Communications Specialist 2026P-0179
Ascension is seeking a strategic and execution-focused Communications Specialist to support the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications plan that drives stakeholder engagement and adoption of learning and organizational initiatives.
This role is critical to ensuring that training programs, change initiatives, and organizational improvements are clearly communicated, understood, and embraced across diverse stakeholder groups. The ideal candidate brings experience in change communications, stakeholder engagement, and learning adoption strategies, with the ability to translate complex program objectives into clear, compelling messaging that drives action.
This is an ideal opportunity for a communications professional who thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments, understands public-sector or transit-related stakeholder dynamics, and can bridge the gap between program delivery and user adoption.
Position Summary
The Communications Specialist will support project governance and stakeholder engagement activities by designing and executing communication strategies that promote awareness, understanding, and adoption of training and program initiatives.
The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, proactive communicator who can:
- Develop structured communications plans aligned with program goals
- Engage stakeholders across multiple levels (executive, operational, frontline)
- Translate technical or training-related content into accessible messaging
- Support learning adoption through targeted outreach and engagement strategies
This role requires strong capabilities in strategic communications planning, content development, stakeholder analysis, and change management support, along with proficiency in modern communication tools and platforms.
The Communications Specialist will play a key role in ensuring that program outcomes are successfully adopted and sustained, not just delivered.
Day-to-Day / Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan aligned with project governance and training initiatives
- Conduct stakeholder analysis to identify communication needs, preferences, and engagement strategies
- Create and deliver targeted communication materials including emails, briefings, newsletters, job aids, and executive summaries
- Translate technical training content and program objectives into clear, user-friendly messaging
- Support learning adoption strategies by developing campaigns that drive participation and engagement
- Coordinate and facilitate stakeholder engagement sessions, briefings, and feedback loops
- Develop communication timelines, content calendars, and distribution strategies
- Collaborate with instructional designers, trainers, and program managers to ensure message alignment and consistency
- Monitor and evaluate communication effectiveness using feedback, surveys, and engagement metrics
- Provide recommendations for continuous improvement of communication and adoption strategies
- Ensure all communications align with organizational branding, tone, and governance standards
- Support leadership with executive-level messaging and talking points
How to Apply
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| Job Category | Communications |
| MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS | Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Organizational Development, or related field | Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously |
| REQUIRED SKILLS | 5+ years of professional experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, or change management |
| TECHNICAL SKILLS | Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications plans for organizational or training initiatives | Experience supporting stakeholder engagement in public sector or large organizations | Strong writing, editing, and content development skills across multiple formats | Experience translating technical or programmatic content into clear messaging | Familiarity with change management and learning adoption principles | Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and collaboration tools (e.g., Teams, SharePoint) |
| DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS | Experience supporting training programs, curriculum rollouts, or learning management systems (LMS) | Familiarity with Kirkpatrick Model, change management frameworks (e.g., Prosci, ADKAR) | Experience with visual communication tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) | Experience developing executive communications and briefing materials | Prior experience supporting transportation, transit agencies, or federal clients | Knowledge of data-driven communications strategies and engagement analytics | Certification in Communications, Change Management, or Project Management (e.g., PMP, Prosci) |
| SUITABILITY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTS | Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust (if required) | Must be authorized to work in the United States | Ability to support a government client in a professional services environment |