What are the responsibilities and job description for the Government and Community Relations Specialist (GCR Specialist) position at Infrastructure Engineering Inc.?
Join us at the intersection of
INGENUITY & INCLUSION
About the Role
Infrastructure Engineering Inc. (IEI) is looking to hire a Government and Community Relations Specialist (GCR Specialist) to join our Chicago Team! We are a leading engineering firm known for quality and responsiveness and a proven track record of success as a Prime civil engineering firm. The Government and Community Relations Specialist (GCR Specialist) role will serve as the primary liaison between the Red Line Extension (RLE) Project team and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Government & Community Relations (GCR).
The ideal candidate will ensure clear communication, assist with resolving issues related to public and community impacts, and support public outreach efforts to minimize disruptions and maintain a positive public image for the Red Line Extension Project. Join us on this exciting journey as we continue to build a company based on Integrity, Excellence, and Ingenuity!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Serve as the primary point of contact between the IEI Project Team and governmental and community relations partners/stakeholders; and supporting alignment with governmental and regulatory policies, procedures, regulations, project timelines, and operational needs, as well as communicating Project updates and potential impacts.
- Assist with developing and maintaining relationships with key community and project stakeholders, including municipal representatives, local government agencies and officials, and community organizations, to communicate project developments and support project partners in addressing community and stakeholder concerns.
- Assist with resolving any potential issues or concerns raised by project partners or the local community regarding the project, ensuring timely and effective communication between all parties.
- Lead communication related to the Project impact on local transit services, traffic patterns, and public transportation. Provide clear updates to municipal partners, local communities, and other stakeholders.
- Support municipal partners in coordinating community outreach efforts, including public meetings, informational sessions, and other engagement activities to keep the community informed about the project’s progress, objectives, and any potential impacts.
- Draft and assist with the creation of Construction Activity Notices (CANs) and assist with the distribution of the CANs as requested by the municipal partners. This includes distribution tasks such as distributing through local community groups, and outreach organizations or assisting with walking door-to-door distribution throughout the Project area or impacted neighborhoods.
- Assist with the Project team to ensure all necessary permits and approvals are obtained from government or other permitting agencies and that the Project complies with municipal and other regulatory requirements. Tasks include creating tracking matrices, tracking and reviewing permit applications, ensuring that all permits are updated or closed as work progresses, and keeping the log of all permits.
- Work closely with the Project team to assist with swift and effective communication between critical Project stakeholders in the event of any crises or emergencies related to the Project, specifically those events that impact the community and stakeholders in and around the immediate Project area.
- Create or assist with updating status reports and provide status reports or updates to Project leadership on community relations efforts, stakeholder engagement, and any public outreach or community relation challenges related to project and municipal coordination.
- Create or assist with the creation of presentations and present the information in various types of group settings or at events as requested. Including working with the Project technical staff to develop content and material for public dissemination.
- Assist the Project team with coordination of parking stripping, curb and lane closures, and any other traffic or parking-related closures or impacts.
- Assist the Project team with any other tasks or efforts as requested.
- Respond to emergencies or requests of the Project team after hours and on weekends as necessary, ensuring rapid response to incidents or emergencies.
- Complete other tasks and duties as assigned or requested.
Marketing and Business Development
- Proactively participates in industry and community functions and activities that promote IEI's visibility and brand.
- Proactively interfaces with and solicits meetings with both existing and potential clients to cultivate existing relations and identify other business opportunities.
Education and/or Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Political Science, Urban Planning, or a related field.
- 3 years of experience in community relations, government affairs, or public outreach.
- Knowledge of CTA GCR and Operations, local government structure, and public transportation policies.
- Prior experience in the AEC or EPC Industry strongly desired
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams), as well as adaptable in using client specific software applications and project management tools.
Knowledge and Skills
- Verifiable experience in public speaking and presenting at large or small group meetings or community events.
- Knowledge of the construction industry and practice assisting the technical teams with communication and translation of technical information to a public audience.
- Verifiable experience in community relations, public affairs, or government relations.
- Strong issue-resolution, problem-solving, negotiation, situational awareness, and de-escalation skills relative to sensitive interactions and communications.
- Experience managing public outreach efforts, including organizing community meetings, managing public concerns, and coordinating media communications.
- Ability to manage and execute multiple priorities in a complex, fast-paced, and constantly evolving environment.
- Working knowledge of local, state, and federal policies and regulations related to transportation or large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Verifiable experience of positive face-to-face interaction with individuals or groups in individual, small, or large group settings.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills; and demonstrate proficient active listening skills to effectively communicate and convey information to various audiences.
- Experience with the permitting processes for all the City of Chicago and State of Illinois departments including the Department of Buildings, Office of Underground, Chicago Department of Transportation, and Illinois Department of Transportation.
- Provide personal transportation and successfully commute back and forth to the worksite and to community or Project events on a regular and on call basis.
- Availability and willingness to work nights and weekends as required.
Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications
- A valid State of Illinois driver's license is required.
- Must have the permanent use of an operating automobile that is properly insured.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk and use hands to fingers. This job includes close vision, distance vision, color vision and the ability to adjust and focus including looking at computer screens, and handheld technological devices such as cellular phones, tablets, etc., typing on keyboards. While performing these duties the employee may occasionally handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee may lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Working Conditions
- Usually works in an office setting and may occasionally work in outside weather conditions.
- Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions or in-progress construction hazards: may rarely be exposed to fumes, risk of electric shock, and vibration from equipment.
- Must be physically capable of walking and moving about on the construction sites, have good balance, peripheral vision and hand-eye coordination.
- Usually works a standard 40-hour workweek either daytime or nighttime.
- Sometimes required to work extra hours, including weekends, to attend community events and meetings and keep up with unexpected situations impacting on the project.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally work outdoors in various weather conditions, possibly for an extended period depending on the assignment type.
IEI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
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