Senior Public Engagement & Outreach Lead

Jacobs; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 94,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Stock purchase program

PPTO for full-time salaried employees

Holidays and caregiver leave

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Public Engagement & Outreach Lead to plan and deliver inclusive engagement for electric transmission projects. You will build relationships with communities, landowners, officials, agencies, and Tribal entities across planning, permitting, construction, and closeout.

The role requires strong judgment, organizational and communication skills, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering, environmental, regulatory, and stakeholder-engagement teams.

Qualifications

• Eight+ years of progressive stakeholder engagement/public affairs experience
• Experience with electric transmission, utilities, renewables, or major infrastructure
• Proven success leading engagement strategies for complex, regulated projects
• Strong facilitation, negotiation, and executive communication skills
• Experience directing consultants, leading project teams, or coaching engagement professionals
• Ability to travel up to 25% for site visits and events

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement engagement plans for transmission projects
• Coordinate meetings, hearings, and community events
• Build relationships with landowners, communities, regulators, and Tribal entities
• Prepare stakeholder materials and project communications
• Assist with venue selection, logistics, and documentation for events
• Explain project impacts and benefits in clear language
• Collect and summarize stakeholder questions and feedback
• Maintain outreach records and engagement metrics
• Coordinate with engineering, environmental, permitting, and real estate teams
• Support compliance with public participation and permitting requirements
• Identify stakeholder issues and craft timely response strategies
• Promote equitable and accessible engagement practices
• Respond to comments reflecting agency and community input

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Public affairs

Communication skills

Facilitation

Executive communication

Leadership of teams

Travel 25%

Regulatory engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications / related field

Tools

GIS tools

CRM/databases

Survey platforms

Project coordination tools

Job description

Jacobs is seeking a Public Engagement & Outreach Lead to plan and deliver inclusive engagement for electric transmission projects. You will build relationships with communities, landowners, officials, agencies, and Tribal entities across planning, permitting, construction, and closeout.

The role requires strong judgment, organizational and communication skills, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering, environmental, regulatory, and stakeholder-engagement teams.