Do you have a penchant for rolling up your sleeves and digging into construction project communications? At Stepherson & Associates Communications (S&A), we are proud to be a minority-owned communications and public involvement consulting firm. Our dedicated team is passionate about thoughtfully engaging communities on projects in the transportation, land use/planning, water, natural resources, and energy sectors – to help make our communities a better place to live.

We are seeking a Construction Outreach Specialist with at least five years of experience designing and implementing public engagement programs as a consultant or project manager on infrastructure construction projects. Demonstrated experience working with public agencies to plan and implement construction in the transportation, water utility, or similar infrastructure sector is required.

Qualifications:

• At least five years’ demonstrable experience leading teams on multiple infrastructure projects to plan and implement construction outreach programs.

• Experience managing defined scopes of work and working with clients to develop and implement construction outreach programs.

• Ability to help communities prepare for construction impacts through designing and implementing outreach and communications plans; media and social media; property owner, resident, and business outreach; in-person and virtual public meetings; project collateral; digital engagement; project tours, groundbreakings, and other event production; comment tracking and managing 24-hour hotlines.

• A commitment to, and demonstrated experience in, developing and implementing equitable engagement strategies to reach marginalized communities.

• Demonstrated superior communications writing and editing skills with the ability to translate complex technical information into easy-to-understand formats for non-technical audiences. We review construction information to create key messaging and public-friendly graphics, as well as communicate high-impact activities such as access issues, detours and closures.

• Strong relationship-building, listening, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment managing multiple projects.
• Experience facilitating in-person and virtual community meetings, workshops, events, focusgroups, listening sessions and/or roundtables, etc.

• Ability to work collaboratively, facilitate contentious and/or difficult conversations, resolve conflicts, propose thoughtful and innovative solutions, and gain agreement with a variety of stakeholders, including clients and members of the public.

• Familiarity with reading and understanding technical materials, including construction contract specifications, design and construction sheets, permitting documents, and property owner agreements.

• Experience or academic coursework in Communications, Public Relations, Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Public Policy, Political Science, Journalism, English, or related fields.

• Understanding of and commitment to the practice of public participation and an interest in information-based communications and government projects and decision-making.

Organizational values: At S&A, we are expressly committed to equity and social justice, and as a team are centering equity through our work and our individual actions. We believe in supporting our staff in their personal and professional growth, providing new opportunities, building relationships, giving back, and having fun! To support our staff in their personal and professional growth, all staff attend equity workshops led by a professional facilitator who supports our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion journey.

Workplace culture: S&A is committed to fostering a thriving and supportive workplace that is a dynamic and productive work culture. While we are a hybrid workplace, as community engagement practitioners, in-person work with communities is core to this work. S&A works with employees to establish an in-office and remote schedule that works best for them, our teams, and our clients. Most staff work remotely a couple of days a week. Staff managers work with employees to help them take full advantage of learning opportunities found through onsite collaboration and connection with colleagues and other project staff.

Salary and benefits: S&A is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. This position’s salary range is $79k-$107k, depending on experience. A range of position categories may be considered for this position based on candidate qualifications. S&A offers competitive benefits, including annual bonuses, health coverage (medical, dental, and vision), disability coverage, transit pass, 401k plan with company match, PTO, sick and holiday pay, and other paid time in support of work/life balance and community involvement.

To apply: Send your resume and cover letter detailing your construction outreach experience to careers@stephersonassociates.com. Work samples are encouraged.