The Bechtel group of companies is a global leader in engineering, construction, and project management. With 40 offices worldwide and projects in nearly 50 nations, Bechtel offers challenging careers in power; mining and metals; civil infrastructure; government services; communications; and oil, gas, and chemicals. Bechtel has worked on some of the most complex projects in history and has been the top-ranked U.S. contractor for eleven straight years. No job is too big or too tough for us and we are looking for skilled individuals who feel the same way.
Position Duties / Responsibilities
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER II
Manages external affairs operations for a business unit, a project with
significant issues, or a company-wide program with activities of a
moderately complex nature. Accountable for the development, management,
and execution of an issue management, external affairs, communications,
and/or community affairs program that anticipates and addresses external
and internal issues which impact the organization? ability to perform
effectively. Exhibits management and leadership skills in a variety of
contexts related to political, media, civic, and/or communications
programs. Manages personnel activities for assigned staff, including
training, administering compensation, and career development activities.
Bechtel Corporation seeks an experienced, skilled communicator to lead
the public outreach and communications function for the Dulles Corridor
Metrorail Project. The manager will plan and implement activities
involving political, social, commercial interactions with the public
during the construction of an 11.7 mile expansion of the Washington,
D.C.-area Metrorail system.
Critical to the position is the ability to work with the Metropolitan
Washington Airports Authority staff directing the Project, and with
Bechtel engineers and construction staff of the Project. He or she will
also interact with Bechtel's corporate communications and Civil
Infrastructure management and employees, news and trade media,
government, local businesses and residents, and other parties. The
manager must embrace Bechtel's vision and values
(http://www.bechtel.com/visionvalues.htm).
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
Public Affairs Manager is responsible for managing project public and
internal communications, and creating plans and goals for the
organization. He or she is accountable for the development, management,
and execution of issue management, public affairs, media relations,
communications, and community outreach programs on the project. He or
she represents Bechtel and Dulles Transit Partners and their interests
to a variety of audiences - the customer; city, state and Federal
officials; community organizations; and others. He or she provides
public affairs and communications support and counsel to project
management.
Reports to the Project Manager and receives functional guidance from the
Civil GBU Strategy and Business Development Manager and Manager,
Corporate Affairs.
Provides operational and functional supervision to community outreach
and public affairs staff on the project.
Maintains working and active relationships with project management in
creating, coordinating and delivering public affairs and communications
plans.
Maintains working and active relationship with the customer creating,
coordinating and delivering public affairs plans.
Maintains working and active relationship with representatives of the
media.
Maintains close relationships with appropriate government (local, state
and Federal), political, media, civic, and industry leaders, as well as
other interested parties, in the communities along the alignment.
Maintains working relationship with Civil GBU Communications, Civil GBU
Sustainability, and Corporate Communications on issue management, media
relations, and community relations.
Anticipates and manages external issues, with particular emphasis on
issues that have - or have the potential to - become the focus of the
attention of the media or local residents and businesses. Coordinates
all communications plans and strategies with the customer. Develops
strategies to assist project management in all communications issues
related to the project.
Counsels project management on critical public and internal
communications issues, objectives, and planned responses. Provides
guidance, coaching, and support with respect to effective communication
strategies and techniques.
Manages media relations for the project and serves as the project's
spokesperson. Directs preparation, clearing and releasing of
information, articles and photographs about the project to the media,
and arranges project press availability.
Manages project's community outreach program, and directs the staff in
community outreach activities. Establishes and maintains a close
liaison with appropriate government (local, state and Federal),
political, media, civic, and industry leaders, as well as other
interested parties, in the communities along project alignment.
Oversees the management of the project's contributions and membership
activities.
Manages project communications activities, including schedules, content,
and format of project communications.
Creates and manages project identity internally and in the community.
Works closely with the customer's public affairs unit to promote public
understanding and support for the project.
Supports the customer in government affairs activities.
Manages personnel actions, e.g. recruitment, salary and bonus planning,
merit increases, promotions, etc. for the Public Affairs department.
Manages the work of public affairs contractors.
Plans and manages budgets for public affairs activities.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
15+ years of experience in a senior external affairs, media relations,
public affairs, communications, or community affairs role with proven
track record in managing highly complex issues for large and highly
visible engineering and construction (E&C) projects. The ideal
candidate will also possess a solid foundation and understanding of
state and local municipalities. Demonstrated experience in effective
customer/client relationship management is required.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and experience.
Advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of products.
Expert analytical and strategic planning skills: able to balance short
and long-term priorities and manage simultaneous projects.
Effective project management skills; able to define project goals and
deliverables, lead and motivate a team of public affairs professionals,
and implement key programs on time and within budget.
Extensive experience in managing budgets and departmental operations.
Previous Bechtel Project/Field or Civil Global Business Unit experience
a plus.
The Public Affairs Council is the leader in public affairs training and development. We offer learning opportunities in a variety of formats to meet the needs of each individual and organization. We offer Conferences, Teleconferences, and Online Training and Individualized Training.
