Strategic Communications Consultant

About the Role

D. Wilson Agency, LLC (DWA) is seeking a skilled and mission-driven Strategic Communications Consultant to support a portfolio of high-impact planning, transportation, and complex community-facing infrastructure initiatives, as well as serve as the agency's communications lead.

This full-time, hybrid role is based in Charlotte, NC and offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of public policy, community engagement, and strategic communications on projects that shape how organizations and communities grow, and thrive.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience communicating complex topics to a broad mix of audiences, a strong command of public affairs and stakeholder management, and a passion for community-centered outcomes. You will serve as a key member of DWA's project delivery team, working alongside senior consultants and client partners to advance communications strategies that build trust, manage narratives, and ensure stakeholder voices are centered throughout the project lifecycle. In addition to client-facing work, this role will contribute to DWA's own brand positioning, thought leadership, and external communications.

This role does require 10-15% travel based on project assignments.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications

• Develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies for planning, transportation, and infrastructure projects with significant community impact across multiple regions
• Draft, edit, and produce a wide range of communications materials including press releases, fact sheets, talking points, project updates, briefing documents, and stakeholder correspondence
• Support media relations activities including coordinating press inquiries, preparing spokespersons, and monitoring coverage
• Maintain consistent project messaging across all channels and audiences, ensuring clarity and accessibility for diverse community members
• Manage crisis strategies and rapid response crisis communications

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• Prepare broad communications strategies for organizations and communities
• Support public engagement activities
• Develop stakeholder outreach communications and manage coordination with public information officers, client agencies and stakeholder groups
• Prepare invitations, agendas, presentation materials, and post-event summaries for engagement events
• Track stakeholder concerns, questions, and commitments; develop response strategies and follow-up communications
• Identify and cultivate relationships with community-based organizations and media as appropriate

Content Development and Digital Communications

• Create and manage project communications content for digital platforms including websites, social media, e-newsletters, and public-facing portals
• Develop accessible, plain-language materials that translate technical subject matter for general audiences
• Support the creation of visual communications assets in coordination with graphic design resources
• Manage and oversee subconsultant resources activities and deliverables

Agency Communications

Support DWA's external communications presence including drafting content for the agency website, social media channels, and professional profiles

Develop thought leadership materials such as articles, op-eds, capability statements, and award submissions that elevate DWA's visibility and reputation in the market

Assist in the preparation of proposals, presentations, and marketing collateral that communicate DWA's expertise and value to prospective clients

Maintain consistent brand voice and messaging across all agency-facing communications touch points

Support executive communications for firm leadership including prepared remarks, speaking submissions, and professional correspondence

Project Coordination and Reporting

Collaborate with internal project teams, client agency staff, and subconsultant partners to align on communications timelines and deliverables

Maintain communications tracking logs, stakeholder contact databases, and project documentation

Prepare status reports, meeting summaries, and briefing materials for project leadership

Participate in project team meetings and contribute to workplan refinement and strategy

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, public affairs, journalism, urban planning, or a related field
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or community engagement, with at least two (2) years supporting public sector, infrastructure,or transportation projects
• Demonstrated ability to write clearly and compellingly for a broad mix of audiences, including residents, elected officials, and media
• Experience planning and supporting public engagement events and stakeholder outreach campaigns
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under deadline
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams) and digital communications platforms
• Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural competency working with communities of varied racial, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds

Preferred

• Experience supporting large-scale P3 (public-private partnership) and complex enterprise level initiatives.
• Familiarity with community engagement best practices
• Experience working with or within a management consulting or public affairs firm
• Experience working with public sector entities and government structures
• Knowledge of Charlotte-Mecklenburg communities, regional stakeholders, and local government landscape

Work Environment and Compensation

This is a full-time, hybrid position based in the Charlotte, NC office. The role also requires regular on-site presence at client offices and events, as well as occasional travel for projects as assigned. Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes a competitive benefits package.

D. Wilson Agency, LLC is an equal opportunity employer.