Senior Public Engagement and Communications Specialist

What HNTB is looking for: a Senior Public Engagement and Communications Specialist who will support a diverse portfolio of impactful transportation projects across Michigan. The role focuses on developing and implementing strategic communications and engagement plans for public agency transportation clients, leading stakeholder and community engagement efforts, supporting the planning and facilitation of public meetings and workshops, and coordinating closely with multidisciplinary project teams.
Responsibilities

Develop and help implement effective dissemination of outreach materials, facts and information on project messaging, and support client activities to stakeholders according to the public outreach plan. Review and refine records and reports related to public involvement meetings, forums and public hearings; track social engagement and other digital strategies as needed. Draft speeches, create and design presentation materials, prepare remarks, briefing documents and/or compose correspondence for use in mailings, meetings, workshops and other public events. Conduct initial fact checking for reports, articles, and other publications. Develop and implement digital strategies for web-based communications, including websites and social channels. Help develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and review draft reports to indicate a campaign’s milestones. Support coordination efforts for public meetings and engagements to best support outreach and initiative goals. Interact with clients to coordinate implementation of communication programs and goals. Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Marketing, Communications, English, Journalism or a related field and 6 years of relevant experience, or in lieu of education, 10 years of relevant experience.
What You’ll Bring

Strong writing and communication skills, with the ability to lead development of clear, public‑facing messaging across deliverables.
Ability to translate complex technical information into clear, public‑friendly messaging for diverse audiences.
Experience managing production workflows, prioritizing deliverables, and maintaining quality across fast‑paced, concurrent projects.
Public engagement, media relations, and community engagement expertise, including leading outreach strategy and execution.
Proficiency in Adobe and Microsoft tools, with experience producing high‑quality materials and reviewing the work of less‑experienced staff.
Experience developing and guiding social media strategy and content, providing direction to junior staff.
Ability to lead research efforts and synthesize findings into clear materials for internal and external use.
Experience overseeing stakeholder databases and engagement tracking, including directing updates and maintaining data quality.
Ability to plan and lead public meetings, workshops, and outreach efforts, including overseeing logistics, materials, and deliverables.
Experience coordinating with clients and multidisciplinary teams to deliver engagement products aligned with project goals and schedules.
Strong attention to detail, with the ability to ensure quality control and consistency across all materials and make informed editorial decisions.
What We Prefer

Experience leading or supporting public engagement for large infrastructure or transportation projects.
Experience working with public sector clients.
Benefits information: HNTB Total Rewards. Learn more about Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Locations: Detroit, MI; East Lansing, MI (Lansing); Grand Rapids, MI.
Notice to third‑party agencies: HNTB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or agencies. Any staffing/employment agency that submits an unsolicited resume to this site does so with the understanding that the applicant’s resume will become the property of HNTB. HNTB will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion and without any fee owed to the submitting staffing/employment agency.
Equal Opportunity Employer: HNTB is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other status protected by law. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with a disability where appropriate.
Work Authorization: In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, we will only employ qualified individuals legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required.

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