Marketing / Public Involvement Specialist 2026P-0246
Ascension LLC is seeking a dynamic, creative, and strategically minded Marketing / Public Involvement Specialist to support transportation planning initiatives through effective public outreach, stakeholder engagement, and communications strategy execution.
This role is critical to ensuring that transportation programs, policies, and planning initiatives are clearly communicated, publicly understood, and broadly supported. The ideal candidate will bridge the gap between technical transportation planning teams and the public by translating complex information into accessible, compelling, and actionable messaging.
This position is well-suited for a professional who thrives at the intersection of communications, public policy, and community engagement, and who is passionate about shaping how infrastructure programs are perceived and adopted by the public.
Position Summary
The Marketing / Public Involvement Specialist will support the development and execution of public outreach strategies, communications campaigns, and stakeholder engagement activities aligned with transportation planning and program delivery efforts.
Working under the guidance of the Project Manager or Principal Planner, the Specialist will:
- Develop innovative outreach strategies that increase public awareness and participation
- Translate technical transportation data and policy into clear, engaging communications products
- Support public meetings, workshops, and digital engagement campaigns
- Ensure messaging aligns with regulatory requirements, community needs, and program objectives
The ideal candidate is:
- A strong communicator and storyteller who can simplify complex topics
- Self-driven and adaptable, capable of operating in fast-paced and evolving environments
- Skilled at anticipating stakeholder concerns and proactively developing communication strategies
- Able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high-quality deliverables
Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, SharePoint)
- Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
- Social media and digital engagement platforms
- Survey tools and analytics platforms
- Power BI or similar tools for data visualization (preferred)
Day-to-Day Activities
- Develop and implement public outreach and engagement strategies for transportation planning initiatives
- Create communication materials including presentations, fact sheets, newsletters, social media content, and briefing documents
- Coordinate and support public meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement sessions (virtual and in-person)
- Translate technical transportation plans, policies, and data into clear, audience-friendly messaging
- Manage and maintain digital communication channels, including websites and social media platforms
- Conduct stakeholder analysis to identify key audiences and tailor messaging strategies
- Design and administer surveys and feedback mechanisms to gather public input
- Analyze engagement data and feedback to inform communication strategies and program improvements
- Collaborate with planners, engineers, and program staff to ensure message accuracy and consistency
- Ensure all communication products meet Section 508 accessibility standards
- Support development of branding and communication strategies for transportation programs
How to Apply
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| Job Category | Communications |
| MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS | Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field | Strong written and verbal communication skills |
| REQUIRED SKILLS | Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in marketing, public outreach, or communications | Experience supporting public sector, transportation, or infrastructure-related initiatives | Demonstrated ability to develop clear and compelling communication materials |
| TECHNICAL SKILLS | Experience supporting stakeholder engagement and public involvement activities | Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) | Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment |
| DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS | Experience supporting transportation planning, MPOs, DOTs, or public infrastructure programs | Familiarity with NEPA processes, public comment periods, or regulatory communications | Experience with digital engagement tools and social media analytics | Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite | Experience developing dashboards or visual storytelling using Power BI or similar tools | Knowledge of Section 508 compliance and accessibility standards | Experience facilitating public meetings, focus groups, or community workshops | Certifications in communications, marketing, or public engagement (preferred but not required) |
| SUITABILITY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTS | Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust (Medium Risk) clearance, if required | Must be authorized to work in the United States |