Senior Communications and Public Involvement Consultant
WSPThis Opportunity
WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Communications and Public Involvement Consultant for our Virginia offices. This role can also be based out of West Virginia. Be involved in projects with our Communications Advisory Services Practice and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges.
The position will support communications and public engagement efforts for a variety of infrastructure projects in region. The position may support other WSP communications and public involvement efforts nationally as needed. This is an exciting opportunity to join our national team of talented communications and public outreach/public information professionals.
Your Impact
Serve as a key communications and outreach consultant on a large infrastructure project
Implement effective public outreach strategies for infrastructure projects
Take initiative and ownership of public involvement tasks to develop effective strategies that solicit feedback and input from the public
Serve as liaison between projects and the community
Develop news releases, brochures, fact sheets, media alerts and other collateral for the public and media
Develop and implement strategic messages that educate the community on the purpose, need, benefits and perceived impacts of projects and programs
Coordinate and participate in virtual and in-person public meetings and community events as assigned
Respond to public inquiries and escalated stakeholder issues
Implement strategic social media outreach plans including the research, writing and vetting of various posts (X, Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
Research and write content for a variety of communication channels, including website, social media, talking points, presentations, marketing materials and media notifications
Monitor, archive and escalate media coverage of project issues
Research and possibly respond to a variety of client, stakeholder, or media requests in a timely manner
Analyze the effectiveness of outreach campaigns, including website and social media content
Direct the work of support services such as graphic design, website development, video, and photography
Work closely with project teams and clients on communications alignment with client priorities and program messaging
Participate in external project, agency, and community meetings to provide public involvement updates and help identify public involvement issues
Coordinate development of project deliverables and public outreach according to project schedule
Support multiple projects and clients
Build strong relationships with clients and assist with business development activities
Interact in a clear and concise manner with a variety of diverse audiences
Perform other duties as assigned or required by WSP USA Inc. and our clients
Talent is the essence of meeting our client’s objectives, goals and challenges. If this sounds like a fit for you, we’d love to have that first discussion of you joining our team.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Communications or a related field
5-7 years of communications experience
Outstanding oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
Superior organizational and time management skills with a high attention to detail
Proven experience writing content for fact sheets, websites, social media, and/or media releases
Ability to understand and translate complex, technical information into easy-to-understand content for public consumption
Previous experience working on infrastructure projects with a cross-discipline team
Deadline driven with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
Ability to help de-escalate and mitigate community concerns
Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Ability to work effectively with teams and demonstrate initiative to lead tasks
Ability to work well with the public and interact effectively with all organizational levels, including senior management
Ability to work beyond standard business hours on some nights and weekends
Candidate must be able to immediately work in the United States on a full-time permanent basis.
Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
Preferred Qualifications
Communications/public involvement experience with energy infrastructure projects
Previous experience with elected official, stakeholder, and media communications
Social media experience for outreach campaigns
Previous experience with planning public meetings
Local candidates preferred
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