Senior Public Information Specialist

AtkinsRéalis; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Life insurance

Paid Time Off

Flexible work options

Employee assistance program

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Senior Public Information Specialist to join our Public Outreach Group in Richmond, VA. You will lead outreach for major projects, coordinate teams, and guide client communications to build community relationships and support project objectives.

The role emphasizes strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and mentoring junior staff while delivering high-quality outreach programs and reports to clients and project teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Public Relations, or related field.
• 11+ years of progressive professional experience in public relations, public outreach, community engagement, or related disciplines.
• Knowledge of PR, public involvement, stakeholder engagement, and media relations strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage public outreach efforts for major projects.
• Coordinate staff and subconsultants to align project office operations with client contracts.
• Identify outreach goals and advise clients on effective communication strategies.
• Manage direct relationship with the client regarding public outreach.
• Coordinate government briefings and project presentations to external groups.
• Monitor public outreach expenses under supervision.
• Organize project information files and facilitate information exchange among teams.
• Develop and conduct online and in-person training for clients.
• Produce project publications, brochures, newsletters, web content, and social media materials.

Skills

Public relations

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Public Relations

Tools

Microsoft Office

GIS applications

Website management

Social media platforms

Publishing software

Graphic design

Job description

Overview

AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Senior Public Information Specialist to join our Public Outreach Group in Richmond, VA.

In this role, you will lead and manage public outreach initiatives for both conventional and unconventional projects, serving as a trusted advisor to clients and project teams. You will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing strategic public engagement programs that foster stakeholder awareness, build community relationships, and support project objectives.

The Senior Public Information Specialist will oversee outreach activities, provide guidance to public engagement teams, and ensure the delivery of high-quality communications and stakeholder engagement strategies. This position may also supervise and mentor junior staff, supporting their professional development while providing quality assurance and oversight of project deliverables.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and project management skills, as well as a proven ability to navigate complex public-facing initiatives and build positive relationships with diverse audiences.

Your role

• Manages the public outreach efforts of major projects.
• Coordinates staff and subconsultants to ensure project office operates according to the contract with client.
• Identifies public outreach project goals and makes recommendations to the client of the best means to address the needs.
• Manages direct relationship with the client regarding public outreach.
• Coordinates and participates in government briefings and project presentations to external groups.
• Under the direction of the supervisor, monitors all public outreach expenses for the project.
• Organizes/manages project information files and coordinates the interchange of project outreach information with the client and among project team members.
• Develops and conducts online and in-person training opportunities, workshops for clients tailored to client needs and requirements.
• Produces and coordinates project publications, brochures, newsletters, web information and materials, social media; meets with the client to determine key messages and themes.
• Develops and implements individual project strategies, and/or, Public Outreach Plans in coordination with the client.
• Produces and distributes daily, weekly and monthly reports on public outreach efforts.
• May supervise the work of support staff and less experienced professionals, as assigned.
• Performs such other duties determined necessary by the supervisor.
• Analyzes project area demographics to determine best outreach approaches.
• Plans and executes stakeholder and public meetings, hearings, and other small group meetings.

About you

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Public Relations, or a related field from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Eleven (11) or more years of progressive professional experience in public relations, public outreach, community engagement, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public relations, public involvement, stakeholder engagement, and media relations strategies and best practices.
• Proven ability to develop, write, and oversee the design and production of promotional, educational, and informational materials.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with media representatives, employees, management, community members, and appointed or elected officials.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to deliver persuasive presentations to diverse audiences.
• Strong active listening skills and the ability to respond effectively and professionally to citizens, stakeholders, and customers on a wide range of issues.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other relevant computer software.
• Experience with graphic design, publishing, GIS applications, website management, and social media platforms and strategies preferred.
• Knowledge of instructional methods, training techniques, and adult learning principles a plus.
• Proficiency in a foreign language, including spoken and/or written communication skills highly desired.

Rewards & benefits

AtkinsRéalis, our values—Safety, Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, and Excellence—are more than just words. They are the foundation of who we are and how we work. These principles shape our culture, guide our decisions, and inspire us to create an environment where every team member feels empowered to grow, succeed, and make a meaningful impact.

Depending on your employment status, AtkinsRéalis benefits may include

• medical
• dental
• vision
• company-paid life and short- and long-term disability benefits
• employer-matched 401(k) with 100% vesting
• employee stock purchase plan
• Paid Time Off
• leaves of absences options
• flexible work options
• recognition and employee satisfaction programs
• employee assistance program
• voluntary benefits

About AtkinsRéalis

We’re AtkinsRéalis, a world‑class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world’s'infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We’re committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Find out more.

Additional information

Expected compensation range is between $120,000 - $170,000 annually depending on skills, experience, and geographical location.

AtkinsRéalis is an equal opportunity, Drug‑Free employer EOE/Veteran/Disability

Please review AtkinsRéalis' Equal Opportunity Statement here.

AtkinsRéalis cares about your privacy and is committed to protecting your privacy. Please consult our Privacy Notice on our Careers site to know more about how we collect, use and transfer your Personal Data. By submitting your personal information to AtkinsRéalis, you confirm that you have read and accept our Privacy Notice.