Strategic Communications Specialist III

AECOM · Phoenix, AZ, United States

  • Senior
  • Full-time
  • Posted 2026-09-17
  • Confirmed live on 25 September 2026

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Job description

Job Description
AECOM's West Region Strategic Communications Group is looking for a senior-level communications specialist in the role of Strategic Communications Specialist III possessing a strong technical focus to lead communications on major transportation projects moving into construction. This role will be a full-time in office role, co-located with one of our largest clients in Phoenix, AZ.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Creates Communications Plans/strategies and executes related campaigns/outreach for transportation and engineering projects.

• Engages and informs stakeholders, communities, and residents on projects in-person and/or virtually, or through written materials.

• Manages the drafting of content for e-newsletters, stakeholder communication, fact sheets, FAQs, exhibit content, and other materials as needed.

• Owns from-scratch technical writing and content development – developing core messaging, technical narrative, and comprehensive reports such as annual management briefs, board updates, and fact sheets.

• Translates complex technical inputs from engineers and technical meetings into clear content suitable for public, leadership, and stakeholder audiences.

• Attends technical meetings to extract key points, verify facts, and convert detailed technical information into accessible reports, briefs, and web updates.

• Manages website and CMS tasks on WordPress including day-to-day updates (documents, links, images, page edits) and light web development needs such as minor functionality changes.

• Develops PowerPoint decks, performs document formatting, and leads brand cleanup efforts—refreshing visuals, legacy graphics, and large technical documents to ensure consistency and on-brand quality.

• Coordinates with other AECOM and client staff to prepare graphic displays, layouts, and presentations that align with client brand standards.

• Plans logistics, execution, and facilitation of public meetings, workshops, open houses, focus groups, and other community outreach events, both in-person and virtual.

• Develops themes, core messages, and collateral for diverse audiences including digital users, media, local communities, statutory bodies, technical groups, and elected representatives.

• Manages rapid-response communications tasks such as tracking down facts, coordinating print pickups, and responding to quick-turn internal requests.

• Assists client with media relations and reporter inquiries as needed.

• Exercises sound judgment when communicating with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring quality and consistency in all outputs while mentoring and coaching junior staff.

• Maintains organization, quality control, and version control discipline by using SharePoint for file management.

• Demonstrates software agility by confidently switching between various communications tools, with a willingness to learn new platforms as needed.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:

• BA/BS degree with 4+ years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency in experience and/or education.
Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field with over 4 years of communications experience in the engineering/infrastructure industry.

• Preferred experience performing communications tasks for light rail or other transit projects in the construction phase.

• Significant experience managing multiple projects, tasks, and deadlines on complex infrastructure projects.

• Proven ability to understand technical project details and develop an effective communications strategy that translates technical language into clear, accessible messaging.

• Strong technical writing skills—able to create comprehensive reports, briefs, and digital content from scratch.

• Experience overseeing and quality controlling work products from various sub-discipline contributors, such as graphic designers and social media content developers.

• Familiarity with WordPress/CMS platforms, with comfort in performing updates and minor coding adjustments.

• Intermediate level skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with the Adobe suite of tools.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with technical teams, leadership, and community stakeholders.

• A collaborative “leader-doer” mindset with the capacity to work independently in a top-down leadership environment while delivering high-volume production work with precision.

Additional Information
• All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

• Relocation is offered for this opportunity.

• Sponsorship is not offered for this position now or in the future.

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