Stepherson & Associates Communications
Senior Public Involvement and Communications Specialist
Stepherson & Associates Communications, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Senior Public Involvement and Communications Specialist
Design, development, and implementation of complex, high-profile public involvement and communications programs for multiple infrastructure projects with minimal oversight – applying environmental justice principles that remove barriers to participation.
Collaboratively manage internal teams to deliver high-quality work – providing coaching and mentorship that further develops the skills of the team.
Develop and oversee high-quality, client-ready, public-facing materials (i.e., engagement plans, communications plans, website content, fact sheets, email updates, surveys, questionnaires, press releases, social media and a range of other project materials), and other activities as necessary to support thoughtful, equitable, and culturally relevant community engagement.
Plan, organize and facilitate online and in-person engagement activities (i.e., workshops, open houses, in-person and virtual public meetings).
Develop and manage scope, budget, and contract processes for a portfolio of strategic projects.
Develop and implement strategic communications with project stakeholders, including elected officials, residents, businesses, and environmental justice communities.
Represent projects, clients, and public agencies as needed to support project communications and relationship building in the community and with other agencies.
Build and maintain relationships with clients, agencies, and community-based organizations.
Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, identifying risks and opportunities, tracking project activities and metrics, and supporting public information officers to ensure communications alignment across project milestones.
Assist with business development and marketing proposal efforts as needed for key pursuits.
Required Qualifications
At least 10 years of demonstrated experience designing and leading comprehensive public involvement and communications programs, with a government agency or serving as a consultant to government agencies.
A commitment to and demonstrated experience in developing and implementing equitable engagement strategies to reach marginalized communities.
Demonstrated experience supporting public agencies in planning and implementing comprehensive communications and public involvement programs for transportation, water, land use, environmental, and/or energy sector-based projects.
Demonstrated superior communications writing and editing skills with the ability to translate complex technical information into easy-to-understand formats for non-technical audiences.
Experience facilitating in-person and virtual community meetings, workshops, events, focus groups, listening sessions and/or roundtables, etc.
Ability to work collaboratively, facilitate contentious and/or difficult conversations, resolve conflicts, propose thoughtful and innovative solutions, and gain agreement with a variety of stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience designing and implementing communication and public involvement plans that detail a range of engagement tools and tactics.
Recent experience with social media platforms, digital communications, and experience implementing successful digital engagement campaigns.
Superior ability to manage defined scopes of work, budgets, and timelines, supporting clients to develop and implement public involvement strategies on time and within budget.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple project deadlines.
Ability to work well under pressure and manage sensitive or controversial subjects with diplomacy, kindness, and professionalism.
Ability to self-manage, be accountable for assigned projects, identify necessary actions, and proactively manage internal teams to deliver strong results with limited oversight.
Strong relationship-building and listening skills.
Understanding of and commitment to the practice of public participation, and an interest in information-based communications and government projects and decision-making.
Experience and/or background in a similar public-facing field, including communications, journalism, government affairs, public affairs, public relations, public involvement and outreach, planning, public policy, or related field.
Organizational values Organizational values:
At S&A, we are expressly committed to equity and social justice, and as a team are centering equity through our work and our individual actions. We believe in supporting our staff in their personal and professional growth, providing new opportunities, building relationships, giving back, and having fun! To support our staff in their personal and professional growth, all staff attend equity workshops, led by a professional facilitator who supports our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion journey.
Workplace culture Workplace culture:
S&A is committed to fostering a thriving and supportive workplace that is a dynamic and productive work culture. While we are a hybrid workplace, as community engagement practitioners, in-person work with communities is core to this work. We have minimum in-office requirements and also work with employees to ensure a hybrid schedule works best for them, our teams, and our clients. Staff managers work with employees to help them take full advantage of learning opportunities found through onsite collaboration and connection with colleagues and other project staff.
Salary and benefits Salary and benefits:
S&A offers a salary commensurate with experience and competitive benefits. The salary range for this position is between $110k-$150k. Benefits include paid vacation, sick, and volunteer days; paid holidays; health coverage (medical, dental, vision); disability; parental leave; 401(k) with company match; bonuses; transit pass; and free use of on-site fitness center.
