Job Description:
The Communications Strategist leads communications, marketing, public engagement, strategic planning, economic development, and outreach initiatives for AE2S Communications and its clients. Serving as a trusted consultant and project manager, this position develops and implements strategies that help clients achieve their objectives. The position provides strategic guidance, manages stakeholder engagement, and translates complex technical information into clear, actionable communications. Operating with a high degree of independence, the Communications Strategist maintains strong client relationships and collaborates closely with project teams to deliver effective communications and planning outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, project teams, and stakeholders on communications, public engagement, economic development, and strategic planning initiatives.
- Develop and lead communications, marketing, public engagement, and planning strategies that align with client objectives.
- Develop communications and strategic plans, messaging, presentations, reports, and multimedia content for internal, client, and stakeholder audiences.
- Assemble and coordinate project teams, schedules, responsibilities, and deliverables to support successful project execution.
- Lead stakeholder engagement efforts, including public meetings, surveys, workshops, open houses, and outreach initiatives.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality, responsiveness, and client satisfaction.
- Support business development efforts and identify opportunities to strengthen and expand client relationships.
- Mentor team members and contribute to continuous improvement of communications practices and methodologies.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Community Development, Strategic Communications, or a related field.
- Minimum of 8 years of related professional experience in communications, marketing, project management, public engagement, community development, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience developing communications strategies and plans, and leading communications or engagement initiatives.
- Experience managing client relationships and coordinating complex projects.
- Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills, including writing, editing, proofreading, and presentation skills.
- Advanced knowledge of communications strategy, marketing, branding, public engagement, and content planning practices.
- Strong project management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage client relationships and build trust.
- Ability to solve complex problems using sound judgment and with minimal direction.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-functional project teams.
- Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, website content management systems, photography, videography, and/or related communications tools and software.
- Experience with economic development/community development initiatives.
- Experience supporting public-sector, utility, engineering, planning, infrastructure, or community development projects.
- Experience supporting business development, client growth, pursuit strategy, or proposal/interview preparation.
Physical Qualifications
- Primary functions require physical ability and sufficient mobility to work in an office setting.
- Ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time.
- Occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist.
- Occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull light to moderate amounts of weight.
- Operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement.
- Fine coordination including the use of a computer keyboard.
- May require lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds, with rare lifting of up to 50 pounds.
- May require occasional evenings and weekends with overtime expectations varying with workload.
- May be required to travel to off-site locations including occasional overnight stays out of town.
Why AE2S
Build Your Future. Protect What Matters.
AE2S is a 100% Employee-Owned engineering consulting firm focused on solving complex water and infrastructure challenges. In the role, you will have the opportunity to make a national impact while helping communities create safe, sustainable, and resilient water systems.
Compensation and Total Rewards
The anticipated starting salary for this position is:
$79,000 - $110,000
This salary range represents AE2S's good faith estimate at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, technical expertise, licensure, certifications, education, geographic location, internal equity, and business needs.
Compensation Beyond Base Salary
At AE2S, compensation extends beyond base pay and includes opportunities to share in both individual and company success through:
- Discretionary bonus opportunities
- Employee ownership through ESOP
- Matching 401(k) contributions
Industry-Leading Family Benefits
AE2S believes financial security extends beyond salary alone. Our comprehensive benefits program includes:
- 100-percent company-paid family health Insurance
- 100-percent company-paid employee dental and vision insurance
- Company-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage
- Paid Time Off (PTO), including credits for prior experience
- Paid parental leave
AE2S is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer
