Careers
At S&A, we are committed to maintaining a collaborative environment that is supportive, challenging, and inclusive. We encourage excellence, accountability, and continuous professional development.
At S&A, we are committed to maintaining a collaborative environment that is supportive, challenging, and inclusive. We encourage excellence, accountability, and continuous professional development.
We’re always looking for people who are passionate about engaging with community to advance projects that benefit our region.
Our employees receive:
Competitive pay
Flexible work schedule
Medical, dental, vision, and disability coverage
Generous time-off package
Paid volunteer time
Annual wellness day
Central location with easy access to transit
Snacks
Fully subsidized ORCA transit pass
We’re always looking for people who are passionate about engaging with community to advance projects that benefit our region.
Our employees receive:
Competitive pay
Flexible work schedule
Medical, dental, vision, and disability coverage
Generous time-off package
Paid volunteer time
Annual wellness day
Central location with easy access to transit
Snacks
Fully subsidized ORCA transit pass
Stepherson & Associates is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.
Job openings:
Community Outreach and Communications Coordinator
Want to be part of a fun, dynamic, collaborative team working on projects that make our communities better places to live?
Join the Stepherson & Associates Communications team as a Community Outreach and Communications Coordinator and play a crucial role in supporting the planning, design, and construction of transportation, water, land use, and energy projects. In this role, you’ll work with project teams to plan and implement public engagement processes, develop materials to communicate with the public, and plan events to connect with people and advance projects that benefit the community. One to two years of experience supporting communications, community outreach, public relations, or a related discipline is required. We encourage anyone with a bilingual or multicultural background to apply.
Desired Qualifications:
- Ability to understand and communicate complex technical information and concepts
- Experience implementing public engagement on infrastructure project(s) in the transportation, water, parks, energy, environmental, and/or land use sectors for public agencies
- A commitment to, and experience in, implementing equitable engagement to reach marginalized communities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience with editing and proofreading
- Strong relationship-building and listening skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team with a positive, respectful, and collaborative approach
- Comfort working in a fast-paced environment on multiple projects simultaneously
- Comfort working on high-profile and sometimes controversial issues and/or projects
- Experience and/or academic coursework in Urban and Regional Planning, Journalism, Communications, English, Political Science, Environmental Studies, or related field
Job Responsibilities:
Support implementation of engagement plans and outreach activities:
- Work with a project team to plan, develop and implement community engagement activities
- Support the development of a range of project and engagement planning materials (i.e., fact sheets, FAQs, communications plans, surveys, questionnaires, presentations, etc.)
- Research demographic and population data to inform equitable outreach practices that will engage underrepresented communities
- Analyze quantitative and qualitative data and summarize public input to create client-ready project updates and reports for internal and external audiences
- Create project website content and updates, as well as social media content and updates
- Track and draft responses to community correspondence and interactions
- Coordinate logistics for in-person and online community events, workshops and meetings including the planning, coordination, and staffing
- Provide in-person, onsite, and door-to-door outreach to community members, neighbors, and businesses
- Coordinate and staff onsite community events including tabling, event booths, pop-ups and other culturally responsive events
- Some projects may include supporting a project hotline and answering calls from the public
Organizational Values:
At S&A, we are expressly committed to equity and social justice, and as a team are centering equity through our work and our individual actions. We believe in supporting our staff in their personal and professional growth, providing new opportunities, building relationships, giving back and having fun! To support our staff in their personal and professional growth, all staff attend equity workshops, led by a professional facilitator who supports our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion journey.
Workplace Culture:
S&A is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment that protects our employees, their families, and the broader community from COVID-19. All S&A staff are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. We are a hybrid workplace and work with employees to establish a schedule that works best for them and our teams. Most staff come into the office at least once per week. Staff managers work with employees to help to take full advantage of learning opportunities found through onsite collaboration and connection with colleagues and other project staff.
Salary & Benefits:
S&A offers a salary commensurate with experience and competitive benefits. The salary range for this position is $54k-$70k annually. Benefits include paid vacation, sick, and volunteer days; paid holidays; bonuses; health coverage (medical, dental, vision); disability; parental leave; 401(k) with company match; transit pass; and free use of on-site fitness center.
EEO:
We encourage anyone with a bilingual or multicultural background to apply. S&A is an equal-opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.
To apply:
Send resume and cover letter to careers@stephersonassociates.com. We welcome work samples that demonstrate your strong communication skills.
Experienced Communications & Public Engagement Project Manager
Looking to make a difference in your community?
Join the Stepherson & Associates Communications team as an Engagement Project Manager and play a crucial role in supporting the planning, design, and construction of transportation, water, land use, and energy projects. S&A seeks a Project Manager with at least five (5) years of experience designing and implementing public involvement programs on transportation, water, land use, environmental and/or energy projects. We encourage anyone with a bilingual or multicultural background to apply.
