Communications Specialist / Senior Communications Specialist

Position Overview

Hazen and Sawyer Communications and Public Outreach is seeking a Communications Specialist or Senior Communications Specialist to support strategic communications for Hazen clients. The role involves developing and implementing tailored communication plans, stakeholder engagement processes, and providing communication counsel to client leadership.

Key Responsibilities/What You’ll Do

• Develop and implement strategic communication plans and processes tailored to client needs
• Meet with client representatives to understand their needs and issues
• Engage with Hazen technical teams to understand complex engineering and utility management issues
• Collaborate with other Hazen communication team members to share expertise and insights
• Advise clients on communications strategy and engagement best practices
• Translate complex technical and regulatory information into clear, accurate, audience-appropriate messages

Desired Skills & Capabilities

• Strategic thinking and ability to support and implement communications and outreach efforts
• Proven aptitude in producing high-quality content and supporting visual materials
• Experience with client coordination and public engagement activities
• Ability to serve as a trusted advisor to clients on communication strategies, outreach tailored to key audiences, and risk communications
• Experience mentoring junior staff and supporting business development

Required Qualifications/What We’re Looking For

• 5–8 years of professional experience in communications, public outreach, public affairs, community engagement, or stakeholder engagement
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic communication efforts tailored to key audiences and issues
• Strong writing, editing, and message development skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information
• Comfort engaging directly with clients, public agencies, and diverse stakeholders
• Proven strategic thinking skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working for a water or wastewater agency, or in a consulting agency working with water and wastewater agencies
• Experience working in a consulting agency, or multi-client environment
• Experience supporting infrastructure, environmental, public health, or water related projects
• Familiarity with risk or crisis communications principles
• Experience planning or supporting public meetings and community engagement activities (in person and virtual)
• Experience collaborating with designers, videographers, or web developers to produce outreach materials