Public Policy Manager Jobs in New Mexico

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Communications and Public Involvement Manager for our Albuquerque office. Be involved in projects with our Communications Advisory Services Practice and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges.

The position will lead communications and public engagement efforts for a variety of infrastructure projects in the region. The position may support other WSP communications and public involvement efforts nationally as needed. This is an exciting opportunity to join our national team of talented communications and public outreach/public information professionals.

Your Impact

• Serve as a key communications and outreach consultant on infrastructure projects, including transportation, planning, water and energy projects
• Implement effective public outreach strategies for infrastructure projects
• Take initiative and ownership of public involvement tasks to develop effective strategies that solicit feedback and input from the public
• Serve as liaison between projects and the community
• Develop and implement strategic messages that educate the community on the purpose, need, benefits and perceived impacts of projects and programs
• Provide as-needed in-person public involvement support at tabling events, open houses, construction sites, and other in-the-field needs
• Coordinate, facilitate and participate in virtual in-person public meetings and community events as assigned
• Manage development of strategic social media outreach plans including the research, writing and vetting of various posts (X, Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
• Manage content development for a variety of communication channels, including website, social media, talking points, presentations, marketing materials and media notifications
• Develop performance metrics to analyze the effectiveness of outreach campaigns, including website and social media content
• Direct the work of support services such as graphic design, website development, video, and photography
• Coordinate closely with project teams and clients on communications and public involvement alignment with client priorities and program messaging
• Participate in external project, agency, and community meetings to provide public involvement updates and help identify public involvement issues
• Coordinate development of project deliverables and public outreach according to project schedule
• Build strong relationships with technical team members and clients and assist with business development activities
• Interact in a clear and concise manner with a variety of diverse audiences
• Perform other duties as assigned or required by WSP USA Inc. and our clients

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Administration, Planning or related field, or comparable experience
• 7-10 years of communications and public involvement experience
• Outstanding oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Superior organizational and time management skills with a high attention to detail
• Proven experience writing and editing content for fact sheets, websites, social media, and/or media releases
• Ability to understand and translate complex, technical information into easy-to-understand content for public consumption
• Previous experience working on infrastructure projects with a multidisciplinary team
• Deadline driven with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to help de-escalate and mitigate community concerns
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to work effectively with teams and demonstrate initiative to lead tasks
• Ability to work well with the public and interact effectively with all organizational levels, including senior management
• Ability to work beyond standard business hours on some nights and weekends
• Candidate must be able to immediately work in the United States on a full time permanent basis.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise with public involvement best practices
• Communications and public involvement experience with transportation and other infrastructure projects
• Knowledge of and project experience working with local public agencies
• Established relationships with local public agency staff
• Previous experience with team management
• Previous experience with elected official, stakeholder, and media communications
• Previous experience managing blended teams with subconsultants
• Contract management and business development experience, including developing proposals, scopes and budgets
• Experience interviewing for future projects
• Experience and knowledge of New Mexico market

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.