Principal Consultant, Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

Are you a seasoned communications strategist ready to influence how organizations engage with communities, stakeholders, and the public? At ERM, we’re not just shaping messages—we’re shaping trust, reputation, and impact across industries. If you thrive on leading high-profile projects, driving innovation, and building meaningful connections, this is your opportunity to make a difference.

Why This Role Matters

ERM is a global leader in environmental, health, safety, risk, and sustainability consulting. Our clients face complex challenges that demand clear, credible, and strategic communication. As part of our dynamic Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Engagement team, you’ll help organizations earn and maintain their social license to operate—while advancing sustainability and ESG goals that matter. We are looking for individuals based in one of our Midwest offices (Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis, Minneapolis).

What Your Impact Is

• Lead transformative communications and engagement programs for major capital projects, operational permitting, and ESG initiatives.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, guiding them through stakeholder engagement, public consultation, and social risk management.

• Drive innovation in digital engagement and communication strategies to meet evolving industry standards.

• Shape ERM’s growth by contributing to business development and internal marketing initiatives.

What You’ll Bring

Required:

• Education: BA/BS in Communications, Public Affairs, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.

• 6+ years (10+ preferred) experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or consulting; energy sector experience is a plus.

• Proven ability to lead complex projects, manage budgets, and deliver high-quality client outcomes.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in facilitating meetings and presenting to diverse audiences.

• Strong organizational skills and adaptability to shifting priorities and deadlines.

• Willingness to travel (approx. 4–6 weeks/year) and work in a hybrid office/home setting.

Preferred:

• Experience with crisis management and ESG communications.

• Familiarity with stakeholder engagement tools, digital platforms, and innovative outreach strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement cross-functional communication strategies for client projects.

• Lead stakeholder engagement programs, including public consultation and community outreach.

• Oversee social risk and community assessment reporting for capital projects and M&A due diligence.

• Manage project teams, budgets, and deliverables while serving as a strategic advisor to clients.

• Create and edit compelling content—fact sheets, newsletters, web copy, and more.

• Monitor and analyze stakeholder communications, providing actionable insights to clients.

• Facilitate focus groups, advisory committees, and public-facing events (virtual and in-person).

• Drive business development through proposals, industry outreach, and relationship building.

• Coordinate subcontractor activities and ensure alignment with project goals.

For the Principal Consultant, Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Engagement position, the anticipated annual base pay is $121,500 – $150,754 (USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible).

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP, and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.

Note: Bonuses, commissions, and other forms of additional compensation are not guaranteed and subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures.

Who We Are:

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.

At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our “boots to boardroom” approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

Please submit your resume and brief cover letter. 

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our job’s alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. 

Thank you for your interest in ERM!

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