Communications and Public Involvement Consultant

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Communications and Public Involvement Consultant for our Columbus, OH office. Be involved in projects with our Communications and Public Involvement 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 the Midwest 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 Impact

• Implement effective public outreach strategies for infrastructure projects
• Take 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 community
• Develop news releases, brochures, fact sheets, media alerts and other collaterals for the public and media  
• Develop and implement strategic messages that educate the community on the purpose, need, benefits and perceived impacts of projects and programs
• Coordinate and participate in virtual and in-person public meetings and community events as assigned 
• Respond to public inquiries and escalated stakeholder issues
• Implement 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 notifications  
• Monitor, archive and escalate media coverage of project issues
• Research and possibly respond to a variety of media requests in a timely manner
• Analyze the effectiveness of outreach campaigns, including website and social media content
• Direct the work of support services such as graphic design, website development, video, and photography
• Work closely with project teams and clients on communications alignment with client priorities and program messaging
• Attend external project, agency, and community meetings to provide public involvement updates and identify public involvement issues
• Coordinate development of project deliverables and public outreach according to project schedule
• Identify opportunities for community and professional involvement for the project team
• Build strong relationships with clients and assist with business development activities
• Interact in a clear and concise manner with a variety of diverse audiences
• Perform other duties as assigned or required by WSP USA Inc. and our clients
• Talent 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 Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications or a related field
• 3-5 years of communications experience 
• Outstanding oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Superior organizational, time management and creative skills
• Proven experience writing content for website, social media, and media notifications
• Ability to understand and translate complex, technical information into easy-to-understand content for public consumption
• Communications/public involvement experience with energy infrastructure projects
• Previous experience working with utilities
• High attention to detail; proofreading skills
• Deadline driven with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to help de-esclate and mitigate community concerns 
• Proven experience using social media for outreach campaigns
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability 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 management
• Ability to work meetings and events on some nights and weekends
• Candidate 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 Qualifications

• Previous experience with elected official and stakeholder communications 
• Previous experience with planning events (open house publ