2 weeks ago
Vice President, Public Outreach - Transportation
Bodewell Group
San Diego, CA (Hybrid)Full time$140K/yr – $180K/yr
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Vice President, Public Outreach - Transportation
San Diego, CA (Hybrid)
$140K/yr – $180K/yrSenior Level15+ years expFull time
Posted 2 weeks ago
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Job Summary
Own transportation public affairs execution with staffing, budgets, and client leadership across multi-account infrastructure programs; drive strategic comms, executive coaching, and cross-brand collaboration for public outreach and policy work.
- Forecast and manage staffing for transportation projects and report fluctuations to senior leaders.
- Build relationships with high level external audiences and drive business development.
- Lead strategic communications programs across community relations, media, public affairs, and CEO positioning for multiple accounts.
Job Description
Responsibilities
- Forecast staffing needs for all transportation business line projects and contracts, regularly reporting fluctuations in staffing needs to the SVP, Client Excellence, Chief People Officer and VP of Finance
- Support key company initiatives and promote company positions and needs with junior staff
- Manage all budgeting and invoicing for transportation business line clients as well as forecast costs for proposed strategies
- Present strong project management skills, which is defined as the ability to oversee all aspects of a project at a detailed level and leading client interactions independently, without requiring additional oversight from senior leadership (SVP and above)
- Build and maintain meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, contributing to the company’s overall engagement and business development efforts in various industries and markets
- Serve as a positive role model who actively coaches junior staff by providing constructive feedback and coaching discussions
- Coach supervisorial staff (Managers and Directors) towards maximizing performance, and ensure they have the resources needed to provide the best possible product to the client. This includes coaching staff towards internal utilization targets
- Maintain an understanding of current transportation industry-related public outreach, public affairs, engagements and communications best practices, tactics and tools to provide strategic direction to clients
- Work closely with Executive Committee members to develop and drive strategic direction in order to meet organizational communications goals
- Develop and manage a team towards execution of strategic communication programs that could include community relations, public outreach, public affairs, social media, media relations, CEO positioning, etc.
Requirements
- 15+ years of relevant experience in transportation public outreach/public affairs or a related field
- 10+ years of agency experience OR 5+ years of agency experience and 10+ of in-house experience with a local or state transportation agency
- Bachelor's degree in a related field
- Proven ability to manage large projects as well as small teams on one or more sizable accounts
- Continued management of an account for a minimum of 3 years
- Experience managing both retainer and hourly billable projects
- Experience supporting transportation infrastructure projects
- Demonstrated active efforts to better the business rather than focusing on individual advancement
- Average monthly utilization of 85% or higher
- Management of two or more significant client accounts, with a combined minimum revenue target between combined accounts
Benefits
- Flexible, Hybrid Schedule: A hybrid work model that supports flexibility, collaboration and work-life balance.
- Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits: Comprehensive healthcare coverage including several low-cost medical plan options, 100% employer covered dental and vision, and FSA offerings to support our team and their families.
- 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.
Bodewell Group
Bodewell Group is a strategic communications firm advancing the building blocks of society. Through strategic advisory and integrated communications, we support infrastructure projects, technology advancements and public policies that shape how communities and people live, move, connect and prosper. We serve public and private sector clients across water, transportation, energy, technology, land use and other areas fundamental to evolving society. We build awareness, drive stakeholder alignment and move initiatives forward through strategic planning and full-service communications, including public affairs, community engagement and advocacy, public relations, digital marketing, content and creative development. Bodewell Group was formerly Southwest Strategies Group. The firm, along with its acquired agencies—Katz & Associates, BergDavis Public Affairs, ColLAborate and Kiterocket—rebranded to Bodewell Group in February 2026, moving forward under one united vision and name.
Traffic Signals
Monthly Visitors
2.2K
Monthly Google Ads Budget
$2.1K
Traffic Source Mix
Search
38.6%
Direct
61.4%
Headcount Trend
Current headcount: ~137
Marketing Team
Marketing Team Size
17 (14% of company)
Marketing Roles Posted (Last 30 Days)
2
Funding
Last Raise
Private Equity, 3 years ago