Senior Communications and Public Involvement Consultant

WSP•Kansas City, KS

About The Position

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior 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. Your Impact 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 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
5-7 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