Strategic Communications Team Lead, Western Canada

Contribute to the growth of HDR's Strategic Communications practice across Western Canada by developing client relationships, identifying market opportunities, and building a strong pipeline of work.

Lead and support proposals, capture planning, scopes, fee development, interviews, and strategic pursuits across HDR's engineering, architecture, environmental, and advisory markets.

Identify opportunities to expand Strategic Communications and Indigenous engagement services within existing and prospective client relationships and multidisciplinary projects.

Develop strategic relationships with clients, industry partners, Indigenous communities and businesses, and subconsultants to strengthen project delivery and market opportunities.

Collaborate with HDR leadership and professionals across Canada to strengthen capabilities, share resources, and build HDR's market presence through industry participation, conferences, professional associations, and thought leadership.

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, planning, Indigenous Studies, environmental studies, social sciences, public policy, or a related field. A Master's degree is considered an asset.

A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in strategic communications, stakeholder and public engagement, Indigenous engagement, infrastructure, planning, or a related field, preferably within consulting or the A/E/C industry.

Demonstrated experience leading strategic communications and engagement programs for complex infrastructure, environmental, planning, architecture, or development projects.

Strong capabilities in communications strategy, stakeholder engagement, facilitation, issues and risk management, strategic messaging, and translating complex technical information into clear and effective communications.

Demonstrated project management, business development, client relationship, and team leadership experience, with the ability to lead multidisciplinary assignments and strategic pursuits.

Strong understanding of Indigenous engagement in Western Canada, including Indigenous rights and Treaty contexts, the Duty to Consult and Accommodate, UNDRIP, FPIC, and relevant federal and provincial frameworks, particularly within British Columbia.

Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships, navigate complex or sensitive issues, and work effectively with clients, stakeholders, Indigenous communities, regulators, and multidisciplinary teams.

A minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience

Demonstrated "self-starter" with a history of completing projects with limited oversight

Deep knowledge of the A/E/C industry's standard approach to procurement of professional services

Demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire others

Demonstrated ability to build a network of clients and industry partners

Experience in sales and developing effective win strategies

Strong financial acumen and negotiation skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Ability and desire to travel and engage with others in-person

Demonstrated experience in writing compelling content based on information from technical staff

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.

At HDR, the health and safety of our employees is of the upmost importance. In accordance with local safety, health, and environmental legislation, HDR is committed to developing, maintaining, and enforcing proactive safe work policies, procedures, and standards. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and other applicable legislation, we are committed to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities. Candidates with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process by contacting our Human Resources team. HDR is a certified Living Wage Employer in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.