Communications Specialist, Transportation

About the role

This position will support communications and community engagement tasks associated with several major Seattle transportation projects. The work is based in Seattle and may include meetings throughout the region, including Shoreline at the WSDOT Northwest Region headquarters. The selected candidate can work remotely but is also expected to conduct in‑person outreach in and around Seattle. The successful candidate must demonstrate experience managing multiple tasks in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment; providing excellent customer/client service; collaborating and delivering quality written communications; and a shared commitment to social and racial justice. Experience or strong interest in transportation, transit, mobility, government, and/or the public sector is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and summarize community engagement plans and events, including setting up booths, public interaction, speaking, coordinating with clients, and maintaining records and data.
• Conduct door‑to‑door outreach in identified neighborhoods to inform communities about potential construction impacts.
• Research, write, and edit content for project communications such as e‑newsletters, press releases, social media posts, fact sheets, flyers, presentations, summary reports, and web page updates, adhering to AP and client style guides.
• Capture photos and video at construction sites for use in communications.
• Proactively manage the project inbox/hotline, collaborating with contractors to respond to comments, concerns, and questions.
• Support media and legislative event planning and develop related materials.
• Participate in and sometimes facilitate project communications meetings, including scheduling, agenda management, note‑taking, and distributing action items.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary PRR teams (language services, research, creative studio) on translations, graphic design, and printing needs.
• Manage project files in internal (Teams) and external (Dropbox) repositories according to protocol.
• Deliver work on time and on budget, meet project objectives, and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
• Maintain high‑quality control standards for all client and partner communications.
• Provide excellent customer service and proactively anticipate client needs while maintaining confidentiality.
• Complete timesheets and expense reports accurately and on time; support monthly project reporting and facilitate expense requests.
• Maintain or exceed a 90% annual billable utilization goal, tracking time in 15‑minute increments.
• Perform other duties within the reasonable scope of the role as needed.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of work experience in community engagement or strategic communications.
• Experience in PR/communications/public affairs consulting, customer or client service, construction, and/or government agencies.

Skills

• Strong writing for the public, with proficiency in plain language and AP style.
• Understanding of editing and quality‑control methods, including template maintenance, grammar/typo editing, and adherence to client style guides.
• Comfort working in varied settings: busy office, virtual meetings (e.g., Zoom), meetings with elected officials, and in‑person community outreach.
• Proficiency with PC and Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Interest in civic activities, public affairs, and policy.
• Ability to work outside regular hours when needed.
• Interest in planning, transportation infrastructure, transit, and mobility.
• Ability to travel independently to project sites, public meetings, and community events, which may occur outside standard business hours or in locations not served by public transit; a valid driver’s license is strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance for full‑time employees and dependents.
• Flexible spending account / dependent care spending account.
• Life insurance.
• Paid family and medical leave.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability.
• 401(k) plan with discretionary company match.
• Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP).
• Pet insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Professional development training allowances.
• Gym or mass‑transit subsidy.
• Paid Time Off: 120 hours PTO, 56 hours paid sick/personal time, and 12 paid holidays.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $90,000 – $100,000 per year (Washington), with potential for future compensation growth based on performance.

Physical Demands

• Extended periods of standing or sitting.
• Ability to lift over 30 pounds.
• Regular talking and hearing.
• Operation of standard office equipment.
• Potential to work extended hours as required.