Senior Communications and Public Involvement Consultant presso WSP USA Inc.

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Communications and Public Involvement Consultant for our Virginia or Maryland offices. Be involved in projects with our Communications Advisory Services Practice and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges.

The position will support communications and public engagement efforts for a variety of infrastructure projects in 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 a large infrastructure project
• 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 website, 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 the work of support services such as graphic design, website development, video, 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 public involvement updates and help identify public involvement issues
• Coordinate development of project deliverables and public outreach according to project schedule
• Support multiple projects and clients
• Build strong relationships with clients and assist with business development activities
• Interact in a clear and concise manner with a variety of diverse audiences
• Perform other duties as assigned or required by WSP USA Inc. and our clients
   

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications or a related field
• 5-7 years of communications experience 
• Outstanding oral, written and interpersonal communication 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 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.
   

Preferred Qualifications

• Communications/public involvement experience with energy infrastructure projects
• Previous experience with elected official, stakeholder, and media communications
• Social media experience for outreach campaigns
• Previous experience with planning public meetings
• Local candidates preferred

WSP Benefits:

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings. 

Compensation:

Expected Salary (all locations): $74,200 - $129,800

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.