Public Engagement and Communications Specialist

Overview

What We're Looking For At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. This opportunity entails supporting the coordination and implementation of public engagement and involvement programs for infrastructure projects. The role assists with developing communication strategies, materials, and digital/print content, researches data, and provides project messaging resources to educate the community about transportation infrastructure projects. It may include recordkeeping and reporting as appropriate.
Responsibilities

Develop and assist with the implementation of communication and outreach strategies to educate the public and stakeholders on infrastructure projects, including research, outreach planning, and best practices.
Conduct routine investigations and collect data needed for effective communications strategies and/or to fulfill federal regulatory outreach requirements, including environmental impact evaluations if applicable.
Prepare and coordinate the dissemination of outreach materials, facts, and information on project messaging to stakeholders (external agencies, associations, news organizations) using print, periodicals, radio, social and/or visual media according to the public outreach plan.
Track and maintain routine records and reports related to public involvement meetings, hearings, and outreach events.
Draft speeches, create and design presentation materials, and/or compose correspondence for use in mailings, meetings, or other public consumption.
Perform initial fact-checking for reports, articles, and other publications.
Report key performance indicators (KPIs) to indicate campaign milestones.
Coordinate community meetings, public forums, working groups, and other public meetings, including scheduling, location selection, advertising, setup/teardown, and relevant collateral materials according to client expectations and project goals.
Interact with clients to coordinate the implementation of communication and outreach programs as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Marketing, Communications, English, Journalism or related field with 3 years of relevant experience, or 7 years of relevant experience in lieu of education.
What You'll Bring

Assisting with social media management and content development with guidance from more experienced staff.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, InDesign, InCopy) and Microsoft Office.
Proficient PowerPoint formatting, template editing, and materials upkeep.
Maintaining and updating stakeholder databases with careful fact-checking.
Supporting logistics of the public outreach plan (venue coordination, materials generation, staffing) and providing event management oversight.
Interacting with clients, the public, internal partners, and others.
Using basic graphic design skills in line with existing style guides and guidance from senior staff.
Providing direction on complex visuals/materials to Graphic Designers.
Preferred

Positive self-starter with flexibility and strong organizational skills.
Experience with Excel and database management.
Interest and working knowledge of government relations.
Location

Kansas City, MO; Overland Park, KS (Sprint Parkway).
Equal Opportunity

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.
Work Authorization

We will only employ qualified individuals legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility may be required. HNTB participates in E-Verify.

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