Communications & Public Engagement Sr Manager

Brailsford and Dunlavey•San Jose, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D) is seeking a Senior Communications & Public Engagement Manager to lead strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and public outreach efforts supporting a major K-12 capital improvement and bond program in Oakland, California. B&D is entering an exciting period of growth, creating new opportunities for professionals who are passionate about community impact, strategic communications, and public engagement. We are seeking a collaborative and entrepreneurial leader who can help advance the District's vision, strengthen community trust, and support meaningful engagement around school modernization and capital improvement initiatives throughout Oakland. The Opportunity at a Glance At Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D), we lead the planning, development, and management of the places that shape and strengthen communities, where people live, learn, work, and play. B&D partners with educational institutions, municipalities, and organizations to shape and deliver complex real estate and capital projects, providing strategic insight and end-to-end advisory services across the full project lifecycle. B&D recently joined forces with Project Management Advisors, bringing together two nationally recognized leaders in program management and real estate advisory services. Together, the combined firm offers expanded capabilities across industries and throughout the full project lifecycle, from early-stage strategy and planning through execution and beyond. As a Communications & Public Engagement Senior Manager, you will serve as a strategic communications and engagement leader supporting a large K-12 public school district's facilities planning & management division and bond measure program. You will work closely with district leadership, project managers, community stakeholders, and communications partners to advance public awareness, transparency, and community participation throughout the planning and delivery of major capital projects and initiatives. This role extends far beyond traditional communications. You will help guide engagement strategy, advise client leadership, improve stakeholder processes, support decision-making, and ensure community voices are meaningfully incorporated into project planning and implementation. Success in this role requires equal parts strategic thinking, project management, relationship-building, and hands-on execution. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is energized by complex public-sector work, passionate about serving diverse communities, and motivated by the visible impact of school modernization investments on students, families, educators, and neighborhoods. The position is fully onsite in Oakland, California.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Affairs, or a related field.
5+ years of experience leading strategic communications and public engagement initiatives.
Experience supporting public agencies, K-12 school districts, higher education institutions, capital improvement programs, community-based organizations, or similar environments.
Experience managing multiple complex projects and coordinating diverse stakeholder groups.
Experience facilitating public meetings, outreach efforts, stakeholder engagement activities, or community engagement programs.
Strong writing, editing, storytelling, and presentation skills.
Experience developing reports, executive communications, presentations, and public-facing materials.
Strong organizational and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to communicate complex information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated cultural competency and commitment to serving diverse communities.
Experience working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint.
Reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute strategic communications plans supporting Bond Measure projects, district initiatives, and special programs.
Lead communications across websites, microsites, newsletters, email campaigns, presentations, reports, videos, and other communications channels.
Develop stakeholder-facing communications, including project updates, surveys, construction notices, presentations, reports, infographics, and outreach materials.
Support and maintain the facilities division's visual identity, branding standards, and public-facing communications.
Create compelling stories that highlight project milestones, modernization efforts, sustainability initiatives, and program achievements.
Develop messaging and communications strategies that strengthen public awareness, accountability, and understanding of Bond Measure investments.
Advise Facilities leadership on communications strategy, stakeholder considerations, public messaging, and engagement opportunities.
Support the implementation of the district's major projects engagement process across capital projects and major initiatives.
Plan, coordinate, and facilitate stakeholder engagement activities, including public meetings, advisory committees, town halls, school-site meetings, workshops, and community events.
Foster meaningful participation from diverse stakeholder groups, including students, families, educators, neighborhood organizations, community partners, and district leadership.
Ensure transparent communication and opportunities for stakeholder input throughout the lifecycle of major projects.
Continuously improve engagement strategies, tools, processes, and reporting metrics.
Collaborate closely with project managers and district leaders to help navigate complex stakeholder dynamics and community priorities.
Manage the development, review, and publication of executive communications, reports, and program updates.
Coordinate project reporting for district leadership, the Board of Education, Facilities Committee, principals, and the Citizen Bond Oversight Committee.
Track communication and engagement metrics and identify opportunities for process improvement.
Develop presentations and materials that communicate complex information clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences.
Support planning, scheduling, and coordination efforts across multiple concurrent initiatives.
Coordinate the District's Facilities Bond Measure Summer Internship Program.
Support recruitment, onboarding, partner coordination, program tracking, and participant engagement.
Document program outcomes and develop communications that highlight intern experiences and program impact.
Participate in networking, industry events, conferences, and professional organizations.
Support proposal development, interviews, and pursuit activities.
Contribute communications and engagement expertise to other client projects as needed.
Collaborate with colleagues across the West Coast and Southcentral regions to strengthen practice capabilities and share best practices.
Serve as a trusted advisor to facilities leadership on communications, engagement strategy, stakeholder relations, and public messaging.
Lead through collaboration, influence, and problem-solving in a complex public-sector environment.
Help clients build structure, improve processes, and successfully execute engagement plans and communication initiatives.
Balance competing stakeholder interests while maintaining transparency and public trust.
Supervise and mentor Communications & Public Engagement staff assigned to the program.
Foster strong relationships across district departments, community groups, consultants, contractors, and project teams.
Represent B&D with professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to community-centered engagement.