Communications Specialist

Garver is seeking a Communications Specialist to join our growing Transportation team in our Fayetteville, AR , office. This role supports planning and infrastructure projects by helping our clients engage meaningfully with the communities they serve. The Communications Specialist works collaboratively with engineers, planners, environmental specialists, and project managers to plan logistics, deliver public outreach, and guide community engagement that is thoughtful, inclusive, and compliant with agency requirements. The ideal candidate brings a balance of strategic thinking, strong written and verbal communication skills, and hands‑on experience implementing public engagement programs in the AEC or similar environment. This role requires frequent interactions with people through in‑person meetings, phone calls, virtual meetings, and other direct communication methods, with occasional travel required. Key Responsibilities Manage logistics for in‑person and virtual engagement, including public meetings, open houses, workshops, stakeholder briefings, and community events. Develop outreach strategies tailored to local audiences, project phases, and regulatory requirements. Coordinate with project managers, graphic designers, and web teams to deliver consistent, on‑brand materials. Prepare public‑facing materials such as flyers, fact sheets, meeting exhibits, presentations, websites, surveys, and social media content. Prepare clear, audience‑appropriate messaging that explains complex technical concepts in plain language. Coordinate and execute outreach and meeting prep logistics. Facilitate in‑person and virtual meetings. Responsibilities include set‑up and tear‑down, delivery of materials, run of show details, and staff coordination. Prepare meeting summaries, comment matrices, and public involvement documentation suitable for agency review and audit. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Marketing, Hospitality or Event Management, or a related field. 2–5+ years of experience in public involvement, communications, stakeholder engagement, or event management. Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to clarity and accuracy. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and Adobe Creative Suite Enjoys working and interacting with people Ability to travel for the role as needed Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting events, public meetings, or outreach activities — preferably within the AEC, transportation, or public sector environment. Experience with digital engagement tools (online surveys, interactive maps, virtual open houses, social media). Experience coordinating with multidisciplinary technical teams. Application Requirements A cover letter is required for this position. Applicants who do not submit a cover letter that addresses the questions below will likely not be considered. In your cover letter, please respond to the following: Describe your experience supporting public involvement, community engagement, or event management. What types of activities have you been involved in, and what was your role? What motivates you to work in the field of event management, public involvement, or communications? Garver offers its employees programs such as company‑paid professional memberships, company support for industry licenses and continuing education opportunities that foster a progressive atmosphere. Garver provides the tools, resources, and environment to develop leaders, stimulate ideas, and accomplish projects. By offering highly competitive salary packages, attractive benefits, and a comprehensive wellness program; Garver walks the talk when it comes to work‑life balance. Garver is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Our employment practices are based upon an individual's capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr