Early Career Communications Advisory Services Specialist

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a full-time Early Career Communications Advisory Services Specialist for our Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA offices.

Join our Communications Advisory Services Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges.

At WSP, we are driven by inspiring the right people to be part of our future-focused business objectives. Our devotion to teamwork has allowed us to build communities and expand our skylines. Here at WSP, anything is within our reach and yours as a WSP employee. Come join us and help shape the future!

The position will support and offer guidance to WSP projects and clients in public involvement, outreach and communications. The position is part of WSP’s National Communications Advisory Services Practice. This is an exciting opportunity to join our national team of talented communications and public outreach/public information professionals.

• Serve as a liaison between projects and the community
• Implement effective public outreach strategies for high profile transportation projects as needed
• Take initiative and ownership of public involvement tasks to solicit feedback and input from the public
• Develop strategic messages that educate the community on the purpose, need, benefits and perceived impacts of projects and programs
• Coordinate and participate in public meetings and community events with various neighborhood groups or other stakeholders as assigned
• Be responsive to public inquiries and escalated stakeholder issues
• Implement strategic social media outreach plans including the research, writing and vetting of various posts (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc.)
• Research and write content for a variety of communication channels, including website, social media, talking points, presentations, marketing materials and media notifications
• Monitor, archive and escalated media coverage of project issues
• Research and develop responses to a variety of media requests in a timely manner
• Analyze the effectiveness of outreach campaigns, including website and social media content
• Manage a community outreach database and pull regular reports
• Collaborate with creative services such as graphic design, website development, video, and photography
• Work closely with project teams and clients on communications alignment with agency priorities and program messaging
• Attend external project, agency, and community meetings to provide public involvement updates and identify public involvement issues
• Identify opportunities for community and professional involvement for the project team
• 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

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications/Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, English, or equivalent experience in a related field
• 0-1 years of communications experience in a technical industry or related field
• Ability to work occasional events on nights and weekends as needed
• Outstanding oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Superior organizational, time management and creative skills
• Proven experience writing content for website, social media, and media notifications
• Ability to understand and translate complex, technical information into easy-to-understand content for public consumption
• High attention to detail; proofreading skills
• Deadline driven with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office:
  Word, Excel, and Power Point
• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Communications/public involvement experience with infrastructure or transportation
• Work experience in public information and communication for transportation, design or construction projects
• Proven experience using social media for outreach campaigns
• Proficiency with Spanish or other languages
• Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator,…