Director, Transportation Public Outreach

We’re excited to offer a $7,500 sign-on bonus to welcome you to our team!

Bodewell Group is seeking a full-time Director to support transportation and infrastructure public outreach and communications to join our team. This senior-level role is responsible for leading transportation client accounts, guiding project outreach strategy, and supporting business development. The Director serves as a trusted advisor to clients, working in person with clients onsite and leading and managing complex communication initiatives with the support of team members.

This position requires strong experience in public outreach, infrastructure communications and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, results-driven leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and balances strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

About Bodewell Group

At Bodewell Group, progress starts with people.

We are a strategic engagement agency advancing the modern building blocks of society—water, energy, transportation, land and technology. Our 130 team partners with public and private sector leaders to build understanding, align stakeholders and move complex initiatives forward, shaping the systems that communities rely on every day.

We invest in the best and brightest—innovative thinkers, strategic advisors and collaborative problem-solvers who are committed to enhancing human prosperity and quality of life for generations to come. Recognized as a Certified Great Place to Work (2025–2026), we foster a culture grounded in trust and shared purpose while creating space for balance, connection and a life outside of work.

If you want to do meaningful work that shapes communities and grow your career alongside people you trust, you’ll find your place at Bodewell.

Location and Travel:

This position is primarily based at a client site in San Jose, with an expected onsite presence of approximately 4 days per week, subject to change based on client needs and availability. The role may also involve early mornings, evenings and weekend hours, as needed.

Travel is required up to 30% of the time. Additional travel may arise to accommodate project demands, company needs and conference participation.

Compensation:

The annual base amount for this position is dependent on several factors, including the candidate’s geographic location, experience, and qualifications. The annual base amount may be adjusted based on market conditions in the location where the employee resides.

A typical annual base range for this role is: $125,000– $175,000 (actual compensation may vary by location and will follow local regulations).

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Support project budgeting, invoicing and cost forecasting for assigned transportation clients
• Lead client interactions independently and serve as a primary point of contact
• Oversee project timelines, deliverables and budgets to ensure work is completed on time and within scope
• Develop and manage strategic communication programs, including community relations, public outreach, public affairs, media relations, social media and executive positioning
• Review client materials such as fact sheets, maps, eblasts, presentations and press releases to ensure quality and accuracy
• Build and maintain strong relationships with transportation agency staff, consultants, contractors and community stakeholders
• Maintain knowledge of transportation industry trends, policy issues, and outreach best practices
• Translate complex technical transportation information into clear, accessible messaging for diverse audiences
• Support transportation projects across planning, design, environmental review, construction, and operations phases
• Manage multilingual and culturally responsive public outreach efforts, including engagement with traditionally underserved communities
• Supervise, mentor and coach Managers and junior staff through regular check-ins, feedback, and performance reviews
• Support proposal development for transportation-related pursuits, including strategy development and interview preparation
• Participate in networking events, professional associations and business development activities
• Contribute to internal professional development efforts and knowledge sharing
• Collaborate across SWS Group to support integrated client solutions
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned

• 7 years of relevant experience in transportation public outreach, public affairs or a related field
• 5 years of public outreach or public affairs agency experience or a combination of agency and in-house experience with a transportation agency or utility
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Proven experience managing complex projects, client accounts and teams
• Experience managing both retainer and hourly billable projects
• Demonstrated experience supporting transportation infrastructure projects
• Strong project management, communication and client relationship skills
• Experience supervising multiple staff members and participating in regular performance review cycles
• Willingness to support projects across verticals as business needs require
• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed
• Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time

Why You’ll Love Working Here

We believe meaningful work must be supported by meaningful benefits. Bodewell supports your professional growth, financial stability, health and overall well-being so you can focus on building what matters.

• Flexible, Hybrid Schedule: A hybrid work model that supports flexibility, collaboration and work-life balance.
• Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits: Comprehensive healthcare coverage includes a no-cost medical plan option, along with dental, vision and FSA offerings.
• Financial Growth and Stability: Competitive salaries with clear paths for advancement, 401(k) participation, profit-sharing opportunities and life insurance benefits.
• Professional Growth and Opportunity: A professional development stipend, internal training programs, mentorship from experienced professionals and exposure to influential stakeholders and complex, high-impact projects.
• Rest, Renewal and Well-Being: Three weeks of PTO, 13 paid holidays and a company wellness stipend for ClassPass.
• Community and Recognition: Company events and an employee recognition program celebrate contributions, milestones and the collaborative spirit that defines our culture.