Senior Communications and Public Involvement Consultant

Job DescriptionThis OpportunityWSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Communications and Public Involvement Consultant for our Virginia offices. This role can also be based out of West Virginia. 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 ImpactServe as a key communications and outreach consultant on a large infrastructure projectImplement effective public outreach strategies for infrastructure projectsTake 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 communityDevelop news releases, brochures, fact sheets, media alerts and other collateral for the public and mediaDevelop and implement strategic messages that educate the community on the purpose, need, benefits and perceived impacts of projects and programsCoordinate and participate in virtual and in-person public meetings and community events as assigned Respond to public inquiries and escalated stakeholder issuesImplement 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 notificationsMonitor, archive and escalate media coverage of project issuesResearch and possibly respond to a variety of client, stakeholder, or media requests in a timely mannerAnalyze the effectiveness of outreach campaigns, including website and social media contentDirect the work of support services such as graphic design, website development, video, and photographyWork closely with project teams and clients on communications alignment with client priorities and program messagingParticipate in external project, agency, and community meetings to provide public involvement updates and help identify public involvement issuesCoordinate development of project deliverables and public outreach according to project scheduleSupport multiple projects and clientsBuild strong relationships with clients and assist with business development activitiesInteract in a clear and concise manner with a variety of diverse audiencesPerform other duties as assigned or required by WSP USA Inc. and our clientsTalent is the essence of meeting our client’s objectives, goals and challenges. If this sounds like a fit for you, we’d love to have that first discussion of you joining our team.Who You AreRequired QualificationsBachelor's Degree in Communications or a related field5-7 years of communications experience Outstanding oral, written and interpersonal communication skillsSuperior organizational and time management skills with a high attention to detailProven experience writing content for fact sheets, websites, social media, and/or media releasesAbility to understand and translate complex, technical information into easy-to-understand content for public consumptionPrevious experience working on infrastructure projects with a cross-discipline teamDeadline driven with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environmentAbility to help de-escalate and mitigate community concerns Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and PowerPointAbility 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 managementAbility to work beyond standard business hours on some nights and weekendsCandidate 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 QualificationsCommunications/public involvement experience with energy infrastructure projectsPrevious experience with elected official, stakeholder, and media communicationsSocial media experience for outreach campaignsPrevious experience with planning public meetingsLocal candidates preferredAbout WSP ABOUT US WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.www.wsp.comWSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.