Returning Public Engagement & Communications Specialist I - Great Lakes Division (For Current/Former HNTB Interns Only)

$56,501 - $84,752/Yr

HNTB - Downers Grove, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Downers Grove, IL

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

At HNTB, we are looking for a dedicated individual to join our team as a Public Engagement Coordinator. This role is crucial in supporting the coordination and implementation of public engagement and involvement programs for various infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will assist in developing communication strategies that include creating materials and digital content, as well as conducting research to gather data that will inform project messaging resources aimed at educating the community. This position is particularly suited for current or former HNTB interns, providing an opportunity to leverage previous experience while contributing to meaningful projects that impact communities across the country. The Public Engagement Coordinator will play a vital role in educating the public and stakeholders about infrastructure projects. This includes conducting routine investigations and collecting necessary data to develop effective communication strategies and fulfill federal regulatory outreach requirements, such as environmental impact evaluations. The coordinator will prepare and disseminate outreach materials, ensuring that stakeholders receive accurate and timely information about project messaging. This will involve coordinating with external agencies, associations, and news organizations through various communication media, including print, radio, and social media. In addition to outreach efforts, the coordinator will track and maintain records related to public involvement meetings and outreach events. Responsibilities also include drafting speeches, creating presentation materials, and composing correspondence for public consumption. The role may involve coordinating community meetings and public forums, ensuring that all logistics are handled according to client expectations and project goals. The Public Engagement Coordinator will also interact with clients to facilitate the implementation of communication and outreach programs, making this a dynamic and engaging position within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and implementation of communication and outreach strategies to educate the public and stakeholders on infrastructure projects.
• Conduct routine investigations and collect data needed for effective communications strategies and/or to fulfill federal regulatory outreach requirements.
• Prepare and coordinate dissemination of outreach materials, facts, and information on project messaging to stakeholders according to the public outreach plan.
• Track and maintain routine records and reports related to public involvement meetings, public hearings, and outreach events.
• Draft speeches, create and design presentation materials, and compose correspondence for use in mailings, meetings, or other public consumption.
• Responsible for initial fact-checking for reports, articles, and other publications.
• Help coordinate community meetings, public forums, working groups, and other public meetings, including scheduling, determining location, advertising, and ensuring proper setup/tear down and relevant collateral materials.
• Interact with clients to coordinate the implementation of communication and outreach programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Marketing, Communications, English, Journalism or related field, or 4 years of relevant experience in lieu of education.
• Assisting with social media, including monitoring and content development under the direction of more-experienced staff.
• Modifying existing materials and documents using a basic understanding of Adobe products and Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint.
• Developing, maintaining, and updating a stakeholder database.
• Researching with direction from senior staff.
• Assisting with public outreach and events information gathering/research, including venue coordination and logistics.

Nice-to-haves

• Strong interest in transportation and infrastructure.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401k retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible scheduling options