Sr Construction & Community Relations Specialist in Mt Dora, Florida at ATK Energy Group

The Senior Public Engagement Specialist is responsible for developing and executing public engagement strategies supporting electric utility construction and infrastructure projects. This position serves as a key liaison between utility representatives, construction teams, project leadership, property owners, government officials, and community stakeholders to ensure effective communication, address concerns, and support successful project outcomes.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of electric utility construction practices, terminology, and processes, combined with exceptional communication and relationship-building skills. This individual must be comfortable discussing technical construction activities with project teams while effectively communicating project information to public officials, organizational leadership, and residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement public engagement and communication plans tailored to utility construction projects and community needs.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with property owners, government officials, community organizations, utility representatives, and other key stakeholders.
• Coordinate and facilitate public meetings, community outreach events, stakeholder discussions, and project presentations.
• Communicate construction activities, project schedules, potential impacts, and technical information in a clear, professional manner to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Collaborate with construction managers, project managers, and utility representatives to understand project scopes, construction processes, schedules, and potential community impacts.
• Develop and coordinate project communications, including notifications, presentations, fact sheets, newsletters, and public information materials.
• Manage sensitive public inquiries, address stakeholder concerns, and coordinate appropriate resolutions with utility and project leadership.
• Support issue management and crisis communications related to construction activities and community concerns.
• Monitor engagement activities, maintain accurate project documentation, and provide updates and recommendations to leadership.
• Provide guidance and support to other public engagement personnel as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, construction management, business, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum of four years of related experience in stakeholder relations, communications, public engagement, or project management preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to confidently and professionally engage with government officials, utility leadership, construction personnel, and residents.
• Ability to understand technical project information and effectively communicate construction-related activities, processes, and impacts to diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects, priorities, and sensitive stakeholder concerns.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management or stakeholder tracking software.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10 or more years of experience in project management and/or construction management is a plus.
• Experience within the electric utility industry, particularly utility construction, is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of electric utility construction terminology, processes, equipment, project schedules, and field operations.
• Experience coordinating with construction crews, project managers, utility representatives, and government agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to translate technical construction information into clear, understandable communications for public officials, leadership, property owners, and residents.
• Experience supporting large-scale infrastructure, electric distribution, transmission, or other utility construction projects.

Working Conditions

• Travel to project locations, construction sites, and stakeholder meetings may be required.
• Availability for evening meetings, public hearings, or project-related events as needed.
• Ability to work independently in both field and office environments.