Senior Public Information Specialist

About the role

The Senior Public Information Specialist leads and manages public outreach programs for transportation, infrastructure, and public-sector projects in the Austin, Texas area. This role includes developing and executing strategic outreach initiatives, serving as a trusted advisor to clients, and ensuring effective communication between project teams, governmental agencies, stakeholders, elected officials, community organizations, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage public outreach efforts for major infrastructure and transportation projects.
• Develop and implement project-specific Public Outreach Plans in collaboration with clients and project teams.
• Serve as the primary public outreach contact for clients, providing strategic guidance and recommendations to address project needs and stakeholder concerns.
• Cook up and facilitate public meetings, community briefings, workshops, open houses, and presentations for governmental agencies, elected officials, and external stakeholders.
• Manage direct client relationships and ensure outreach activities are delivered in accordance with contractual requirements and project objectives.
• Produce and oversee project communications materials, including newsletters, fact sheets, brochures, presentations, website content, and other public-facing materials.
• Cook up and maintain organized records to ensure effective communication among clients, project teams, and stakeholders.
• Monitor public outreach activities and prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports documenting engagement efforts, outcomes, and key issues.
• Review and approve vendor invoices and monitor outreach-related project expenditures under the direction of leadership.
• Represent the organization with regulatory agencies, community groups, elected officials, media representatives, and the general public.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise outreach staff and junior professionals, providing direction, quality assurance, and professional development support.
• Collaborate closely with technical managers, project managers, and multidisciplinary project teams to ensure consistent and effective project messaging.
• Support business development and promote the firm's visibility within professional, civic, and community organizations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Eight or more years of experience in public outreach, public involvement, communications, public relations, stakeholder engagement, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience managing outreach programs for complex infrastructure, transportation, engineering, or public-sector projects.
• Strong knowledge of public involvement principles, communications strategies, and media relations best practices.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with clients, community stakeholders, media representatives, regulatory agencies, and elected officials.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional publications and deliver persuasive public presentations.
• Experience leading project teams and supervising or mentoring communications professionals.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative while working in a collaborative team environment.
• Skilled in listening, responding, and resolving concerns from stakeholders and community members in a professional and constructive manner.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and other communications and engagement technologies.

Qualifications

• None specified

Skills

• Public outreach
• Public involvement
• Communications
• Public relations
• Stakeholder engagement

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Company-paid life and short- and long-term disability benefits
• Employer-matched 401(k) with 100% vesting
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Paid Time Off
• Leaves of absence options
• Flexible work options
• Recognition and employee satisfaction programs
• Employee assistance program
• Voluntary benefits

Pay

Expected compensation range is between $82,200 - $130,000 annually depending on skills, years of experience, and geographical location.

Schedule

N/A