Strategic Communications and Outreach Specialist

WSP•Holland, MI

About The Position

WSP is seeking a Strategic Communications and Outreach Specialist to join its Communication Advisory Services team. The role supports the planning and execution of public involvement, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications programs for utility, infrastructure, environmental, and other clients in Michigan and Indiana. The specialist may also support communications and public involvement efforts nationally. This position works with a national team of communications and public outreach professionals to help meet client objectives and address their challenges.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Urban Planning, or a related field, or related experience.
3–5 years of experience in strategic communications, public involvement, stakeholder engagement, community relations, marketing communications, public affairs, or a related field.
Strong writing and editing skills, including the ability to translate technical information into clear, audience-centered language.
Experience planning meetings, events, public outreach activities, or stakeholder engagement programs.
Excellent organizational and project coordination skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and client priorities simultaneously.
Strong attention to detail and dependable follow-through.
Experience managing contact lists, public comments, inquiries, response workflows, or project databases.
Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with a distributed team.
Willingness and ability to travel for regional and national assignments.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint.

Nice To Haves

Experience with utility, infrastructure, environmental, government, or stakeholder/community engagement projects.

Responsibilities

Assist with developing and executing client communication and public involvement plans.
Write audience-centered materials such as letters, fact sheets, frequently asked questions, website content, presentations, meeting materials, email responses, and stakeholder updates.
Plan and coordinate public meetings, open houses, briefings, workshops, and other outreach events.
Manage event logistics, including venues, materials, staffing, schedules, sign-in processes, comment collection, and post-event documentation.
Execute day-to-day project activities and maintain project schedules, action lists, deliverables, and communication records.
Manage public comments, inquiries, and stakeholder contacts according to established protocols.
Maintain comment trackers, contact databases, response assignments, deadlines, and documentation for client reporting.
Coordinate with project managers, technical teams, clients, vendors, and other communication staff.
Support proposal development, scopes of work, schedules, staffing plans, and business development activities.
Travel throughout Michigan and Indiana and support regional or national client assignments as needed.
Provide on-site support for public meetings, stakeholder briefings, field outreach, and other engagement activities.