Communications and Public Involvement Manager

WSP•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Communications and Public Involvement Manager for our Austin office. 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 manage communications and construction relations efforts for major infrastructure projects in the 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.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Journalism or a related field
7-10 years of communications and public involvement experience and/or 3 years of years of relevant supervisory-level experience planning, implementing, and managing public affairs or community relations projects for a government agency
Outstanding oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
Superior organizational and time management skills with a high attention to detail
Proven experience writing and editing 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, Teams, Outlook, 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
A valid Texas Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
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.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated expertise with public involvement best practices
Communications and public involvement experience with transportation and other infrastructure projects, preferably large public works or construction projects.
Knowledge of and project experience working with local public agencies
Established relationships with local public agency staff
Previous experience with team management
Previous experience with elected official, stakeholder, and media communications
Bilingual in Spanish
Local candidates preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as a key communications and community outreach consultant on transportation infrastructure projects
Implement effective public outreach strategies for infrastructure projects and programs during preconstruction, construction and operations.
Develop strategic communication plans to mitigate construction impacts
Develops, implements, and manages communication strategies and community engagement programs to inform the public, elected officials, and stakeholders related to construction activities
Serve as liaison between projects and the community
Identifies opportunities and risks for projects, programs, initiatives, and operations; and develops communications/community engagement strategies/tactics to maximize the opportunities and minimize risks.
Develops construction relations goals, objectives, workplans, communications plans and budget.
Evaluates and recommends the level of outreach participation at community events; and organizes and attends in-person community meetings, special media events, tabling events, open houses and construction sites
Researches the more complex and sensitive incidents, complaints, and concerns, and works with staff and management at all levels of the organization, as well as stakeholders, to achieve solutions
Provides recommendations to project management team regarding construction community impacts and mitigation programs
Coordinate, facilitate and participate in virtual in-person public meetings and community events as assigned
Manage development of strategic social media outreach plans including the research, writing and vetting of various posts (X, Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
Acts as lead strategist and manages content development for a variety of communication channels, including website, social media, talking points, presentations, marketing materials and media notifications
Develop performance metrics to 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
Communicates and implements safety rules, policies, and procedures in support of the agency’s safety vision and goals; and maintains accountability for the safety performance of all assigned employe
Coordinate closely with project teams and clients on communications and community outreach that aligns with client priorities and program messaging
Participate in external project, agency, and community meetings to provide communications updates and help identify public involvement issues
Coordinate development of project deliverables and public outreach according to project schedule
Build strong relationships with technical team members and clients
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.