Qualifications:
- At least five (5) years of demonstrated experience designing and leading engagement programs designed to broaden public involvement and improve communications with community members, particularly for marginalized communities
- Demonstrated superior communications skills with the ability to translate complex technical information into easy-to-understand formats for non-technical audiences
- Ability to work collaboratively, navigate contentious and/or difficult conversations, resolve conflicts, propose thoughtful and innovative solutions, and gain agreement with a variety of stakeholders
- Demonstrated experience leading dynamic teams on multiple projects of varying size and complexity, with a positive, respectful, and collaborative approach
- Demonstrated experience supporting public agencies to plan and implement public involvement in transportation, water, land use, environmental, and/or energy sectors
- Demonstrated experience designing and implementing communication and public involvement plans that use engagement tactics such as stakeholder interviews, public meetings, digital communications and website content, and the development of visually compelling collateral
- A commitment to and demonstrated experience in developing and implementing equitable engagement strategies to reach marginalized communities
- Experience managing defined scopes of work and working with clients to develop and implement public involvement strategies
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment managing multiple deadlines for multiple projects
- Ability to work well under pressure and manage sensitive or controversial subjects with tact, kindness, and professionalism
- Ability to self-manage; be accountable for assigned projects, identify necessary actions, and proactively manage internal teams to deliver strong results with limited oversight
- Understanding of and commitment to the practice of public participation
- Strong relationship-building and listening skills
- Background in communications, community outreach, public relations, urban and regional planning, environmental studies, environmental education, public policy, political science, or related field
Job Responsibilities:
- Design, development, and implementation of public involvement and communications programs for multiple infrastructure projects, applying environmental justice principles that remove barriers to participation, with a positive, respectful, and collaborative approach
- Collaborate with and manage internal teams to delegate and complete work – providing mentorship that further develops the skills of the team
- Develop and oversee high-quality, client-ready, public-facing materials (i.e., engagement plans, communications plans, website content, fact sheets, email updates, surveys, questionnaires, press releases, social media and a range of other project materials, etc.), and other activities as necessary to support thoughtful, equitable and culturally relevant community engagement
- Plan, organize and facilitate online and in-person engagement activities (i.e., workshops, open houses, public meetings, etc.)
- Represent projects, clients, and public agencies as needed to support project communications and relationship building in the community and with other agencies
- Closely track project activities, work with agency public information officers to ensure alignment of communications across projects and identify opportunities and risks
- Develop and manage scope, budget, and contract processes for assigned projects
- Build and maintain relationships with clients, agencies, and community-based organizations
- Lead internal engagement with other WMBE (women- and minority-owned business enterprise) consultants on the project team(s) to identify ways to support continued success and meet/exceed project utilization goals
- Assist with proposals and business development efforts as needed for key pursuits
Organizational Values:
At S&A, we are expressly committed to equity and social justice, and as a team are centering equity through our work and our individual actions. We believe in supporting our staff in their personal and professional growth, providing new opportunities, building relationships, giving back, and having fun! To support our staff in their personal and professional growth, all staff attend equity workshops, led by a professional facilitator who supports our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion journey.
Workplace Culture:
S&A is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment that protects our employees, their families, and the broader community from COVID-19. All S&A staff are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. We are a hybrid workplace and work with employees to establish a schedule that works best for them and our teams. Most staff come into the office at least once per week. Staff managers work with employees to help to take full advantage of learning opportunities found through onsite collaboration and connection with colleagues and other project staff.
Salary & Benefits:
S&A offers a salary commensurate with experience and competitive benefits. The salary range for this position is $75k-$100k. Benefits include paid vacation, sick, and volunteer days; paid holidays; bonuses; health coverage (medical, dental, vision); disability; parental leave; 401(k) with company match; transit pass; and free use of on-site fitness center.
EEO:
We encourage anyone with a bilingual or multicultural background to apply. S&A is an equal-opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.
To apply:
Send resume and cover letter to careers@stephersonassociates.com. We welcome work samples that demonstrate your strong project management and communications skills.
Senior Communications & Community Engagement Manager
Stepherson & Associates Communications is looking for a full-time Senior Engagement Manager to join the team, playing a crucial role in supporting the planning, design, and construction of transportation, water, land use, and energy projects. S&A seeks a Senior Engagement Manager with at least 10 years of demonstrable experience designing and implementing comprehensive public involvement and communications programs for complex infrastructure, planning and policy projects, preferably with local, regional and/or state government agencies. This is a leadership role that thoughtfully and equitably engages communities on projects that shape our communities and helps inform public project outcomes. Candidates should be highly skilled in public involvement, communications, outreach, facilitation strategies, and best practices, with experience advising clients on strategic efforts to achieve successful results.
