Communications Specialist

The Communications Specialist at Kimley-Horn will assist the Communications/Public Involvement/Event Planning team, acting as a Project Assistant. Key responsibilities include information gathering and research, supporting public outreach activities, creating tactical media like emails and press releases, and distributing information to stakeholders. Additionally, the role involves organizing events and meetings, as well as maintaining databases and creating documents using Microsoft Office and Adobe Professional.

To qualify for the Communications Specialist position at Kimley-Horn, candidates should have at least a High School Diploma or equivalent and 1+ years of relevant experience in clerical, customer service, or communications. Candidates need to possess moderate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and have strong verbal and written communication skills. The ability to multitask and work under pressure is essential for success in this role.

A typical day for a Communications Specialist at Kimley-Horn involves a mix of administrative tasks and creative projects. You’ll start with organizing and responding to stakeholder inquiries, then shift to creating engaging media such as newsletters and announcements. Collaborating with team members on public outreach, attending events, and documenting meetings will keep you busy, ensuring every communication is effective and on target.

Kimley-Horn is deeply committed to the professional development of its employees, including Communications Specialists. The company provides extensive internal training programs, tuition reimbursement, and other resources designed to help you advance your skills and career. They believe that investing in their employees’ growth benefits both the individual and the company.

Communications Specialists at Kimley-Horn can expect a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritizes employee wellbeing and professional growth. The company emphasizes a balance between work and life, encouraging open communication and teamwork. With a focus on achieving client success while fostering employee satisfaction, Kimley-Horn creates an environment where everyone can flourish.

When answering this question, it's best to use the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result. Describe a specific situation where you had to manage several assignments, clearly explain your responsibilities, the actions you took to prioritize tasks, and highlight the positive outcome of your efforts.

To effectively answer this question, mention various strategies you use to keep informed, such as following industry-related blogs, attending webinars, and participating in relevant professional networks. Demonstrating your proactive approach to learning is crucial in the fast-paced field of communications.

Discuss your familiarity with software mentioned in the job description, such as Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Professional. Provide specific examples of how you've used these tools in previous roles to enhance communication strategies or manage projects effectively.

When addressing this question, focus on your problem-solving skills and customer service experience. Outline your process for understanding the stakeholder's concerns, gathering necessary information, and crafting a thoughtful response that addresses their needs while maintaining professionalism.

Provide a specific example that illustrates your role in a public outreach project. Discuss the goals of the activity, your contribution, and the results achieved, highlighting how it enhanced stakeholder engagement and public awareness.

Describe your method for prioritizing tasks, such as using lists or digital tools. Share how you assess deadlines and importance, adapt to changes, and ensure that critical projects are completed on time while maintaining quality.

Discuss the importance of understanding your audience and objectives when creating media content. Explain how you would research the target demographic, utilize engaging visuals and clear messaging, and test content before wide distribution to ensure effectiveness.

Emphasize the importance of receiving feedback constructively. Share your approach to evaluating critique objectively, making necessary adjustments, and communicating transparently with your team while fostering an atmosphere of continual improvement.

Highlight your belief in collaborative teamwork as a vital aspect of being a Communications Specialist. Discuss how you’ve effectively worked with cross-functional teams, shared insights, and combined efforts to achieve common goals while enhancing communication strategies.

When responding, connect your personal and professional values to Kimley-Horn's commitment to employee development, creative solutions, and client success. Discuss how you see yourself contributing positively to their culture and mission while growing in your career.