To apply To apply:
Send your resume and cover letter to careers@stephersonassociates.com. We welcome and encourage work samples demonstrating your strong qualifications and public involvement skills.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
Industries
Public Relations and Communications Services, Services for Renewable Energy, and Transportation Programs
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
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Design, development, and implementation of complex, high-profile public involvement and communications programs for multiple infrastructure projects with minimal oversight – applying environmental justice principles that remove barriers to participation.
Collaboratively manage internal teams to deliver high-quality work – providing coaching and mentorship that further develops the skills of the team.
Develop and oversee high-quality, client-ready, public-facing materials (i.e., engagement plans, communications plans, website content, fact sheets, email updates, surveys, questionnaires, press releases, social media and a range of other project materials), and other activities as necessary to support thoughtful, equitable, and culturally relevant community engagement.
Plan, organize and facilitate online and in-person engagement activities (i.e., workshops, open houses, in-person and virtual public meetings).
Develop and manage scope, budget, and contract processes for a portfolio of strategic projects.
Develop and implement strategic communications with project stakeholders, including elected officials, residents, businesses, and environmental justice communities.
Represent projects, clients, and public agencies as needed to support project communications and relationship building in the community and with other agencies.
Build and maintain relationships with clients, agencies, and community-based organizations.
Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, identifying risks and opportunities, tracking project activities and metrics, and supporting public information officers to ensure communications alignment across project milestones.
Assist with business development and marketing proposal efforts as needed for key pursuits.
Required Qualifications
At least 10 years of demonstrated experience designing and leading comprehensive public involvement and communications programs, with a government agency or serving as a consultant to government agencies.
A commitment to and demonstrated experience in developing and implementing equitable engagement strategies to reach marginalized communities.
Demonstrated experience supporting public agencies in planning and implementing comprehensive communications and public involvement programs for transportation, water, land use, environmental, and/or energy sector-based projects.
Demonstrated superior communications writing and editing skills with the ability to translate complex technical information into easy-to-understand formats for non-technical audiences.
Experience facilitating in-person and virtual community meetings, workshops, events, focus groups, listening sessions and/or roundtables, etc.
Ability to work collaboratively, facilitate contentious and/or difficult conversations, resolve conflicts, propose thoughtful and innovative solutions, and gain agreement with a variety of stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience designing and implementing communication and public involvement plans that detail a range of engagement tools and tactics.
Recent experience with social media platforms, digital communications, and experience implementing successful digital engagement campaigns.
Superior ability to manage defined scopes of work, budgets, and timelines, supporting clients to develop and implement public involvement strategies on time and within budget.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple project deadlines.
Ability to work well under pressure and manage sensitive or controversial subjects with diplomacy, kindness, and professionalism.
Ability to self-manage, be accountable for assigned projects, identify necessary actions, and proactively manage internal teams to deliver strong results with limited oversight.
Strong relationship-building and listening skills.
Understanding of and commitment to the practice of public participation, and an interest in information-based communications and government projects and decision-making.
Experience and/or background in a similar public-facing field, including communications, journalism, government affairs, public affairs, public relations, public involvement and outreach, planning, public policy, or related field.
Organizational values Organizational values:
At S&A, we are expressly committed to equity and social justice, and as a team are centering equity through our work and our individual actions. We believe in supporting our staff in their personal and professional growth, providing new opportunities, building relationships, giving back, and having fun! To support our staff in their personal and professional growth, all staff attend equity workshops, led by a professional facilitator who supports our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion journey.
Workplace culture Workplace culture:
S&A is committed to fostering a thriving and supportive workplace that is a dynamic and productive work culture. While we are a hybrid workplace, as community engagement practitioners, in-person work with communities is core to this work. We have minimum in-office requirements and also work with employees to ensure a hybrid schedule works best for them, our teams, and our clients. Staff managers work with employees to help them take full advantage of learning opportunities found through onsite collaboration and connection with colleagues and other project staff.
Salary and benefits Salary and benefits:
S&A offers a salary commensurate with experience and competitive benefits. The salary range for this position is between $110k-$150k. Benefits include paid vacation, sick, and volunteer days; paid holidays; health coverage (medical, dental, vision); disability; parental leave; 401(k) with company match; bonuses; transit pass; and free use of on-site fitness center.
To apply To apply:
Send your resume and cover letter to careers@stephersonassociates.com. We welcome and encourage work samples demonstrating your strong qualifications and public involvement skills.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
Industries
Public Relations and Communications Services, Services for Renewable Energy, and Transportation Programs
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr