Public Affairs Specialist

KCI Technologies is seeking a strategic communications leader ready to work with stakeholders and the public on Pennsylvania and Maryland transportation projects. Candidates must have strong written, multi-media communication, research, and editing skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects with varying deadlines. If you’re an experienced, self-motivated, and outgoing outreach specialist this job is for you.

Join us as we Rise to the Challenge

At KCI, we are building an enduring community that provides unparalleled value to our employee-owners. We deliver world-class solutions and invest deeply in team development. We reward integrity, commitment, and employees accordingly. Our employees have the freedom to innovate and are provided growth opportunities. Achievements at KCI are shared and celebrated. As a team, we are motivated to better ourselves, each other, and the communities and environment in which we work. 

THE COMPANY

KCI Technologies, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned engineering, consulting and construction firm serving clients throughout the United States. KCI is recognized as an industry leader, employing cutting-edge technologies, management practices and strategic growth initiatives. Employee ownership fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, encourages technical expertise, and shapes strategic planning.

KCI is currently ranked #48 on Engineering News-Record’s list of the Top 500 design firms in the nation.

KCI BENEFITS INFORMATION

We offer a competitive compensation package, family friendly benefits, a collaborative working environment, and the training, mentoring and resources you need to advance in your career.

We understand that you have choices, and we know that together we will make a great team!

KCI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive staff, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

• KCI is looking for a Public Affairs Specialist with the option to work out of the Pittsburgh or Mechanicsburg (Harrisburg) offices in a hybrid work environment. Limited travel is anticipated to execute public engagements across the state.
• The candidate must have an understanding of state and local government and experience with all aspects of communications and outreach strategies to various audiences.
• Lead meeting planning, and materials development. Attend and facilitate meetings (in-person and virtual), press events, video shoots, and other outreach events to support projects across the state. 
• Document public engagement activities, maintain stakeholder lists, and monitor media on assigned projects.
• Lead the development of fact sheets, white papers, memos, reports, press releases, talking points, scripts, speeches, interview guides, collateral materials, newsletter articles, and website content.
• Regularly update project websites with news, travel advisories, and project resources.
• Direct the development of eye-catching, attractive reports and presentation layouts with content that presents data and technical information in common terms for the general public.
• Qualified candidates must have exceptional communication and writing skills, presentation and facilitation experience within the hybrid environment, and work well within large multi-disciplinary consultant teams.
• Understanding of transportation planning and environmental clearance processes to ensure compliance with FHWA, PennDOT, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s public engagement requirements a plus.
• The ideal candidate should have 4+ years of applied Public Affairs experience on transportation, water resources planning or related projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in public affairs, digital communications, journalism and communications, community engagement, public relations or a related field preferred.
• PennDOT, MDOT SHA, MDTA, MDOT MTA, VDOT, DelDOT and/or DDOT experience a plus
• Use both Microsoft and Adobe Creative Cloud software to develop and edit graphics, page layouts, and presentations.
• Excellent computer skills and experience using Microsoft Office Cloud (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams), Constant Contact or similar email marketing platform, Zoom, Canva and other applicable communications tools

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience.
• Pre-employment drug testing is required as a condition of employment and random drug test for contracts as required.

• Complete Annual Individual Training Program
• Train adequate backup personnel to support your role in your absence
• Comply with all KCI policies and procedures
• Ensure projects fulfill ISO compliance requirements
• Complete other duties as required/assigned
• Achieve or exceed budgeted individual utilization target(85% typical)
• Attend bi-weekly(or more frequently as necessary) meetings with project team on all projects/tasks
• Attend meetings with clients and county officials, public hearings, county meetings and seminars as required
• Complete all tasks on time and within budget while fully meeting the scope
• Consult and coordinate with other practices as required
• Operate within specified (corporate or project) budget parameters
• Compare field data to base plan
• Conduct project site research and analysis to determine potential project density and intensity, and identify development constraints
• Conduct site visits and gather data, including measurements, sketches, notes and photographs as needed
• Draft schematic land use, landscape/wetland mitigation, forest stand delineation, and water quality planning plans
• Obtain research material from Federal, state and/or local agencies as required
• Plot location of project site and utilities, including property deeds from descriptions
• Prepare and present all zoning/rezoning applications and appeals as required
• Prepare and review research summaries
• Prepare preliminary site plans, including bay sheets as required, and submit for approval
• Prepare secondary impact analyses as required
• Prepare timely comprehensive plan updates
• Read and interpret technical documents needed for performance of job

KCI Technologies, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.