Stepherson & Associates Communications is looking for a full-time Senior Engagement Manager to join the team, playing a crucial role in supporting the planning, design, and construction of transportation, water, land use, and energy projects. S&A seeks a Senior Engagement Manager with at least 10 years of demonstrable experience designing and implementing comprehensive public involvement and communications programs for complex infrastructure, planning and policy projects, preferably with local, regional and/or state government agencies. This is a leadership role that thoughtfully and equitably engages communities on projects that shape our communities and helps inform public project outcomes. Candidates should be highly skilled in public involvement, communications, outreach, facilitation strategies, and best practices, with experience advising clients on strategic efforts to achieve successful results.

Responsibilities:

• Design, development, and implementation of complex, high-profile public involvement and communications programs for multiple infrastructure projects with minimal oversight – applying environmental justice principles that remove barriers to participation.

• Manage, coach and collaborate with internal teams to delegate and complete work – providing mentorship that further develops the skills of the team.

• Develop and oversee high-quality, client-ready, public-facing materials (i.e., engagement plans, communications plans, website content, fact sheets, email updates, surveys, questionnaires, press releases, social media and a range of other project materials), and other activities as necessary to support thoughtful, equitable and culturally relevant community engagement.

• Plan, organize and facilitate online and in-person engagement activities (i.e., workshops, open houses, in-person and virtual public meetings).

• Develop and manage scope, budget, and contract processes for a portfolio of strategic projects.
• Develop and implement strategic communications with project stakeholders, including elected officials, residents, businesses, as well as environmental justice communities.

• Represent projects, clients, and public agencies as needed to support project communications and relationship building in the community and with other agencies.

• Build and maintain relationships with clients, agencies, and community-based organizations.
• Closely track project activities, work with agency public information officers to ensure alignment of communications across projects and identify opportunities and risks.

• Lead internal engagement with other WMBE (women- and minority-owned business enterprise) consultants on the project team(s) to identify ways to support continued success and meet/exceed project utilization goals.

• Assist with proposals and business development efforts as needed for key pursuits.

Qualifications:

• At least 10 years of demonstrated experience designing and leading comprehensive public involvement and communications programs, creating an environment of trust and confidence.

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

• Demonstrated experience supporting public agencies to plan and implement public involvement in transportation, water, land use, environmental, and/or energy sectors.

• Demonstrated superior communications writing and editing skills with the ability to translate complex technical information into easy-to-understand formats for non-technical audiences.

• Demonstrated experience leading dynamic teams on multiple projects of varying size and complexity, with a positive, respectful, and collaborative approach.

• Experience facilitating in-person and virtual community meetings, workshops, events, focus groups, 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.

• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing communication and public involvement plans that use engagement tactics such as stakeholder interviews, public meetings, digital communications and website content, and the development of visually compelling collateral.

• Recent experience with social platforms, digital communications, and engagement best practices, as well as experience implementing successful digital engagement campaigns.

• Superior ability to manage defined scopes of work, budgets and timelines, supporting clients to develop and implement public involvement strategies on time and within budget.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment managing multiple deadlines for multiple projects.
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage sensitive or controversial subjects with tact, kindness, and professionalism.

• Ability to self-manage, be accountable for assigned projects, identify necessary actions, and proactively manage internal teams to deliver strong results with limited oversight.

• Strong relationship-building and listening skills.
• Understanding of and commitment to the practice of public participation, and an interest in information-based communications and government projects and decision-making.

• Experience and/or background in a similar public-facing field including communications, journalism, government affairs, public affairs, public relations, public involvement and outreach, planning, public policy, or related field.

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 to take full advantage of learning opportunities found through onsite collaboration and connection with colleagues and other project staff.

Salary and benefits: S&A offers a salary commensurate with experience and competitive benefits. The starting salary range for this position is $105k-$125k. Benefits include paid vacation, sick, and volunteer days; paid holidays; bonuses; health coverage (medical, dental, vision); disability; parental leave; 401(k) with company match; transit pass; and free use of on-site fitness center.

EEO: We encourage anyone with a bilingual or multicultural background to apply. S&A is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

To apply: Send your resume and cover letter to careers@stephersonassociates.com. We welcome work samples that demonstrate your strong project management and communications skills.