintain detailed records of stakeholder correspondence.
• Plan and execute stakeholder meetings and events aligned with client and business objectives.

Content & Materials Development

• Create and coordinate a wide range of communication materials, including:
  • Fact sheets and FAQs
  • Website content
  • Articles and news releases
  • Social media posts
  • Door hangers, postcards, and legal advertisements
  • Exhibit boards, leave-behinds, and display materials
• Coordinate dissemination of information to stakeholders, partners, agencies, associations, and media through print, digital, broadcast, and visual channels.
• Assist in developing content for client deliverables and communication strategies.
• Create talking points, speeches, presentations, and supporting graphics.

Meetings & Community Engagement

• Set up, coordinate, staff, and support public meetings and public hearings, including:
  • Site visits and venue selection
  • Scheduling and logistics
  • Booking court reporters and audio/visual equipment
  • Ensuring proper setup and materials
• Set up, coordinate, staff, and support Meetings with Affected Property Owners (MAPOs).
• Provide guidance to project teams on responding to public and stakeholder inquiries and assist with issue escalation and resolution.
• Prepare comprehensive records, summaries, and reports following public meetings, hearings, and outreach activities.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, agency partners, and community stakeholders.
• Effectively communicate and engage with diverse audiences across varying professional and community backgrounds.
• Travel and work evenings or weekends as required to support public involvement activities, including public meetings, HOA meetings, and community events.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of public involvement and/or outreach planning experience.
• Familiarity with NEPA public involvement processes, or a willingness to learn.
• Strong attention to detail with comprehensive knowledge of grammar, spelling, and business communication.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF editing tools, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate across varied audiences and professional levels.
• Willingness and ability to travel and work evenings or weekends as needed.
• Valid Texas driver's license required.
• Demonstrated commitment to quality work, professional growth, and HillDay values.

Physical Requirements

While performing the responsibilities of this position, the employee is frequently required to use finger and hand dexterity to operate a computer and read a computer screen. The role may require prolonged periods of sitting, repetitive motions, walking, standing, bending, reaching, kneeling, pushing or pulling objects, and light lifting. The employee must be able to hear and communicate clearly and have close vision for preparing and analyzing data.

Working Conditions

This position typically works indoors in a heated and air-conditioned office environment or a home office setting with moderate noise levels. When travel is required, the employee may be exposed to outdoor environmental conditions during meetings and community outreach activities.

Employee Benefits

HillDay offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

• Paid Personal Time Off (PTO)
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance (company-provided)
• Matching 401(k) retirement plan
• Complimentary covered garage parking for employees and clients

Equal Opportunity Employer

HillDay Public Relations, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.