Senior Strategic Communications Specialist - Midwest U.S. (Remote/Hybrid)

The Opportunity:

Tetra Tech’s Denver Operations team is seeking a Senior Strategic Communications Specialist to support and lead strategic communications efforts for a variety of energy, environmental, and infrastructure projects in a dynamic environmental consulting environment.

This position will serve as a key point person for strategic communications projects in the Midwest, working closely with the Strategic Communications Lead, Project Managers, technical teams, and clients. The role combines strategic communications leadership, project management, public outreach, community and stakeholder engagement, client development, and business development.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience leading strategic communications projects, managing project scopes, schedules, and budgets, and developing communications strategies that translate complex technical information into clear and accessible content for diverse audiences.

Experience with energy infrastructure projects, particularly electric transmission, is strongly preferred but not required.

Candidates with website proficiency, including experience with WordPress and basic HTML, are preferred.

Location: This position is located in the Midwestern United States, with a preference for candidates in Minneapolis, Minnesota or Chicago, Illinois. Most work may be performed in person, hybrid, or remotely; however, occasional in-person meetings and project-related travel will be required.

Application Requirement: In addition to submitting an online application and resume, candidates should upload three work samples demonstrating relevant strategic communications competencies.

Why Tetra Tech:

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges.  Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world.  For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.  Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development.  Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact:

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference.  Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Essential Job Functions:

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Serve as a primary point person for strategic communications projects throughout the Midwest.
• Design and implement community engagement, public outreach, and stakeholder relations strategies.
• Develop strategic communications materials supporting energy, environmental, and infrastructure projects.
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences.
• Serve as a strategic communications Subject Matter Expert (SME) on multidisciplinary projects managed by others.
• Provide strategic communications guidance to project managers, technical teams, and clients.
• Review deliverables for grammar, style, tone, branding, and consistency with client standards, including AP or Chicago style.
• Track, measure, and analyze the effectiveness of strategic communications and engagement approaches.

Project Management

• Serve as Project Manager for strategic communications projects.
• Manage strategic communications scopes, schedules, budgets, deliverables, and project teams to complete assignments on time and within budget.
• Coordinate effectively with clients, Project Managers, technical staff, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Identify project needs, risks, and priorities and develop appropriate solutions.
• Apply strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to complex project and client needs.
• Support and facilitate in-person and virtual public meetings, stakeholder meetings, and client meetings.

Client & Business Development

• Contribute to business development efforts for strategic communications, energy, environmental, and infrastructure projects.
• Develop new client relationships and identify opportunities to expand strategic communications services.
• Partner with existing Tetra Tech account managers and Energy Program market leads to expand services within existing client accounts.
• Support development of proposals, scopes of work, cost estimates, presentations, and other pursuit materials.
• Contribute to presentations, cut sheets, fact sheets, and other marketing and business development materials.
• Support the continued growth of strategic communications services throughout the Central United States.
• Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
• Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline knowledge and awareness.
• Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns.
• Additional duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Public Relations, Political Science, Journalism, or a related discipline.
• A bachelor’s degree in another discipline or equivalent experience may be considered with directly applicable experience.
• 8–10 years of relevant professional experience performing strategic communications, public outreach, stakeholder engagement, public relations, or similar work.
• Demonstrated project management experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic communications and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to develop written communications for diverse audiences.
• Strong understanding of strategic communications concepts and best practices.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and client satisfaction.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally and occasionally nationally, generally less than 10%.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record without restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting energy infrastructure projects, particularly electric transmission.
• Understanding of the development and construction of energy infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of utility-scale energy systems.
• Knowledge of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
• Experience with content management systems, particularly WordPress.
• Basic HTML knowledge.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Experience developing client relationships and supporting business development in a consulting environment.
• Previous environmental or engineering consulting experience.

Work Environment / Travel:

• This position may be performed in an office, hybrid, or remote work environment within the Midwestern United States, with preference for candidates located in Minneapolis, MN or Chicago, IL.
• The role requires occasional attendance at in-person public meetings, stakeholder meetings, client meetings, and other project-related events. Local and occasional national travel is expected and is generally less than 10%.

Life at Tetra Tech:

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.  https://www.tetratech.com/careers/life-at-tetra-tech/
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth. 

A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.

Compensation:

Pay commensurate with experience.

Pay Range: $90,000-$130,000 annually

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience and demonstrated work experience in the above role; skills, certifications, and competencies that align to the specified role; geographic location; and education, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.