Associate, Sacramento, CA
The Organization
Kearns & West, Inc. is a stakeholder engagement, communications, and collaborative solutions firm that offers expertise and a diverse toolset to help our clients achieve their goals. Our staff is passionate about engaging in public policy issues and complex communications projects.
Kearns & West’s experienced team specializes in organizing a diverse range of stakeholder issues, opinions, goals and interests into constructive, productive processes that lead to successful outcomes.
The Kearns & West approach involves assessment, outreach, process and meeting design, facilitation, dispute resolution, and development of communications tailored to each project’s unique process. Collectively, these tools and techniques build productive stakeholder relationships, integrated approaches, and strategic partnerships with the goal of developing long-term, sustainable solutions.
Kearns & West offers a collaborative, collegial work environment and the chance to work on significant public policy projects. We offer professional development and a partnership track as team members advance in their careers.
Kearns & West is involved in several high-profile public safety and crisis response, technology, infrastructure deployment and community engagement programs in California for public and private sector clients.
The Position
Kearns & West seeks to hire an Associate with responsibilities in public affairs, communications, stakeholder engagement, and project management to support of our public affairs and community engagement clients.
The Associate will carry out communications, program management and outreach on public policy, infrastructure, public safety, technology, and community-oriented projects. The Associate will work with clients, community partners and other stakeholders. Most of the projects are based in Northern California, but projects could include work throughout California and across the United States.
A candidate’s interest and experience in state legislative and regulatory issues and/or experience working for elected officials, career civil service, other policymakers or political campaigns is highly desirable. Candidates come from a variety of backgrounds, but past work with local, state and/or federal government agencies and/or elected officials on communications, public policy, and/or communications projects is preferred.
Key responsibilities for this position include the following:
· Interaction with diverse stakeholders, including clients, other consultants, public officials and community members
· Communications, research, and messaging
· Writing a variety of communications materials
· Research and writing of meeting summaries, public comments, and outreach plans
· Managing development of visual and digital content (e.g., presentations, videos, brochures, websites)
· Planning and executing stakeholder and public meetings or other forums (including logistics)
· Coordinating and participating in outreach events
· Implementing engagement and social media plans, including maintaining detailed calendars, schedules, and task lists
· Developing communications plans
· Supporting media relations
· Developing project proposals including budgets, business development, contract administration, and invoice and expense report preparation.
Qualifications
We’re looking for someone who is:
· Organized and prepared to contribute to our team organization
· Adaptable and flexible
· Ethical, collegial and committed to seeking positive outcomes for clients and stakeholders
· Self-motivated and comfortable working independently, yet successful at balancing working as part of a team
· An effective and reliable communicator
· Comfortable facilitating discussions and making presentations
· Comfortable taking direction and being empowered to take the initiative
· Able to reliably set priorities, manage multiple tasks, and meet project deadlines on multiple projects for multiple clients
· Comfortable working in a small office environment and collaborating virtually with inter-office teams (based in San Francisco; Portland; Southern California; Washington, DC; and Atlanta).
· Able to travel in California, as needed
Education, Certifications and Experience
MINIMUM EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. A master’s degree, other advanced degree, or educational equivalent is a plus, and may be considered in lieu of work experience.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: Successful Associate candidates will have 3-7 years of work experience, with a background in public policy, political campaigns, strategic communications, local and regional government, and/or community relations.
REQUIRED SKILLS: Strong writing, presentation, and teamwork skills. Fluency in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
DESIRED SKILLS: Proficiency with database management, Adobe Creative Suite software, and social media tools. Graphic design and video editing experience. Fluency in Spanish.
Compensation
Compensation will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. Kearns & West provides a competitive package of benefits.
How to Apply
Please apply with a cover letter and resume.