Communications and Public Involvement Specialist

WSP•Tempe, AZ

About The Position

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!

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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