Strategic Communications Specialist III

AECO; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation offered

Job summary

AECOM's West Region Strategic Communications Group seeks a senior communications specialist to lead on major transportation projects moving into construction. This full-time, in-office role will be co-located with a major Phoenix client, focusing on translating complex engineering details into clear messaging for diverse audiences.

The position requires 4+ years of relevant experience, a BA/BS, and strong writing, CMS, and branding skills.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree with 4+ years of relevant communications experience.
• Experience translating technical information into clear messaging for diverse audiences.
• Experience in infrastructure/engineering projects preferred.

Responsibilities

• Creates communications plans and campaigns for transportation and engineering projects.
• Writes and edits content for newsletters, fact sheets, and presentations.
• Translates complex technical details into accessible reports and web content.
• Manages website updates in WordPress and light CMS tasks.
• Develops PowerPoint decks and leads brand consistency across documents.
• Plans and facilitates community outreach events and meetings.
• Mentors junior staff and coordinates with designers and content creators.

Skills

Strategic communications

Public relations

Technical writing

Stakeholder engagement

CMS/WordPress

Branding

PowerPoint

Content development

Education

BA/BS degree

Tools

WordPress

Adobe Creative Suite

SharePoint

Job description

• Legal Entity: AECOM Technical Services Inc
• Business Line: Transportation
• Work Location Model: On-Site
• Primary Location: US - Austin, TX - 13640 Briarwick Dr
• Compensation: USD 65,000 - USD 115,000 - yearly

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

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

• 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.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options,well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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