Job Information
WSP USA Early Career Communications and Public Involvement Specialist in Chicago, Illinois
This Opportunity:
Be involved in projects with our Communications & Public involvement 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!
WSP is currently initiating a search for an Early Careers Communications and Public Involvement Specialist for our Chicago, IL Office.
The position will support, assist and offer guidance to WSP projects and clients in public involvement, outreach and communications. The position may also support other WSP communications and public involvement efforts as needed. The position is part of WSP’s National Communications & Public Involvement Practice. This is an exciting opportunity to join our national team of talented communications and public outreach/public information professionals.
Your Impact:
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 develop effective strategies that 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
Provide guidance on responses 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 escalate media coverage of project issues
Research and possibly respond to a variety of media requests in a timely manner
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
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
Build strong relationships with clients and assist with 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
Who You Are:
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Communications/Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism or a related field
0-1 years of communications experience in a technical industry or related field
Ability to work some 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
Proven experience using social media for outreach campaigns
Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher
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
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About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.