Project Coordinator/Associate

$60,000 - $85,000/Yr

Kearns & West - San Diego, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

San Diego, CA

101-250 employees

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Kearns & West is seeking a Project Coordinator or Associate with a focus on community engagement in Southern California, specifically in areas such as Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on a variety of high-stakes projects that involve public involvement, stakeholder facilitation, community outreach, and mediation, primarily for government agencies. Founded in 1984, Kearns & West has established itself as a leader in collaborative communications, with nearly 120 team members across various locations including Los Angeles, San Diego, and beyond. The firm is dedicated to fostering long-term relationships with clients and stakeholders, focusing on positive outcomes that advance essential policies and programs. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in facilitating and documenting stakeholder engagement and community meetings. This includes notetaking, report preparation, and managing databases. The position requires collaboration with the Kearns & West team to engage with tribes, stakeholders, and community members, as well as leading or supporting the coordination of meeting logistics. The candidate will also assist in developing engagement strategies through research and direct interactions with stakeholders, while preparing informational materials for the public. A strong interest in community planning, water resources, clean energy, and environmental issues is essential, as is the ability to manage multiple project assignments simultaneously. Kearns & West values initiative, excellent organizational skills, and attention to detail. Strong written and oral communication skills are necessary, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. While fluency in Spanish is highly desirable, it is not a requirement. The position may involve some travel and staffing community meetings during evenings and weekends. Kearns & West promotes a hybrid work model, allowing employees to work both remotely and in the office, fostering a supportive and innovative work environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with facilitating and documenting stakeholder engagement and community meetings, including notetaking, report preparation, and database management.
• Engage with tribes, stakeholders, and community members alongside the K&W team.
• Lead or support coordination of meeting logistics.
• Support development of engagement strategy through research, direct interaction with stakeholders, and local knowledge.
• Prepare basic informational materials for stakeholders and the public.
• Conduct administrative duties and prepare advertisement placements and media releases.
• Proofread reports and other documents.
• Help maintain and grow strong relationships with clients and project partners.
• Coordinate and contribute to visual communication materials.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in community/regional planning, transportation, natural resource management, renewable energy, environmental/public policy issues, or related fields.
• 1-2 years of experience for Project Coordinator position; 2 years for Associate position.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple project assignments simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Nice-to-haves

• Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable but not required.
• Interest in graphic design/layout and proficiency with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and/or InDesign.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $60,000 - $85,000.
• Hybrid work model allowing flexibility in work location.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.