Senior Project Associate

As a Senior Project Associate, you’ll play a crucial role in delivering impactful projects, working closely with the Project Manager to keep everything on track. You’ll take the lead as Deputy Project Manager on smaller projects, ensuring smooth execution from start to finish. With your strong background in strategic communication, project planning, and budget management, you'll be instrumental in shaping successful outcomes.

This role is perfect for someone who loves collaboration, leadership, and hands-on project management. You’ll be working with clients, internal teams, and vendors—delivering excellent service while keeping everything moving forward efficiently.

This position can work out of our Orange County, Oakland or San Jose office. 

What You’ll Do:

Project Management & Leadership

• Support the Project Manager in high-level project execution.
• Supervise, mentor, and provide guidance to team members.
• Manage specific project tasks, schedules, and budgets.
• Act as the primary client liaison on select projects.
• Oversee Associates and Coordinators in vendor/subcontractor interactions.
• Prepare progress reports for leadership and clients.

Communication & Outreach

• Develop and implement communication strategies tailored to project goals.
• Craft media action plans, reports, brochures, press releases, and presentations.
• Conduct media outreach and support public relations efforts.
• Provide analytical insights into project themes and stakeholder concerns.

Research & Content Development

• Oversee research efforts, including stakeholder interviews and surveys.
• Analyze demographic data to inform decision-making.
• Ensure high-quality production of written materials and marketing content.

Event & Meeting Coordination

• Represent the company at client meetings, public events, and industry gatherings.
• Plan and manage logistics for public meetings, including setup, documentation, and follow-ups.
• Respond knowledgeably to public questions and facilitate engagement.

Business Development & Marketing

• Identify opportunities for additional project work and new business.
• Develop marketing materials and support proposal development.
• Participate in interviews and pre-bid meetings as needed.

What You Bring to the Table:

✅ Degree in communication, journalism, or a related field (preferred).
✅ 3-5 years of experience in public outreach, communications, or project management.
✅ Strong customer service orientation and ability to build relationships.
✅ Experience in budget and schedule management.
✅ Strong communication, writing, and presentation skills.
✅ Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools.
✅ Excellent organizational and time management skills.
✅ Ability to travel for public meetings/events (1-2 times per month), including evenings and weekends.
✅ Physical ability to lift and carry event supplies up to 20 lbs.

Why Join Us?

We are a team of professionals that provide integrated strategic environmental and community engagement services for various transportation, land use and water markets throughout California. We are a boutique firm that delivers big results with a passionate team who share a common purpose to help communities and environments thrive.

- Collaborate with a passionate and dynamic team.
- Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
- People-centered benefits package (medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, 401k and company matching, cell phone reimbursement, wellness program, commuter program).

If you're a proactive problem-solver who thrives on managing multiple tasks while keeping projects on time and on budget, we'd love to have you on board!