📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Consulting Associate, Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Engagement (Entry Level)
🔹 Company: ERM
🔹 Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Business Consulting and Services
🔹 Date Posted: April 3, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with some remote work
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Providing project-related support to the Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Engagement team
- Managing stakeholder and public comment tracking databases
- Monitoring traditional and social media using licensed tools
- Coordinating logistics for public meetings and events
- Preparing communication materials and managing project contact vehicles
- Supporting other ERM practice areas as needed
ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals seeking to gain experience in strategic communications and stakeholder engagement within a consulting environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Desktop Monitoring & Analysis: Monitor traditional and social media using web browsers and licensed tools to identify trends and risks, and offer analysis to support client objectives.
✅ Database Management: Research, identify, and enter data for stakeholders, maintain tracking databases, and prepare reports.
✅ Writing: Summarize research, draft meeting reports, and write content for fact sheets, newsletters, and other communications.
✅ Event Planning: Coordinate public meeting logistics, including venues, catering, presentation materials, handouts, etc.
✅ Administrative Tasks: Perform tasks such as task tracking, mail merges, proofing, online research, meeting scheduling, file maintenance, report preparation, travel planning, conference calls, working with printers, etc.
✅ Health and Safety: Comply with health and safety plans for project work.
✅ Other Duties: Support other ERM practice areas as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The role requires a balance of administrative tasks and strategic thinking, with a focus on supporting the team's objectives and client needs.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Journalism, English, Political Science, or similar field.
Experience: 0-2 years of public relations or public affairs experience; internships may count.
Required Skills:
- Strong MS Office skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Organized, detail-oriented, adaptable, and able to prioritize tasks
- Experience with social media platforms
- Ability to work in a hybrid environment with some travel (2-4 weeks/year)
Preferred Skills:
- Spanish fluency
- Experience with Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop
ASSUMPTION: While specific industry experience is not required, candidates with relevant internships or coursework will be at an advantage.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $55,000 - $70,000 per year (based on industry standards for entry-level consulting roles in Richmond, VA)
Benefits:
- Comprehensive benefits package (details not provided)
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth
Working Hours: Full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days on-site per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for entry-level consulting roles in Richmond, VA. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as skills, experience, and performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Business Consulting and Services, specializing in sustainability consulting, risk, and social consultancy, and environmental consulting.
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Founded: 1971 (as an employee-owned company)
Company Description:
- ERM is the largest global pure-play sustainability consultancy, partnering with leading organizations to create innovative solutions to sustainability challenges.
- The company's "boots to boardroom" approach combines strategic and technical solutions to advance sustainability objectives across various industries.
- ERM is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability.
Company Specialties:
- Health & safety
- Risk and social consultancy
- Sustainability consulting
- Industry-specific services (e.g., oil & energy, mining & metals, chemicals, power & utilities, etc.)
Company Website:
www.erm.com
ASSUMPTION: ERM's extensive experience and global presence provide a strong foundation for supporting clients in their sustainability journeys.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-level to early-career professional
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Engagement team, with potential collaboration with other ERM practice areas.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with 2-3 days on-site per week and some travel (2-4 weeks/year)
Growth Opportunities:
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain exposure to various industries
- Potential for career progression within the Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Engagement team or other ERM practice areas
- Access to professional development and training opportunities
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility while maintaining opportunities for in-person collaboration and learning.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid, with an on-site component in Richmond, VA
Office Location(s): 33 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8AA, GB (global headquarters)
Geographic Context:
- Richmond, VA, is a mid-sized city with a growing job market and a cost of living slightly below the national average.
- The city offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a variety of cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and historical sites.
Work Schedule: Full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days on-site per week) and some travel (2-4 weeks/year)
ASSUMPTION: The Richmond office provides a supportive work environment with opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
1. Online application submission
2. Phone or video screening interview
3. In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and team members
4. Final interview with senior leadership (if applicable)
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills (verbal and written)
- Organizational skills and attention to detail
- Adaptability and problem-solving abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with ERM's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of strategic communications and stakeholder engagement in your application materials
- Showcase any relevant industry experience or coursework
ATS Keywords: Strategic Communications, Stakeholder Engagement, Public Affairs, Public Relations, Media Monitoring, Event Planning, Administrative Support, Consulting, Sustainability, ERM
ASSUMPTION: The interview process may vary depending on the specific needs of the project or team, but generally follows a structured approach to assess candidates' skills and cultural fit.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Social media monitoring tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social, etc.)
- Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop (optional)
- Other project-specific tools and software
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard tools and software is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Innovation
- Collaboration
Work Style:
- Adaptable and flexible
- Detail-oriented and organized
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Committed to sustainability and social responsibility
Self-Assessment Questions:
1. How do you align with ERM's core values, particularly in the context of this role?
2. How comfortable are you working in a hybrid environment, balancing on-site and remote work?
3. How do you approach prioritizing tasks and managing your time in a dynamic work environment?
ASSUMPTION: ERM values candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to their core values and a willingness to adapt to a dynamic work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Balancing administrative tasks with strategic thinking and analysis
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Adapting to a hybrid work environment and maintaining productivity
- Travel requirements (2-4 weeks/year)
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Communications Coordinator: Focuses more on day-to-day communications tasks and may have less involvement in strategic planning and project management.
- Stakeholder Engagement Specialist: Primarily responsible for managing stakeholder relationships and may have less involvement in communications tasks.
- Consultant (Mid/Senior Level): Has more experience and is responsible for leading projects, mentoring junior team members, and driving business development.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of communications and stakeholder engagement responsibilities, providing a well-rounded experience for early-career professionals.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing stakeholder engagement for a major infrastructure project, including database management, event planning, and communication materials development
- Monitoring media coverage and social media sentiment for a corporate client, providing regular reports and analysis to support strategic decision-making
- Coordinating public meetings and producing communication materials for a government agency, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and the opportunity to work on impactful initiatives that support sustainability and social responsibility.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
1. How does this role support ERM's overall mission and strategic objectives?
2. What opportunities are there for professional development and career growth within the Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Engagement team and ERM as a whole?
3. How does the team collaborate and support each other in managing multiple projects and deadlines?
4. What is the typical onboarding process for new team members, and how can I best prepare for success in this role?
5. How does ERM foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to understanding the company's culture and priorities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
1. Submit your application through this
link
2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
3. Prepare for interviews by researching ERM's mission, values, and recent projects
4. Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role
5. If selected for the position, complete the onboarding process and prepare for your first day by familiarizing yourself with ERM's policies, procedures, and tools
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
