Senior Manager, Communications and Public Involvement

About the role

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Communications and Public Involvement Manager for our Los Angeles, CA office. Be involved in projects with our Communications Advisory Services 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 and power projects in the region. The position may support other WSP communications and public involvement efforts nationally as needed.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key communications and outreach consultant on infrastructure projects, including transportation, water and energy projects
• 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 and implement strategic messages that educate the community on the purpose, need, benefits and perceived impacts of projects and programs
• Provide as-needed in-person public involvement support at tabling events, open houses and construction sites
• Cook up and implement strategic social media outreach plans including the research, writing and vetting of various posts (X, Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
• Manage content development for a variety of communication channels, including website, social media, talking points, presentations, marketing materials and media notifications
• Develop performance metrics to 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
• Coordinate, facilitate and participate in virtual in-person public meetings and community events as assigned
• Coordinate closely with project teams and clients on communications and public involvement alignment with client priorities and program messaging
• Participate in external project, agency, and community meetings to provide public involvement updates and help identify public involvement issues
• Coordinate development of project deliverables and public outreach according to project schedule
• Build strong relationships with technical team members and clients and lead 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

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Planning or a related field
• 10+ years of communications and public involvement experience
• Outstanding oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Superior organizational and time management skills with a high attention to detail
• Proven experience writing and editing content for fact sheets, websites, social media, and/or media releases
• Ability to understand and translate complex, technical information into easy-to-understand content for public consumption
• Previous experience working on major infrastructure projects with a cross-discipline team
• Deadline driven with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to help de-escalate and mitigate community concerns
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, Teams, Outlook, 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 beyond standard business hours 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

• Demonstrated expertise with public involvement best practices
• Communications and public involvement experience with transportation and other infrastructure projects
• Knowledge of and project experience working with local public agencies
• Established relationships with local public agency staff
• Previous experience with team management
• Previous experience with elected official, stakeholder, and media communications
• Contract management and business development experience, including developing proposals, scopes and budgets
• Experience interviewing for future projects
• Local candidates preferred