Principal Consultant, Strategic Communications, Stakeholder Engagement

ERM

. Lead end-to-end strategic communications and stakeholder engagement programs .

Posted 9/16/2026full-timeColumbus • Ohio • United StatesLead💰 $121,500 - $150,800 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and project management, with a strong focus on client relationships and integrated solutions. Proficient in developing communication materials and executing media relations strategies while managing multiple priorities in fast-paced environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Stakeholder EngagementPublic Consultation ProgramsProject ManagementMedia RelationsClient Relationship Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Strategic CommunicationsProject ManagementWriting and EditingSocial Risk AnalysisCrisis Communications

Soft Skills

Facilitation SkillsPresentation SkillsCollaborationClient DevelopmentNetworking

Tools & Technologies

Communication Materials DevelopmentTechnology-Enabled Communication Solutions

Industry Keywords

Public AffairsPREnvironmental JusticeEnergy SectorInfrastructure Sector

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead end-to-end strategic communications and stakeholder engagement programs
Serve as a trusted advisor to clients on high-visibility projects
Drive cross-functional collaboration to deliver integrated solutions
Influence business growth through client development, marketing initiatives, and proposal leadership
Lead initiatives from planning through execution
Manage client relationships, project teams, budgets, and timelines
Design and implement in-person and virtual public consultation programs
Develop integrated communication materials, including fact sheets, websites, newsletters, and reports
Drive media relations strategy and execution
Analyze stakeholder insights and trends to inform client strategies
Facilitate meetings, workshops, and community engagement events
Oversee social risk assessments tied to capital projects, M&A, and permitting efforts
Collaborate across teams on technology-enabled communication solutions
Support business development through proposals, networking, and industry engagement
Coordinate subcontractors and internal resources for seamless project delivery

Requirements

What you’ll need

6-8+ years of experience in public affairs, PR, communications, or related field (consulting or agency preferred)
Proven experience managing projects, client relationships, budgets, and teams
Strong facilitation and presentation skills across diverse audiences
Expertise in stakeholder engagement, public consultation programs, and communications strategy
Exceptional writing and editing skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Willingness and ability to travel
Bachelor’s degree in communications, public affairs, journalism, or related field (or equivalent experience) (preferred)
Background in energy, environmental, or infrastructure sectors (preferred)
Experience with social risk analysis, monitoring, and reporting (preferred)
Media relations and crisis communications experience (preferred)
Exposure to Environmental Justice initiatives (preferred)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Paid time off (vacation, sick, and floating holidays)
Parental leave
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Disability insurance
AD&D insurance
401(k)
Bonus pay eligibility, subject to ERM’s discretion and policies