About PRR

Established in 1981, PRR is a mission-driven agency dedicated to creating real and lasting change in the world. A certified women-owned business, PRR brings multi-disciplinary expertise in communications and outreach for the environment, healthcare, and transportation industries, prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all work the agency does. To learn more about PRR, visit prrbiz.com.

PRR is approaching its 45th anniversary and continuing to evolve. With new leadership and a brand refresh underway, we’re seeking team members who embrace change, bring operational discipline, and are ready to contribute to the agency’s next phase of growth.

Summary: 

The SR 509 Construction Communications Specialist will lead day-to-day communications for the SR 509 Completion Project, a major regional project for the Washington State Department of Transportation. The role includes writing for outreach and media materials, public speaking and outreach, and coordination with other consultants, the client, and the community. This work is based in Seattle and can include meetings at the SR 509 Completion Project office in SeaTac and outreach around the region. This is a hybrid position. The selected candidate can work remotely but is also expected to conduct in-person outreach in and around Seattle.  

The successful candidate will work collaboratively and have excellent verbal and written communications skills, as well as demonstrated commitment to social, environmental, and racial justice. A qualified candidate will also have experience creating successful outreach campaigns to reach diverse audiences including internal and external project stakeholders. Experience and strong interest in consultancy, transportation, infrastructure development, environmental stewardship, and coordination with the public sector is also desirable. 

Duties and Responsibilities  

• Develop and implement construction communications strategies and engagement plans for the SR 509 Completion Project.  

• Monitor construction schedules and coordinate with subject matter experts to identify and communicate potential community impacts. 

• Plan and manage outreach activities, including in-person booths at community fairs and festivals, virtual and in-person briefings, online open houses, and community and project partner meetings. 

• Attend in-person meetings, site tours, and media events in south King County and north Pierce County.  

• Support media relations, including helping clients respond to inquiries and emerging issues promptly and accurately. 

• Coordinate with project stakeholders including contractors, internal and external agency leadership teams, city communications and public works teams, community members and businesses, and community-based organizations. 

• Develop and execute communications and engagement plans that effectively reach diverse audiences, including Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color; people with disabilities; people with low incomes; and people who use languages other than English. 

• Research, write, and edit responses to questions and correspondence from community members.  

• Research, write, and edit content for message platforms, newsletters, direct mailings, press releases, social media, fact sheets, flyers, presentations, summary reports, and websites, including editing technical information and information for public audiences. 

• Produce PowerPoint presentations and meeting summaries for WSDOT executives, agency partners, and communities. 

Project Management 

• Plan, schedule, and track project activities across competing stakeholder priorities.  

• Supervise and mentor a small project communications team. Set team priorities and review work products. 

• Monitor contractor/sub-consultant performance, verify compliance, and facilitate issue resolution. 

• Track tasks to ensure work is on time, on budget, and on target with objectives; troubleshoot any issues as they arise. 

• Follow up with team members to manage workflow and identify and mitigate potential risks and opportunities.  

• Coordinate a plan/response to emergency/immediate client needs or situations. 

Client Relations 

• Set and maintain the highest client service standards as a representative of PRR. 

• Provide responsive and timely information to clients. 

• Maintain confidentiality of client information. 

• Anticipate and respond to client needs. 

• Mediate disputes and negotiate technical or contractual issues. 

Administrative 

• Maintain or exceed billable utilization goals while proactively completing tasks. 

• Complete accurate daily timesheets. 

• Submit expense reports on time and with accurate information. 

• Coordinate with interdisciplinary PRR teams, including accounting, design, research, marketing, and language services. 

Experience/Education 

• 5-7 years of work experience in strategic communications, public relations, public affairs, community engagement, and/or consulting is desirable. 

• Experience working as a project manager or deputy project manager on large projects. 

• Experience working in customer or client service and/or the public sector is highly desirable. 

Skills Required 

• Capable of making timely decisions in a dynamic construction environment. 

• Interest in transportation, built environment, community development, and/or public infrastructure projects.   

• Proficient with PCs and MS software, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to anticipate issues, evaluate alternatives, and recommend effective solutions. 

• Strong meeting facilitation skills, especially for public meetings, community workshops, and agency coordination. Capacity to resolve conflicts, ensuring all parties remain aligned with project goals. 

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple communication channels, deadlines, and stakeholder requests. 

• Strong verbal and written communication, including the ability to clearly convey technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences. 

• Strong work ethic and ability to take initiative, work independently, efficiently and with dedication to quality. 

Desirable, but not Essential, Skills and Interests 

• Ability to interpret contract documents, scopes of work, and technical specifications. 

• Ability to interpret project information such as phasing diagrams, traffic detours, schedules, and design plans to translate them into clear public messaging. 

• Experience coordinating with DOTs, municipal agencies, transportation authorities, and permitting bodies. 

• Experience with consultant work including familiarity and understanding of utilization metrics and internal/external responsibilities.  

• Familiarity of regulatory requirements, safety standards, and environmental compliance for roadway projects. 

• Familiarity with NEPA/public involvement requirements and common DOT communication standards. 

• Multilingual skills, written and verbal. 

• Understanding of civil engineering principles, highway design standards, construction sequencing, and environmental considerations. 

• Valid driver’s license and willingness to attend site visits, public meetings, and community events 

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be expected to work extended hours; including, but not limited to, standing or sitting for extended periods. The employee will often have to lift over 30 pounds. The employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee will regularly operate office equipment. 

PRR, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status. 

PRR is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a diverse and inclusive environment. We endeavor to build a team that reflects the diversity and intersectionality of the communities we serve. People of color, multilingual, LGBTQIA, and veteran candidates as well as individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.