Assistant Public Involvement Specialist

Assistant Public Involvement Specialist

Immediate need for a talented Assistant Public Involvement Specialist. This is a 12+ months contract opportunity with long-term potential and is located in Akron, OH (Onsite).

Job
-15257 Pay Range: $27 - $29/hour. Employee benefits include, but are not limited to, health insurance (medical, dental, vision), 401(k) plan, and paid sick leave (depending on work location).

• Coordination of communication and public involvement activities on multi-year permitting, siting and construction projects.
• Develop project communication strategies and developing communication and public outreach plans.
• Interact with various stakeholders affected by project construction activities, managing project commitments to the public and act as the liaison between project managers, contractors, and the public.
• Provide service to the client by being available for issue resolution, providing information updates and promoting a positive public image.
• Implement strategic outreach plans and processes. Elements of these plans could include the development of newsletters and fact sheets, website content, telephone information lines, news releases, public meetings, open houses, comment forms, mailing lists, and response to public inquiries.
• Assist with materials development, event logistics, attending and participating in public meetings, logging inquiries on public information hotlines, and data management.
• Provide graphic support for promotional initiatives.
• Run and distribute reports in a Stakeholder Management System.
• Organize and manage project information files and coordinate the interchange of project outreach information to project managers and clients.
• All other duties as assigned.
• Travel 25% within New Jersey.

• Skills - Minimum 3 years of experience in public outreach, stakeholder engagement, community relations, or communications support, preferably within utility, transmission & distribution, renewable energy, construction, permitting, or infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of communication strategies, public outreach planning, community engagement initiatives, stakeholder tracking databases, reporting systems, and managing outreach documentation, commitments, issues, and project reports.
• Preferred background includes utility or energy companies, engineering consulting firms, transportation or public infrastructure projects, environmental permitting/siting projects, or government/community relations roles.
• Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, environmental studies, or related field from an accredited program required.
• 3 to 10 years professional experience.
• Prior internship or related experience a plus.
• Basic analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be proficient in the use of computer software (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to understand technical information and communicate that information to the public.
• Ability to manage priorities and schedules ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Design/presentation software experience a plus.
• Valid driver's license required. In addition, must meet standards to qualify for and maintain the Company's vehicle driving privileges as outlined in the Company's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy.