Public Relations Specialist

Acusensus; Connecticut; On-site; USD 45,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Acusensus in Connecticut seeks a Public Relations Specialist for an eight-month contract to coordinate communications and media relations for a statewide initiative promoting stronger distracted driving and seat belt enforcement laws. Residency in Connecticut and in-state travel are required.

You will build coalitions, plan media events with transportation officials and legislators, and craft press materials while training spokespeople and monitoring coverage to maximize campaign impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations or related field, or 2+ years of equivalent experience.
• Proven ability to write media-ready news releases and materials.
• Experience coordinating media events and working with media outlets.
• Understanding of public policy, government relations, or advocacy campaigns.
• Excellent written and verbal communication tailored to diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to juggle priorities.
• Experience with government agencies, elected officials, or labor unions.
• Familiarity with transportation safety or public health campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Build a coalition of supporters including victims' advocates, citizens, businesses, legislators, and unions.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute media events with DOT, legislators, and coalition members.
• Develop and maintain relationships with media outlets; secure coverage and shape narratives.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, op-eds, talking points, and other materials.
• Serve as communications liaison among stakeholders with consistent messaging.
• Prepare spokespersons for media appearances with messaging and training.
• Monitor media coverage and provide insights to strengthen campaign.
• Support broader campaign communications strategies to advance legislative goals.

Skills

Media relations

Writing

Public speaking

Relationship building

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree or 2+ years experience

Tools

Press materials

Event coordination

Job description

Acusensus is an Australian ASX-listed technology company specializing in road safety solutions and is a world leader in the road safety technology sector. The company was founded following a road tragedy death of a close friend of the founder. Employees are passionate about improving road safety and reducing trauma. Acusensus provides safety systems that use cameras to identify drivers in violation of traffic laws and provides images of violations to law enforcement, either on the scene or elsewhere, who can then validate the violations and issue the citations in person or by mail. Acusensus has 400+ employees globally with its US headquarters in Las Vegas, NV with an office in EastHartford, CT and operates in eight U.S. states, including Connecticut.

About the role

We are looking for a Public Relations Specialist for an eight-month contract (October 2026 - May 2027) to coordinate communications and media relations for a statewide initiative in Connecticut promoting legislation for improved enforcement of distracted driving and seat belt laws. This role sits at the intersection of public safety, policy, and advocacy, partnering with key stakeholders to elevate awareness and build public and legislative support. The role requires in-state travel for events and stakeholder meetings so you must reside within Connecticut or close proximity.

What you'll do:

• Build a coalition of supporters, including victims' advocates, citizens, businesses, legislators, and labor unions.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute media events in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Transportation, state legislators, and coalition members.
• Develop and maintain relationships with media outlets, reporters, and editorial boards to secure coverage and shape public narratives.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, op-eds, talking points, and other communications materials.
• Serve as a communications liaison among diverse stakeholders, ensuring consistent messaging and strategic alignment.
• Prepare spokespersons for media appearances, including message development and media training support.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment, providing insights and recommendations to strengthen campaign effectiveness.
• Support broader campaign communications strategies to advance legislative goals and public engagement.

About you

You're a relationship-builder who's just as comfortable with a grassroots advocate as with a state legislator, and who stays composed when the media spotlight turns on a sensitive public safety issue.

You'll bring:

• A Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field, or 2+ years of equivalent experience
• Demonstrated experience writing media-ready news releases and press materials
• Experience coordinating media events and working directly with media outlets
• An understanding of public policy, government relations, or advocacy campaigns
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging across audiences
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities independently
• Experience working with government agencies, elected officials, or labor unions
• Familiarity with transportation safety or public health campaigns

Please note: this role requires pre-employment checks, including criminal history, reference, and driving history checks and travel within Connecticut for events and stakeholder meetings.

Work that saves lives

You'll drive communications for a statewide Connecticut campaign advocating for stronger distracted driving and seat belt enforcement laws, this is work with a direct line to fewer road deaths.

Real influence on legislation

This isn't a back-office comms role. You'll build coalitions with legislators, victims' advocates, businesses, and labor unions, and shape the public narrative on a live policy fight.

High-trust, high-visibility mandate

You'll report directly to the VP of Government Affairs and act as the communications liaison across the Connecticut Department of Transportation, state legislators, and coalition partners. This is real autonomy on a mission-critical initiative.

Salary: $4,000 - $5,000 per month

Acusensus is building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to drive positive change. We're committed to fostering an environment where creativity and authenticity are celebrated. No matter your background, if you're passionate about making a difference, we encourage you to apply.