Principal Strategic Communications Consultant

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?

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 electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you'll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You'll work side-by-side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.

The Principal Strategic Communications Consultant is a senior-level position designed to drive growth and ensure excellence in project delivery within Strategic Communications. This individual will be responsible for embedding strategic communication leadership early in the project lifecycle to manage risk, align messaging, and support critical permitting, siting, and program execution activities. This role will also provide vital cross-sector support to local teams and focus on converting strategic communication opportunities into booked work, particularly within the MISO, SPP, and PJM markets. The successful candidate will strengthen service line integration and build our market position through active coordination with business development and sector leadership.

Essential Duties

• Provide senior strategic communications leadership and/or project management on infrastructure projects to manage risk, align messaging, and ensure consistent, high-quality delivery.
• Coordinate with business development and market/sector leadership to strengthen service line integration and capitalize on market opportunities.
• Offer deep strategic communications expertise and support to both Power and non-Power sector teams in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, and surrounding states.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, including regional cooperatives, and act as a trusted advisor.
• Lead media and public relations efforts, including developing key messages and written materials for various campaigns and outreach programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments at a time, prioritize among tasks, and set and meet deadlines.
• Track record of leading successful strategic communications strategy and work products.
• Professional experience in the infrastructure industry, specifically power and energy infrastructure.
• Deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that infrastructure is facing today and will continue to face in the future.
• Experience in the A/E/C industry.
• Proven skills in media relations, public relations, messaging, and professional writing.
• A track record of successful business development and client management.
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and provide senior leadership.
• Established connections with regional electric cooperatives and utilities.
• Experience working within the MISO, SPP, and PJM market regions.
• Familiarity with AI-powered tools such as Copilot and Google Gemini.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years consulting experience and extensive related expertise.
• Proficiency with MS Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Access and Outlook.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and strong relationship, organizational and follow-up 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.

Primary Location: United States-Missouri-St Louis Other Locations: United States-Missouri-Kansas City Industry: Power Schedule: Full-time Employee Status: Regular BusinessClass: Strategic Communications Job Posting: Jun 22, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.