Community Engagement and Communications Specialist

At GHD, we don't just believe in the power of commitment, we live and breathe it every day. That's why we pledge to empower our people to make a positive impact. Combining our deep technical expertise with the capabilities of our clients and partners, we respond to some of the most complex challenges facing our planet today.

Who are we looking for?  

GHD is seeking a Community Engagement and Communications Specialist to join our Strategic Communications, Engagement and Communities team in any of our Greater Toronto Area offices - Mississauga, Markham Toronto, Whitby or Waterloo. 

In this role, you will provide clients with community engagement and communication services on a broad range of projects across multiple markets and sectors. You will help develop public engagement and communication strategies, coordinate public engagement activities, facilitate engagement sessions, and lead development of project branding and communication collateral. 

If you're passionate about making a difference in your community through meaningful public participation, we invite you to bring your expertise to GHD.

Our Hybrid Work Model: 

Be part of the dynamic culture Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in the office three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.

Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of work and will see you involved in: 

• Lead development of Public Consultation Plans, Stakeholder Engagement Strategies and Communication Plans
• Undertake stakeholder analysis and community scans
• Develop and deploy public consultation activities, including surveys, open houses, public information sessions, and workshops
• Develop a variety of print communications materials, including newsletters, letters, display boards, presentations, fact sheets, advertisements, and media releases 
• Oversee creative assets across channels including presentation decks, infographics, renderings, event graphics, signage, social/digital content, website management, video/animation (where applicable), and print materials
• Assist with stakeholder engagement by arranging actions, meetings, events, and supporting materials to promote stakeholder understanding and commitment.
• Collect and analyze public feedback and prepare consultation summary documents
• Assisting with proposal writing for new projects
• Manage multiple concurrent engagement and communication projects, prioritize workflow, track budgets, and ensure timely delivery and quality control of materials
• Develop own capabilities by participating in assessment and development planning activities as well as formal and informal training and coaching; gain or maintain external professional accreditation, where relevant, to improve performance and fulfill personal potential. Maintain an understanding of relevant technology, external regulation, and industry best practices through ongoing education, attending conferences, and reading specialist media.
• Help senior colleagues manage client and customer relationships by using relevant sales or client systems.

What you'll bring to the team:

• Post-secondary education in communications, planning, social sciences or equivalent experience.
• 3 to 7 years of progressive experience in community engagement or strategic communication roles, ideally within the AEC, infrastructure or public-sector context.
• Proficiency with design/production tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft 365e, presentation software, digital/social platforms); familiarity with emerging visualization/engagement tools for public meetings a plus.
• Self-starter and strong organizational skills: able to lead through ambiguity, manage budgets/timelines, coordinate across disciplines, deliver high-quality work under deadlines.
• Excellent visual design sensibility, storytelling ability and communication skills (written, verbal, presentation).
• Experience in community/public-engagement or stakeholder communications within AEC, infrastructure or built-environment projects is highly desirable.
• Collaborative mindset, comfortable working with both creative teams and technical professionals (engineers, planners, architects) and translating technical content for public audiences.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with project staff and partners
• Ability to effectively work in a fast-paced environment
• Class G driver's license and access to a vehicle.

#LI-TP1

As a diverse and inclusive organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. Upon request, GHD will provide reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process.