Public Outreach and Community Engagement Specialist

About the Position

We’re looking for a dynamic Public Outreach/Community Engagement Specialist to lead public involvement efforts for large rail projects in Texas. In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of connecting people to progress—developing and executing outreach strategies that ensure transparency, inclusivity, and community support. You’ll organize public meetings, stakeholder briefings, and interactive workshops, ensuring residents, businesses, and local leaders stay informed and engaged. If you thrive on building relationships, managing multi-channel communication efforts, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire public trust, this is your chance to make a difference. Working closely with engineers, environmental planners, and government agencies, you’ll align engagement strategies with construction milestones, regulatory requirements, and community expectations—keeping the public informed every step of the way.

This role is perfect for someone who loves being in the field, listening to community voices, and developing creative solutions to address public concerns. You’ll have the opportunity to build relationships with diverse communities, shape messaging that resonates with different audiences, and implement cutting-edge outreach tools. Whether it's hosting town halls, managing digital engagement platforms, or responding to community questions in real-time, you’ll be a key advocate for public involvement in this transformative infrastructure project. If you have a passion for large-scale transportation initiatives, expertise in public engagement, and the ability to navigate complex political and regulatory landscapes, we want to hear from you. Join us and be part of a team that’s not just constructing a rail system but creating a new era of transit that connects people, places, and possibilities!

This is a long-term, full-time, onsite position located in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth or Houston metro areas.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive public outreach strategies to ensure community awareness and engagement throughout the rail construction process.
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate public meetings, open houses, and stakeholder briefings to provide project updates and gather community input.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the project team, local communities, businesses, and key stakeholders to address concerns and build strong relationships.
• Create and manage outreach materials, including fact sheets, presentations, newsletters, social media content, and website updates to keep the public informed.
• Coordinate with engineers, planners, and government agencies to align public engagement efforts with construction milestones and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and execute digital and in-person engagement campaigns to reach diverse audiences, including underserved and impacted communities.
• Monitor public sentiment, gather feedback through surveys and engagement tools, and provide insights to project leadership for informed decision-making.
• Manage crisis communication efforts by proactively addressing community concerns and responding to emerging issues in a timely and transparent manner.
• Organize and participate in community events, transportation forums, and advocacy meetings to represent the project and enhance public trust.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to public participation, environmental justice, and transportation equity.
• Track and report on outreach metrics, engagement outcomes, and key public concerns to refine strategies and improve communication effectiveness.
• Collaborate with media teams to coordinate press releases, interviews, and public relations efforts related to the project’s community impact.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively engage with diverse audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build relationships and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Empathy, cultural awareness, and emotional intelligence for connecting with communities and addressing their concerns.
• Adaptability, problem-solving, and strategic thinking for navigating challenges and refining engagement approaches.
• Public speaking, facilitation, and organizational skills for managing outreach efforts and leading community discussions with confidence.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelo