Communications and Public Involvement Specialist

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Communications and Public Involvement Specialist for our Tempe, AZ office. Be involved in projects with our Communications and Public Involvement 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 the Southwest 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.

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!

Your Impact

• Serve as liaison between projects and the community
• Implement effective public outreach strategies for infrastructure projects
• Perform public involvement tasks to develop effective strategies that solicit feedback and input from the public
• Assist in the development of news releases, brochures, fact sheets, media alerts and other collaterals for the public and media 
• 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 with various neighborhood groups or other stakeholders as assigned. Availability to work some nights and weekends, as needed
• Provide input on responses 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 a variety of media requests in a timely manner
• Analyze the effectiveness of outreach campaigns, including website and social media content
• Coordinate 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
• Attend external project, agency, and community meetings to provide public involvement updates and identify public involvement issues
• Identify opportunities for community and professional involvement for the project team
• 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

   

• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications/Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Urban Planning or a related field
• 3-5 years of communications experience 
• Bilingual in Spanish with the ability to communicate effectively in conversational Spanish and provide written translations
• Outstanding oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Superior organizational, time management and creative skills
• Experience writing content for website, social media, and media notifications
• Ability to understand and translate complex, technical information into easy-to-understand content for public consumption
• High attention to detail; proofreading skills
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects with a variety of platforms in a fast-paced environment
• Proven experience using social media for outreach campaigns
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Team player willing to work in a multi-discipline team
• Ability to work well with the public and interact effectively with all organizational levels, including senior management
• Ability to meet client requirements under tight deadlines
• Ability to work meetings and events 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.
• Must successfully complete and pass WSP’s Motor Vehicle screening. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Work experience in public information and communication for infrastructure (transportation, energy, water, construction, etc.) projects
• Local candidates preferred