Hazen and Sawyer is seeking a Senior Digital & Media Relations Specialist to join our growing Communications and Public Outreach practice. This position is for someone who thrives at the intersection of digital storytelling, press engagement, and in-person community connection. The role supports Hazens global brand presence by building and managing social media content and channels; drafting press releases, media pitches, and talking points; cultivating relationships with reporters and local media outlets. Strong transferable experience in public-facing, issue-driven communications is essential for this role. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with strong news judgement and social media instincts. They will be well-versed in client and public engagement, knowing how to build trust quickly with team members, the community, and other stakeholders. This individual will be comfortable with face-to-face outside engagement and capable of handling sensitive public situations with ease.

Experience in the water or environmental sector is preferred, especially prior experience working with or for water utilities or public agencies; previous agency or consulting experience in social media, media relations, or community/public engagement is also valued.

Work Setting:

HybridWhy Hazen and Sawyer:

Founded in 1951 by the son of Allen Hazen (developer of the Hazen-Williams equation), we are an employee-owned company with a singular focus on "all things water." Our work includes planning, design, and oversight of construction of environmental infrastructure for water, wastewater, and stormwater management.

We foster a work environment low on bureaucracy and high in creativity.

We recruit talented professionals, provide them with challenging, interesting, and creative assignments, and furnish them with the tools they need to succeed. We currently have over 2,000 employees in 70+ offices throughout the United States, Latin America, Canada, and the UK. A flexible hybrid work schedule supports today's busy professionals.

Key Responsibilities:

Social Media & Digital EngagementBuild a scalable expansion strategy for Hazens current social media presenceStrategically align, develop, schedule, and manage content calendars across Hazen social media channels Developengaging poststhat translate technical water and environmental work forcurrent and potential clients,mediaandpublic audiencesMonitor social channels for engagement opportunities, respond to comments and inquiries, and flag emerging issues or sentiment shiftsTrack and report on social media analytics and use insights to refine content strategyStay current on platform trends, algorithm changes, and best practices, and recommend new tools or approachesMedia RelationsDraft press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, and talking points for firm announcementsBuild andmaintainrelationships with reporters, editors, and trade/local media covering water, infrastructure, and environmental topicsPitch story ideas and coordinate interviews, ensuring spokespeople are prepared with clear, audience-appropriate messagingMonitor media coverage and prepare coverage summaries and clip reports for clients and leadershipSupport proactive and reactive media strategy, including guidance during sensitive or crisis communicationsCommunity RelationsWork with event staff and associations to build stronger community engagements particularly around our major officesIdentifyand analyze stakeholder groups and recommend engagement approaches tailored to diverse audiencesPrepare compelling content for outreach materialsfor regional offices

Required Qualifications:

8-10years of professional experience in social media and media relations, public relations, communications, or community/public engagementBachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related fieldDemonstratedsuccessmanaging social media channels and creating content for a brand, agency, or clientExperience drafting press materials and working directly with media contactsStrong writing, editing, and message development skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information for general audiencesSkilledatbuilding relationships with clients, public agencies, reporters, and diverse stakeholder groupsProven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working for a water or wastewater agency, or in a consulting agency working with water and wastewater agenciesExperience working in a consulting agency or multi-client environmentEstablished relationships with local, trade, or industry media covering infrastructure, environmental, or public health topicsFamiliarity with risk or crisis communications principlesExperience planning or supporting public meetings and community engagement activities (in person and virtual)Experience collaborating with designers, videographers, or web developers to produce outreach and campaign materialsHazen and Sawyer is an employee-owned environmental engineering and consulting firm focused exclusively on water, wastewater, water reuse, and water resources. For more than 75 years, we have partnered with public agencies and utilities to help communities protect public health, safeguard the environment, and plan for a resilient water future.

Strategic communication is critical to the success of today's water projects. Our Communications and Public Outreach practice works side by side with technical experts and communication professionals to develop strategies for our clients to effectively engage stakeholders through tailored approaches, manage risk and preserve credibility, and build trust around complex, highly visible infrastructure, environmental, and management issues. This hybrid role sits at the center of that work connecting with the public through social channels, the press, and in-person engagement and requires a keen understanding of the complex relationship water agencies have with their customers, elected officials, regulators, advocacy groups, and community members.

Salary Range:

Denver Metro Area is $100,000 - $120,000 (compensation is determined by factors including relevant experience, specialized skillset, and role scope).

What We Offer:

Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans)Pre-tax flexible spending plans for medical, dependent care, and transportationShort and long-term disability, and employer paid life insurancePaid holidays, floating holidays, and paid time off (PTO)Employer-contributed 401(k) plan and additional financial planning supportProfessional growth opportunities, including tuition reimbursement, in-house training, and incentives for professional registration and professional organization membershipsStarting pay range for this position depends on skills, experience, education and geographical location