Senior Communications Specialist

ABOUT THE POSITION

Under minimal supervision, plans, manages, and executes communication deliverables for targeted clients, pursuits, projects, and/or employee culture and engagement communication activities in support of VHB's strategic plan and growth initiatives. Responsible for content development, digital marketing campaigns, industry event identification, planning, engagement strategies, media relations, award submittals, and/or other internal and external communications that maximize VHB's overall brand, prominence, and client and employee experience. Implements communications programs to elevate VHB's relations and engagement with employees, clients, and the AEC industry. Plans, prepares, and distributes organization information using a variety of media and interactive technologies. Oversees internal and/or external publicity activities.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Develops, manages, and implements strategic communications plans and projects in support of VHB's strategic plan and key growth initiatives related to key clients, pursuits, projects, and/or employee engagement and overall employee experience.
• Identifies, develops, and shares stories (e.g., key projects, people, innovations) to support both external and internal communications and awareness.
• Develops press releases, memos, organizational missions, and other internal or external communications.
• Collects and verifies content or information for media projects.
• Collaborates with offices, clients, pursuit, and employee engagement teams to help direct the content and messaging for communications programs, deliverables, industry events, and other visibility efforts.
• Writes, edits, and places technical and bylined articles in support of growth initiatives. Ensures that they are clear, thorough, on-brand, and seek to preserve the organization's image.
• Supports internal and external digital marketing campaigns (e.g., eblasts, social media, e-news, press releases, display advertising, content development, review, distribution).
• Recommends placement of internal and external communications. Researches targeted audiences and suggests ways of tailoring messages and communication channels.
• Provides support for VHB Central, Viewpoints, social media, and other communication platforms (e.g., content coordination, development, quality review, promotion).
• Maintains VHB's brand and voice standards across all communications.
• May represent VHB's media interests alongside senior management. May attend and speak at organizational and publicity events.
• Maintains relationships with media and industry associations and professionals.
• Plans and implements communications programs/promotional campaigns that drive brand awareness and increase visibility. Analyzes data on the performance of specific communications or campaigns.
• Participates in professional and personal development aligned with career goals.
• Performs all job functions in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and VHB policies and procedures.

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of trending digital marketing and communication platforms, and ability to leverage analytics to enhance audience engagement.
• Strong understanding of the AEC industry market and services.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to write for various platforms (i.e., print, web, social media).
• Ability to translate complex concepts into lay terms.
• Exceptional public relations and strategic storytelling skills.
• Ability to align creative and compelling messaging with media and audience.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Demonstrated commitment to quality.
• Excellent editing skills.
• Ability to identify and seek needed information/research skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Team oriented with ability to perform multiple tasks independently in a timely manner and collaborate effectively and positively with coworkers.
• Self-motivated, highly organized, and detail oriented.
• Demonstrated ability to move projects forward.
• Connections with AEC trade publications and media preferred.
• Skills and knowledge must be commensurate with required experience and job level.

Minimum Qualifications

• 4-6+ years of experience supporting marketing communications activities (preferably in the AEC industry)
• BA in Public Relations, Marketing, English, Communications, Journalism, or related discipline

Our best estimate of the salary range for this position located in Washington D.C. is $82,000 - 115,000. This offer is determined based on a number of job-related factors including internal comparators, skills, education, training, credentials, experience, scope and complexity of role responsibilities and geographic location. In addition, VHB offers a holistic benefits package which can be found here.

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 Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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