Qualifications:
- At least 10 years of demonstrated experience designing and leading comprehensive public involvement and communications programs, creating an environment of trust and confidence
- A commitment to and demonstrated experience in developing and implementing equitable engagement strategies to reach marginalized communities
- Demonstrated experience supporting public agencies to plan and implement public involvement in transportation, water, land use, environmental, and/or energy sectors
- Demonstrated superior communications writing and editing skills with the ability to translate complex technical information into easy-to-understand formats for non-technical audiences
- Demonstrated experience leading dynamic teams on multiple projects of varying size and complexity, with a positive, respectful, and collaborative approach
- Experience facilitating in-person and virtual community meetings, workshops, events, focus groups, listening sessions and/or roundtables, etc.
- Ability to work collaboratively, facilitate contentious and/or difficult conversations, resolve conflicts, propose thoughtful and innovative solutions, and gain agreement with a variety of stakeholders
- Demonstrated experience designing and implementing communication and public involvement plans that use engagement tactics such as stakeholder interviews, public meetings, digital communications and website content, and the development of visually compelling collateral
- Recent experience with social platforms, digital communications, and engagement best practices, as well as experience implementing successful digital engagement campaigns
- Superior ability to manage defined scopes of work, budgets and timelines, supporting clients to develop and implement public involvement strategies on time and within budget
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment managing multiple deadlines for multiple projects
- Ability to work well under pressure and manage sensitive or controversial subjects with tact, kindness, and professionalism
- Ability to self-manage, be accountable for assigned projects, identify necessary actions, and proactively manage internal teams to deliver strong results with limited oversight
- Strong relationship-building and listening skills
- Understanding of and commitment to the practice of public participation, and an interest in information-based communications and government projects and decision-making
- Experience and/or background in a similar public-facing field including communications, journalism, government affairs, public affairs, public relations, public involvement and outreach, planning, public policy, or related field
Responsibilities:
- Design, development, and implementation of complex, high-profile public involvement and communications programs for multiple infrastructure projects with minimal oversight – applying environmental justice principles that remove barriers to participation
- Manage, coach and collaborate with internal teams to delegate and complete work – providing mentorship that further develops the skills of the team
- Develop and oversee high-quality, client-ready, public-facing materials (i.e., engagement plans, communications plans, website content, fact sheets, email updates, surveys, questionnaires, press releases, social media and a range of other project materials), and other activities as necessary to support thoughtful, equitable and culturally relevant community engagement
- Plan, organize and facilitate online and in-person engagement activities (i.e., workshops, open houses, in-person and virtual public meetings)
- Develop and manage scope, budget, and contract processes for a portfolio of strategic projects
- Develop and implement strategic communications with project stakeholders, including elected officials, residents, businesses, as well as environmental justice communities
- Represent projects, clients, and public agencies as needed to support project communications and relationship building in the community and with other agencies
- Build and maintain relationships with clients, agencies, and community-based organizations
- Closely track project activities, work with agency public information officers to ensure alignment of communications across projects and identify opportunities and risks
- Lead internal engagement with other WMBE (women- and minority-owned business enterprise) consultants on the project team(s) to identify ways to support continued success and meet/exceed project utilization goals
- Assist with proposals and business development efforts as needed for key pursuits
Organizational Values:
At S&A, we are expressly committed to equity and social justice, and as a team are centering equity through our work and our individual actions. We believe in supporting our staff in their personal and professional growth, providing new opportunities, building relationships, giving back, and having fun! To support our staff in their personal and professional growth, all staff attend equity workshops, led by a professional facilitator who supports our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion journey.
Workplace Culture:
S&A is committed to fostering a thriving and supportive workplace that is a dynamic and productive work culture. While we are a hybrid workplace, as community engagement practitioners, in-person work with communities is core to this work. S&A works with employees to establish an in-office and remote schedule that works best for them, our teams, and our clients. Most staff work remotely a couple of days a week. Staff managers work with employees to help to take full advantage of learning opportunities found through onsite collaboration and connection with colleagues and other project staff.
Salary & Benefits:
S&A offers a salary commensurate with experience and competitive benefits. The starting salary range for this position is $105k-$125k. Benefits include paid vacation, sick, and volunteer days; paid holidays; bonuses; health coverage (medical, dental, vision); disability; parental leave; 401(k) with company match; transit pass; and free use of on-site fitness center.
EEO:
We encourage anyone with a bilingual or multicultural background to apply. S&A is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.
To apply:
Send resume and cover letter to careers@stephersonassociates.com. We welcome work samples that demonstrate your strong project management and communications skills.
Community Outreach and Communications Coordinator
Experienced Communications & Public Engagement Project Manager
Senior Communications & Community Engagement Manager