Community Outreach Manager

POSITION SUMMARY: The Community Outreach Manager leads community outreach, stakeholder engagement, and public-facing communication efforts in support of KEMRON environmental remediation and federal project work in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area. This role is responsible for developing and managing outreach strategies, coordinating communication with affected residents, businesses, local officials, agencies, and other stakeholders, and helping ensure project information is communicated clearly, professionally, and in a timely manner. The Manager works closely with project leadership and technical staff to support community understanding, address concerns, and maintain effective public engagement related to project activities, schedules, and potential community impacts. ESSENTIAL DUTIES/FUNCTIONS OF POSITION: Lead community outreach and stakeholder engagement efforts for environmental remediation, hazardous waste cleanup, and related project work. Develop, manage, and implement outreach strategies and communication plans to support project goals and community understanding. Serve as a primary point of contact for residents, business owners, local officials, community representatives, regulatory agencies, and other project stakeholders. Oversee preparation and distribution of public notices, fact sheets, project updates, mailers, flyers, presentations, and other outreach materials. Plan and facilitate community meetings, public information sessions, stakeholder briefings, and related outreach events. Work closely with project managers, technical staff, and leadership to ensure public-facing communications are accurate, clear, and aligned with project requirements. Help translate technical, environmental, and project-related information into clear language appropriate for public audiences. Identify, track, and communicate community concerns, stakeholder issues, and public sensitivities that may affect project progress, public perception, or stakeholder relationships. Respond to community and stakeholder concerns in a professional and timely manner and elevate sensitive, technical, or high‑risk issues as appropriate. Support proactive communication related to work schedules, project milestones, temporary disruptions, access limitations, safety notices, and other community-impact information. Maintain documentation of outreach efforts, stakeholder communications, meetings, correspondence, and related project records. Support project leadership in managing public messaging, issue resolution, and community relations associated with complex or high‑visibility project activities. May provide guidance or direction to outreach support staff or project personnel involved in stakeholder communication efforts. REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Affairs, Journalism, Environmental Studies, Political Science, or a related field; or equivalent relevant experience. Minimum of five (5) years of experience in community outreach, stakeholder engagement, public affairs, public communication, project coordination, or a related field. Experience supporting or leading outreach efforts for environmental, construction, infrastructure, public sector, federal, or community‑impact projects preferred. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines. Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with residents, clients, agencies, elected officials, and internal project teams. Ability to handle sensitive, high‑visibility, or potentially contentious communications in a professional and composed manner. Ability to exercise sound judgment and manage stakeholder relationships in dynamic project environments. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Must be able to pass a background check, drug screening, and motor vehicle record check, as required for the position or project assignment. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work may be performed in an office setting, at project sites, and at public or stakeholder meeting locations. May require occasional local or overnight travel depending on project needs. Must be able to manage multiple priorities, respond to changing project schedules, and maintain professionalism in sensitive or high‑pressure situations. Must understand and comply with corporate and worksite Health and Safety Plan(s) as required. Must be willing to work from a local project site office or jobsite trailer as needed. #J-18808-Ljbffr