Strategic Communications & Outreach Specialist

Overview:

Kimley-Horn is looking to a Strategic Communications and Outreach Specialist to be part of our transportation project team in our San Jose, California (CA). This is an in-person, in-office position. 

• Contracts with transportation agencies, local governments, private clients, and internal Kimley-Horn disciplines providing communication and outreach services.
• Design and implement project specific engagement and communication plans based on the needs of the project utilizing a variety of standard and virtual tools.
• Plan several transportation related events, conferences, and workshops.
• The successful applicant will have the opportunity to use and expand their skills as we service the needs of a variety of transportation clients in the region.
• Development of strategic communication and engagement plans that are tailored to individual project and/or client needs.
• Develop and foster meaningful relationships with key stakeholders, elected officials, community-based organizations, residents, and business owners throughout designated project areas.
• Produce and maintain a community stakeholder database.
• Distribute information to stakeholders using a multichannel approach.
• Assist with outreach coordination efforts with project partners and contractors.
• Monitor public inquires and prepare responses, as needed.
• Ability to write engaging copy and coordinate content for the development of project collateral including brochures, fact sheets, fliers, display boards, newsletters, emails, news releases, and announcements.
• Ability to understand and maintain client brand standards in the development of project collateral and materials.
• Ability to write a variety of online content for diverse audiences for social media, blogs, and website.
• Support the development and facilitation of events including public meetings, open houses, workshops, hearings, neighborhood meetings, pop-up events, ground breakings and ribbon cuttings, conferences, one-on-one meetings stakeholder meetings, and other public events.
• Prepare PowerPoint presentation decks and support materials for public meetings, board presentations, and elected official briefings.
• Develop concise meeting minutes with summaries of action items.
• Conduct desktop research to gather information for multiple projects and tasks.
• Develop reports, documents, and spreadsheets.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced client environment.
• This position requires occasional night and weekend availability to provide exceptional service to our clients and the communities that we serve.

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, communications, or related field.
• 2+ years of community engagement experience.
• Excellent people skills including the ability to communicate clearly, listen and summarize information, document interactions, and problem-solve or reduce conflicts when possible.
• Customer-centric and service mindset with the ability to interface with a variety of clients, stakeholders, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral formats including speaking with people one-on-one and in large group environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Flexibility to periodically work evenings or weekend, as required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle with insurance.

Preferred:

• Detail-oriented and enthusiastic with demonstratable knowledge of and ability to implement various public involvement plans and techniques.
• Ability to understand and explain technical information to a variety of audiences, often in high- profile situations.
• Ability to complete complex work assignments on schedule, with limited supervision.
• Public outreach experience and knowledge of the transportation industry.
• Equity-based community engagement experience.
• Prior consulting industry experience
• Graphic or website design experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Teams and Planner programs.
• Experience utilizing Adobe Creative Cloud.

Salary Range: $80,000 to $110,000

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients and employees, are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it— that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 17 years!