Overview:
ABOUT THE POSITION
In this role as Manager of Public Outreach and Engagement, you will be interfacing with both public sector and private sector clients, facilitating effective communication and engagement with stakeholders and the public to help advance planning and engineering projects.
This position is central to driving public outreach and communication initiatives which are essential for supporting project development.
The role involves developing comprehensive outreach strategies, coordinating public participation, and reviewing project messaging so that it aligns with project objectives and public interest.
Key Responsibilities: (may vary based on individual project needs)
Strategic Outreach Planning - Develop and implement strategic plans for public outreach and engagement tailored to VHB’s diverse client needs in Massachusetts, across both the public and private sectors.
Client and Public Communication – Serve as one of VHB’s primary points of contact in Massachusetts for public and private sector clients in matters related to public outreach.
Oversee the creation of communication materials that effectively convey project details to various audiences.
Stakeholder Engagement - Identify and engage key stakeholders, facilitating interactions and discussions that support project objectives and address public concerns.
Team Leadership – As business needs dictate, seek to grow a small team dedicated to public outreach and engagement, with team members aligned with project goals and client expectations.
Project Collaboration - Work closely with VHB’s planning, engineering, and permitting teams to understand project nuances and help more effectively integrate public engagement strategies project planning.
Event Coordination - Organize public meetings, workshops, and other engagement events, promoting robust participation and effective information dissemination.
Feedback Management - Monitor and manage public and client feedback, using insights to adapt engagement strategies and improve project communication.
Qualifications:
8+ years of experience / 3 years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
BA/BS - Communications, Public Relations, Engineering, or a related field.
Significant experience in public outreach, engagement, and client relations.
Deep understanding of both public and private sector dynamics in the engineering consulting industry
Exceptional communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
Skillful in translating complex technical information for non-technical public comprehension.
Proficiency in project management, strategic planning, and presentation software.
Working Conditions:
Primary location is VHB’s Watertown office, consistent w/ VHB’s Hybrid Office policy.
Local travel when necessary for client meetings, public events, and stakeholder engagements.
Flexibility to work outside standard hours as needed for public meetings and events.
We are VHB! We’re an inspired and innovative team of engineers, scientists, planners, and designers who partner with clients in the transportation, real estate, institutional, and energy industries, as well as federal, state, and local governments.
Our work helps improve mobility, enhance communities, and contribute to economic vitality.
We do this while balancing development and infrastructure needs with stewardship of our environment.
Our people make us great! VHB provides a differentiating employee experience, which includes:
Diverse and inclusive culture of collaboration and innovation
Opportunity to work on complex, transformational projects
Community and social responsibility as sustainable stewards
Focus on learning, development, and career growth
Best-in-class benefits, including flexible, hybrid workplace
We are consistently rated one of the top AEC firms to work for across our 30+ offices on the East Coast.
We’re growing, and we hope you’ll join us!
VHB is a proud Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.
Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion—supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity.
All individuals receive consideration for employment based on their qualifications without discrimination for race/ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, pregnancy, marital status, or any other basis protected by law.
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