Role: Public Involvement Project Associate

MJA is seeking a Public Involvement Project Associate todesign and executeoutreach and engagement strategies on our portfolio of planning, design, construction and design-build projects. 

About the Firm

Melissa Johnson Associates, Inc. (MJA) is a WBE/SBE-certified public relations and communications firm specializing in community outreach and stakeholder engagement for public-sector projects. We help government agencies and their consultants work effectively with stakeholders and the public, with a focus on inclusive, innovative, and community-driven engagement strategies.

Our success is rooted in our reputation for excellence, our demand for innovation, and our commitment to social responsibility. MJA’s portfolio includes some of the most high-profile public projects in New York City, New Jersey, upstate New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. We engage communities across all phases of transportation, transit, mobility, economic development, housing, and resiliency projects, navigating sensitive issues with skill and care.

Responsibilities

• Develop inclusive and innovative strategies to gather community and stakeholder input
• Engage with residents, businesses, elected officials, commuters, visitors, and other stakeholders
• Plan, host, and facilitate in-person and virtual meetings, representing the project team
• Collaborate with project teams and external partners to identify and address community impacts
• Draft and distribute press releases, responses to inquiries, and reports on engagement activities
• Manage schedules, logistics, files, and communication records
• Maintain stakeholder databases and detailed communication logs
• Participate in on-site grassroots outreach in communities
• Create high-quality written and graphic materials for public distribution, aligned with agency standards

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience in community outreach, stakeholder engagement, or public involvement (public-sector or government preferred)
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, business, marketing, public policy, urban planning/design, political science, or related field
• Experience gathering, analyzing, and reporting on community/stakeholder input
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to connect across diverse groups
• Project management skills; ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and problem-solve effectively
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Dropbox, SharePoint, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Graphic design skills with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) 
• Ability to produce clear, accessible, and visually engaging materials
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills
• Familiarity with GIS and mapping tools
• Collaborative, resourceful, detail-oriented, and committed to excellence
• Spanish fluency is preferred

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Group medical, dental and vision insurance
• Flexible spending account
• 401K with company match
• Company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, and AD&D insurance
• Optional pre-tax commuter benefits
• Optional employee-paid supplemental life insurance
• Lifestyle allowance to support personal well-being
• Professional development opportunities

Work Environment

This is a hybrid role (not fully remote). The role requires work from the office several days each week, with flexibility to work from home when in-person presence is not required to perform job duties. The role also includes project site visits, meeting coordination, and in-person collaboration with the MJA team and stakeholders.

Salary Range: $79,000-90,000 annually, based on experience

Applicants

Please send a resume, letter of interest, and writing samples to Jessie Cohen, Practice Lead-Planning & Design at jcohen@melissajohnsonassociates.com. Selected candidates may be asked to perform a simple job-related task prior to proceeding through the interview process. The Project Associate position is an at-will position. Melissa Johnson Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.