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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