Public Involvement Specialist

As Valerin continues to experience tremendous growth, we are always looking for talented, dynamic professionals who are passionate about what they do. We consider our staff our most valuable asset and look forward to expanding our team. We also value integrity and commitment while also remembering to celebrate both large and small successes within the company. If you are interested in joining our team of creative minds, critical thinkers, skilled writers and talented communicators, Valerin is currently accepting resumes for The Following positions Public Involvement Specialist (Tampa) The Valerin Group Inc. (Valerin) has an opening for an experienced public involvement specialist in the Tampa Bay area. The position will lead public engagement and outreach efforts for PD&E studies and design projects related to transportation and public utilities (water treatment, water supply, stormwater/flooding prevention, water transport/pipelines, etc.). The selected candidate will join a talented group of Valerin communications, creative and technical professionals supporting projects, programs and initiatives for public agencies such as the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), municipalities, counties, expressway and transit authorities, and planning organizations.Candidates MUST have prior relevant experience (as mentioned above) supporting the public sector to be considered for this position. Please note that this is NOT a healthcare-related position. As part of Valerin’s communications, marketing, and public involvement/public information practices, you will be assigned to work on a wide range of transportation and public infrastructure projects supporting the development and implementation of communication and public engagement strategies and activities. Your Impact Attend various project/progress meetings as necessary to be aware of project progress, schedule, and to discuss current project issues (if any) Develop and implement public involvement plans and community awareness plans Develop content and work with Valerin’s creative team to produce information deliverables – fact sheets, newsletters, PowerPoint presentations, graphics, etc. Work with client project management to identify and assist with public information and community engagement related to project delivery Serve as liaison between client projects and the community related to ongoing and future projects Develop and plan public engagement and outreach campaigns prior to the start of a project Coordinate and schedule mass mailers and other community outreach strategies and activities related to transportation and other public infrastructure projects and initiatives Research and help resolve community or stakeholder issues pertaining to client projects Research, draft responses, check for accuracy, and seek approval to address a variety of media requests and elected official inquiries as requested by the client Promote client programs and initiatives by establishing, developing, and maintaining contact with media, professional and civic organizations, and other special interest groups Coordinate and participate in public meetings with various neighborhood groups and/or other client stakeholders as assigned Develop special educational and promotional materials for presentations at meetings and conferences Organize and support various special events, groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings and grand opening ceremonies, and public meetings Research, develop responses and generate posts for social media platforms (X, Facebook, Nextdoor, etc.) Research and develop content for project webpages, websites, and newsletters Reply to and document inquiries from the public and resolve concerns on behalf of the client Talent is the essence of meeting our clients’ objectives, goals and challenges. If this sounds like a fit, we would welcome a discussion with you about joining our team. Who You Are Required Qualifications Extensive and relevant experience providing public involvement and/or public information services for transportation and/or public infrastructure projects for the public sector – REQUIRED Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or a related field or equivalent work experience Ability to work well with the public and interact effectively with all organizational levels, including agency/client staff, senior management, executive leadership, board members, community leaders, and city/county/state representatives Excellent verbal, writing, and presentation skills Ability to work independently and interdependently with teams and demonstrate initiative Ability to work beyond standard business hours (when required) Strong time management skills and high attention to detail Ability to meet deadlines and multi-task in a fast-paced environment Strong computer skills, including experience with Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint. Experience with webinar platforms such as ZOOM and GoToWebinar a plus. Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, conduct, and related policies and procedures Can reliably report to the Valerin office located in in the Northdale area (just north of Carrollwood) Additional Preferred Qualifications Knowledge and experience using AP style in the creation of documents Public involvement training from Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Bilingual (Spanish and English) communications/translations (a plus) Familiarity with West Central Florida, including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota and Polk Counties Resides in or near Hillsborough County Travel Required: Local travel required Employment Type: Full-time Primary Office/Work Location: Tampa (Carrollwood/Northdale area) – this position will report to the Valerin office with occasional travel to project and meeting sites located throughout the region About Valerin Valerin provides a flexible, agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. At Valerin, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to our team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started? Valerin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States. Job Type: Full-time Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Work Location: Hybrid remote in Tampa, FL 33624 #J-18808-Ljbffr