Senior Public Information Specialist

AtkinsRéalis•Austin, TX

1d•$82,200 - $130,000

About The Position

AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Senior Public Information Specialist to lead and manage public outreach programs for transportation, infrastructure, and public-sector projects in the Austin, Texas area. This role is responsible for developing and executing strategic outreach initiatives, serving as a trusted advisor to clients, and ensuring effective communication between project teams, governmental agencies, stakeholders, elected officials, community organizations, and the public. The successful candidate will oversee public involvement activities for complex and high-profile projects, manage outreach teams, and provide leadership in developing communications strategies that build public awareness, transparency, and stakeholder confidence.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field from an accredited institution.
Eight or more years of experience in public outreach, public involvement, communications, public relations, stakeholder engagement, or a related discipline.
Demonstrated experience managing outreach programs for complex infrastructure, transportation, engineering, or public-sector projects.
Strong knowledge of public involvement principles, communications strategies, and media relations best practices.
Proven ability to build effective relationships with clients, community stakeholders, media representatives, regulatory agencies, and elected officials.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional publications and deliver persuasive public presentations.
Experience leading project teams and supervising or mentoring communications professionals.
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative while working in a collaborative team environment.
Skilled in listening, responding, and resolving concerns from stakeholders and community members in a professional and constructive manner.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and other communications and engagement technologies.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage public outreach efforts for major infrastructure and transportation projects.
Develop and implement project-specific Public Outreach Plans in collaboration with clients and project teams.
Serve as the primary public outreach contact for clients, providing strategic guidance and recommendations to address project needs and stakeholder concerns.
Coordinate, plan, and facilitate public meetings, community briefings, workshops, open houses, and presentations for governmental agencies, elected officials, and external stakeholders.
Manage direct client relationships and ensure outreach activities are delivered in accordance with contractual requirements and project objectives.
Produce and oversee project communications materials, including newsletters, fact sheets, brochures, presentations, website content, and other public-facing materials.
Coordinate project information and maintain organized records to ensure effective communication among clients, project teams, and stakeholders.
Monitor public outreach activities and prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports documenting engagement efforts, outcomes, and key issues.
Review and approve vendor invoices and monitor outreach-related project expenditures under the direction of leadership.
Represent the organization with regulatory agencies, community groups, elected officials, media representatives, and the general public.
Lead, mentor, and supervise outreach staff and junior professionals, providing direction, quality assurance, and professional development support.
Collaborate closely with technical managers, project managers, and multidisciplinary project teams to ensure consistent and effective project messaging.
Support business development and promote the firm's visibility within professional, civic, and community organizations.