Join PointNorth as the Director of Transportation Engagement!

Are you passionate about creating connections through transformative transportation solutions? Do you want to make a lasting impact by leading equity-centered engagement for key infrastructure initiatives? At PointNorth, we are committed to building inclusive, community-driven relationships that shape the future of transportation. As the Director of Transportation Engagement, you will spearhead public engagement programs for a variety of complex transportation projects, from roads and transit systems to multi-modal solutions. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who excels in fostering community partnerships, collaborating with clients, and mentoring a dynamic team. Join PointNorth and be a driving force for positive change in the transportation networks that connect and strengthen our communities.

In alignment with our value of “keepin it real” this isn’t an easy job to learn. Therefore, you must have experience working for a consulting firm and / or a municipal government agency.

Classification: Salaried / Exempt

Compensation Range: $115,000 - $140,000 dependent on qualifications and experience

Location: Vancouver, WA

About PointNorth

PointNorth Consulting is a strategic communications firm and a woman-owned minority small business located in Vancouver, Washington. We believe our values drive our passion. We are strategists, storytellers and committed communicators. We serve a variety of organizations in the Pacific Northwest ranging from architects, engineers and contractors to educational service districts and public agencies. We value hard work, an entrepreneurial spirit, integrity and authenticity. We also value strong connections to our team and our community.

This position may manage multiple projects in Washington or be responsible for leading Community Engagement on one multi-year mega infrastructure program.

Overall Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, lead and oversee community engagement strategies and plans
• Ensure community engagement plans center equity with a commitment to elevating equity priority communities
• Work effectively and collaboratively with technical team members across multidisciplinary teams
• Support and / or lead online and in-person engagement activities and events
• Facilitate community meetings ranging from small coffee-shop gatherings to large-scale public conversations, based on the project’s needs
• Create and direct material development in alignment with the community engagement program goals including communication plans, talking points, key messages, PowerPoint presentations, website language, fact sheets, newsletters, news releases, video scripts, public notifications, committee presentations and materials, graphics and reports
• Design and implement qualitative and quantitative surveys as one tool for seeking community input
• Lead, support, and facilitate client meetings including the development of agendas, meeting materials, and taking notes
• Seek opportunities to develop community partnerships and coalitions
• Review, measure and analyze engagement activity participation, effectiveness and outcomes
• Conduct ongoing research and review of public engagement best practices
• Demonstrate leadership, respect and inclusiveness in the process and outcome of the work with client’s internal and external communities
• Write, edit, compile reports ensuring quality and excellence
• Provide support for online and in person meetings / events
• Support database management for project, community engagement and business development tracking
• Serve as point of contact for information requests from team, partners and clients
• Perform administrative duties as needed or requested

Knowledge, Skills + Qualifications

• 8 or more years experience as a consultant creating and delivering community engagement, public involvement programs, strategic communications, and / or public relations campaigns 
• 10 years of professional experience creating and delivering community engagement and public involvement programs, and / or strategic communications plans on transportation projects
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public affairs, public administration, planning, journalism, marketing, political science, or other related field
• Demonstrated project management experience
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate public discourse around technical topics
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Clearly communicate technical concepts to broad and diverse community members
• Understanding of public involvement community databases
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Strong organizer who is detail-driven and forward thinking
• Highly responsive and able to track progress
• Adaptable and flexible to meet the needs of evolving priorities
• Collaborative team member with ability to communicate in a professional manner with all clients, co-workers, community members and business partners
• Supporter willing to find opportunities to help the team - prepared to contribute to our full team, leaning in when needed.
• Adaptable and flexible to meet the needs of changing priorities.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently and as part of a dynamic, interdependent team.
• Able to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Private consulting experience preferred.
• Comfortable with taking direction, yet able to take the initiative as needed.
• Able to engage equity priority communities and other historically underserved communities in various efforts including public infrastructure projects.
• Proficient in Google Workspace, Zoom, MS Office 365, Dropbox, Adobe
• Experience working with Asana and/or other project management tools
• Passion for the mission of PointNorth and aligned with our values: people first, lead with integrity, think big, keep it real
• Leadership qualities – can lead internally and externally and serve as a trusted strategic advisor

While not required, the following qualifications are appreciated:

• Proficiency in Spanish or other common second language in BIPOC communities in the SW Washington/Portland metro region
• Cultural competency and understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements
Work is currently performed in a hybrid environment with the expectation to be in the office (Vancouver, WA) and remotely. This includes long periods at a desk. The position requires the employee to regularly engage in in-person and virtual meetings, and communicate with community members and clients in both small and large groups. Employees may work under the stress of continual contact from clients, community members, co-workers and business partners, and the pressure to meet deadlines. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

• Must be able to travel to community meetings during the work week, evenings and weekend’s to meet client expectations for community meetings
• Requires availability 8 am - 5 pm M - F with potential evening and/or weekend work
• This position is expected to be in the office 2 - 3 days a week, and as needed or requested Each team member has the freedom to construct their work week and schedule based on client and business needs, including the location(s), times, and days in which they will complete work. Position may require the ability to travel regionally for work activities.

PointNorth is an equal opportunity employer and provider of employment and training services. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Washington Relay 711. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.