Lead Communications and Public Involvement Consultant

WSP • Kansas City, MO

2d

About The Position

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Communications and Public Involvement Consultant for our western Missouri or Kansas offices. Be involved in projects with our Communications Advisory Services Practice and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients’ objectives and solves their challenges.
The position will support communications and community engagement efforts for a variety of 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.
Talent is the essence of meeting our clients’ objectives, goals and challenges. If this position sounds like a fit for you, we would love to have that first discussion with you about joining our team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field
• 7-10 years of communications and community engagement experience
• Outstanding oral, written and interpersonal communications 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, accessible 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.

Nice To Haves

• Communications/public involvement experience with energy infrastructure projects
• Previous experience with elected officials, stakeholders, and news media communication
• Social media experience for community outreach campaigns
• Previous experience with planning public meetings
• Local candidates preferred

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key communications and outreach consultant on infrastructure projects, including electric transmission line and roadway projects
• 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 websites, 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 and coordinate the work of support services such as graphic design, website development, videography, 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 community engagement updates and help identify public involvement issues
• Coordinate development of project deliverables and public outreach according to project schedules
• Build strong relationships with clients and assist with business development activities
• Interact in a clear and concise manner with a variety of diverse internal and external audiences
• Perform other duties as assigned or required by WSP USA Inc. and our clients

Benefits

• Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level