Communications Specialist

Labor Classification:        Consultant II

Exemption Status:            Exempt

Employment Status:         Seattle office/Client office/remote - Full-time (40 hours per week)

Reports to:                        Senior Consultant/Associate Director  

Summary:

At PRR, we help create meaningful and inclusive opportunities for people affected by change to understand that change and get needed information and support. Our clients include government agencies, organizations, and businesses that focus on transportation, public health, and the environment.

This position will support public affairs, media relations, outreach, and construction communications associated with a major regional project for the Washington State Department of Transportation. This work is based in Seattle and can include meetings at the Northwest Region headquarters in Shoreline and outreach around the region. The selected candidate can work remotely but is also expected to conduct in-person outreach in and around Seattle.

The successful candidate must have demonstrated experience managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and providing client or customer service; working collaboratively and providing excellent verbal and written communications skills; and a shared commitment to social and racial justice and experience creating successful campaigns to reach diverse audiences.

Experience and/or strong interest in transportation, transit, mobility, government, and/or the public sector/government are also desirable.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work directly with the project PM and team to implement communications and engagement plans
• Support media relations, including helping clients respond to inquiries and emerging issues in a prompt and accurate manner
• Research, write, and edit responses to questions and correspondence from community members
• Research, write, and edit content for message platforms, newsletters, direct mailings, press releases, social media, fact sheets, flyers, presentations, summary reports and websites; include editing technical information and information for public audiences
• Produce PowerPoint presentations and meeting summaries for WSDOT executives, agency partners, and communities
• Maintain a database to track public correspondence and engagement
• Coordinate event planning and help implement meetings and special events
• Facilitate and staff outreach activities, such as virtual briefings, online open houses, and in person outreach

Project Management

• Develop and implement project and event work plans
• Take notes at meetings and manage action items
• Track tasks to ensure work is on time, on budget, and on target with objectives; troubleshoot any issues as they arise
• Follow up with team members to manage workflow and identify and mitigate potential delays
• Coordinate a plan/response to emergency/immediate client needs or situations

Client Relations

• Establish and support effective working relationships with clients, vendors, community-based organizations and communities
• Set and maintain the highest client service standards as a representative of PRR
• Provide responsive and timely information to clients
• Maintain confidentiality of client information
• Anticipate and respond to client needs

Productivity/Efficiency

• Maintain or exceed billable utilization goals
• Proactively complete tasks

Administrative

• Complete accurate daily timesheets
• Submit expense reports on time and with accurate information
• Coordinate with interdisciplinary PRR teams, including design, research, and language services

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The employee may be tasked with other duties which fall within the reasonable scope of the job.

Experience/Education

• 4-7 years of work experience in strategic communications, public relations, public affairs, community engagement, consulting is desirable
• Experience working as a project manager, or deputy project manager on large projects
• Experience working in customer or client service and/or the public sector highly desirable

Skills Required

• Strong work ethic and ability to take initiative and work independently and efficiently
• Ability to stay on task and meet deadlines in a deadline-driven environment
• Superior commitment to quality written products, including editing for AP style and plain talk
• Comfort working in a variety of settings, including remote settings, a busy office, or out in the community
• Ability to actively listen, retain key messages, and track details
• Proficient with PCs and MS software, including Outlook, Teams, Word and PowerPoint

Desirable, but not Essential, Skills and Interests

• Interest or experience in transportation, construction, built environment and/or public infrastructure
• Knowledge of Seattle neighborhoods, government agencies, and other organization contacts
• Experience working with historically underserved communities
• Knowledge of MS Planner or other project management software
• Knowledge of Consultation Manager or other customer relationship management software
• Valid driver license

Compensation

The full salary range for this position is $80,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year. We aim to hire new employees between $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year (depending on experience) allowing for future compensation growth within the range based on aptitude in the role, context, progress, and performance against goals over time.

PRR offers a benefit suite including: 

• Health, dental, and vision insurance for full-time employees and their dependents 
• Flexible spending account/dependent care spending account 
• Life insurance 
• Paid family and medical leave 
• Short and long-term disability 
• 401(k) plan with discretionary company match 
• Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) 
• Pet Insurance 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Professional development training allowances 
• Gym or mass transit subsidy 
• Paid Time Off Benefits include: 
  • 120 hours of Paid Time Off 
  • 56 hours of Paid Sick/Personal Time
  • 12 Paid Holidays 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be expected to work extended hours; including, but not limited to, standing or sitting for extended periods. The employee will often have to lift over 30 pounds. The employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee will regularly operate office equipment.