πΉ Job Title: Communications Specialist
πΉ Company: PRR INC
πΉ Location: Seattle, WA
πΉ Job Type: Full Time
πΉ Date Posted: April 14, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: Experienced (4-7 years)
πΉ Remote Status: Hybrid (2 office days per week)
πΉ Salary Range: $80,000 - $95,000 per year
π Job Overview
- Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Providing excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Collaborating with clients and team members
- Creating successful campaigns to reach diverse audiences
- Interest or experience in transportation, transit, mobility, government, or the public sector/government
π Key Responsibilities
- π Core Responsibilities:
- Work directly with the project PM and team to implement communications and engagement plans
- Support media relations, including helping clients respond to inquiries and emerging issues promptly and accurately
- Research, write, and edit responses to questions and correspondence from community members
- Research, write, and edit content for various message platforms, newsletters, direct mailings, press releases, social media, fact sheets, flyers, presentations, summary reports, and websites
- Produce PowerPoint presentations and meeting summaries for WSDOT executives, agency partners, and communities
- Maintain a database to track public correspondence and engagement
- Coordinate event planning and help implement meetings and special events
- Facilitate and staff outreach activities, such as virtual briefings, online open houses, and in-person outreach
- π Project Management:
- Develop and implement project and event work plans
- Take notes at meetings and manage action items
- Track tasks to ensure work is on time, on budget, and on target with objectives
- Follow up with team members to manage workflow and identify and mitigate potential delays
- Coordinate a plan/response to emergency/immediate client needs or situations
- π Client Relations:
- Establish and support effective working relationships with clients, vendors, community-based organizations, and communities
- Set and maintain the highest client service standards as a representative of PRR
- Provide responsive and timely information to clients
- Maintain confidentiality of client information
- Anticipate and respond to client needs
- π Administrative:
- Complete accurate daily timesheets
- Submit expense reports on time and with accurate information
- Coordinate with interdisciplinary PRR teams, including design, research, and language services
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
- Industry: Advertising Services
- Company Size: 51-200 employees
- Founded: 1981
- Company Description: PRR is a full-service communications, marketing, and community-building agency based in Seattle and Washington, D.C. PRR draws from a variety of disciplines, including public involvement, marketing, public relations, advertising, planning, public policy, social science, digital design, social media, video production, and more. For over 30 years, PRR's award-winning staff has directed thousands of projects with a focus on transportation, environmentalism, urban planning, and health and wellness.
- Company Specialties: Marketing, Public Relations, Media Relations, Communications, Research, Digital Design, Planning & Policy, Public Involvement, Public Affairs, Print Design, Video Production, Social Media, and Web Development
π Role Analysis
- Career Level: Experienced
- Reporting Structure: Reports to Senior Consultant/Associate Director
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2 office days per week)
- Growth Opportunities:
- Potential career growth within the company
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain experience in various aspects of communications and project management
π Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: Hybrid (2 office days per week)
- Office Location(s): 1501 Fourth Ave, Suite 550, Seattle, WA 98101, US; 1000 Potomac Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, US
- Geographic Context:
- Seattle, WA: A vibrant, multicultural city with a strong focus on technology, arts, and outdoor recreation
- Washington, D.C.: The capital of the United States, with a diverse population and a thriving job market
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
- π Typical Process:
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with senior leadership
- π Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills (written and verbal)
- Problem-solving abilities
- Project management experience
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
- π Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and project management experience
- Research the company and the project to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the role
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Project management software (e.g., MS Planner)
- Customer relationship management software (e.g., Consultation Manager)
- Graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
- Video production software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)
π Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: PRR values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. They seek candidates who are committed to social and racial justice and creating successful campaigns to reach diverse audiences.
- Work Style: PRR values a strong work ethic, initiative, and the ability to work independently and efficiently. They also emphasize team collaboration and a commitment to quality written products.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- π Challenge 1: The fast-paced, deadline-driven nature of the role may require working extended hours and managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
- π Challenge 2: The role may involve working with diverse stakeholders, including clients, vendors, community-based organizations, and communities, which can present unique communication and project management challenges.
- π Challenge 3: The hybrid work arrangement may require balancing remote work with in-person meetings and events, which can be logistically challenging.
- π Challenge 4: The role may involve working on sensitive or controversial projects, which can be emotionally taxing.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- π Comparison Point 1: This role differs from related positions in its focus on transportation, transit, mobility, government, and the public sector/government. It also requires experience in project management and client service, particularly in the public sector.
- π Comparison Point 2: In the advertising services industry, this role is unique in its combination of communications, project management, and client service skills, as well as its focus on the public sector and government.
- π Comparison Point 3: Career progression in this role may lead to senior project management or account management positions within the company, or to related roles in other organizations.
π Sample Projects
- π Project Example 1: Developing and implementing a communication plan for a major regional transportation project, including media relations, community outreach, and event planning.
- π Project Example 2: Managing a team to create a comprehensive public involvement strategy for a large-scale infrastructure project, ensuring diverse community voices are heard and addressed.
- π Project Example 3: Coordinating with multiple stakeholders to develop and execute a public awareness campaign for a public health initiative, tracking progress and evaluating campaign effectiveness.
π‘ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- π Question 1: Can you describe the team structure and dynamics for this role?
- π Question 2: How does this role fit into the company's long-term goals and growth plans?
- π Question 3: What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?
- π Question 4: How does the company support work-life balance for employees in this role?
- π Question 5: What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?
π Next Steps for Applicants
- π To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through [this link](https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=201251&clientkey=770F9199825A29B0D2C9810100CD137A)
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and project management experience
- Research the company and the project to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position
- β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.