Communications Specialist III

Job Title: Communications Specialist III
Location: Houston, TX
Estimated Duration: 12 Months

Description:
This role shapes and executes integrated communications in support of major capital projects, including U.S. Gulf Coast projects when assigned. Working in close partnership with Community & Indigenous Engagement (Canada), Stakeholder & Tribal Engagement (U.S.), External Affairs, Business Units, Projects and other departments as required, the role supports project approvals, public understanding and reputation outcomes.
The role serves as a central hub for messaging, media relations, content development and digital communications, translating complex project, technical, regulatory and commercial information into clear, credible and accessible narratives for external and internal audiences

Strategic Accountabilities
Strategic Communications & Messaging

• Develop and maintain the project narrative and message platform, aligned with corporate strategy and business priorities and informed by research, media and social media monitoring, public opinion research and other data as available
• Develop and execute strategic communications that ensure message consistency across media, digital, stakeholder materials, executive communications, employee communications and other project touchpoints
• Coordinate responses and final communications products from data collection, message writing, SME input and review, legal review and finalizing the best deliverable(s) for the audience and issue
• Translate technical, regulatory and commercial information into clear, audience-appropriate communications that support project approvals, public understanding and trust

Media Relations & Issues Management

• In partnership with Enterprise Media Relations, support the media strategy for the project, including proactive storytelling, reactive response, media materials, spokesperson preparation and rapid-response support on emerging issues

Content Development & Channel Execution

• Oversee or support multi-channel content development, including project websites and updates, social media content, fact sheets, FAQs, explainer materials, videos, infographics, visual storytelling and internal communications for employees and leaders
• Manage content calendars tied to key project milestones, including regulatory filings, engagement sessions, construction phases and other critical project activities
• Equip employees, leaders and project spokespeople with clear, confidence-building messaging and materials for external and internal conversations

Support integrated project planning & execution

• Work in lockstep with Community & Indigenous Engagement, Stakeholder & Tribal Engagement and External Affairs to support engagement activities with clear, consistent materials and messaging that reflects stakeholder feedback and concerns
• Coordinate communications strategies, messaging and advocacy tactics with stakeholder coalitions and third-party supporters to strengthen awareness, understanding and support for projects

Measurement

• Define metrics, monitor public sentiment and communications performance, and provide insights and recommendations to refine strategies, messaging and channel execution.

Scope/Dimensions

• Role supports major capital projects, including projects in the Gulf Coast Region when assigned, and may provide communications support across Canada and the United States depending on business need.
• Must be able to work independently to develop and implement communications activities with minimal management oversight while maintaining strong alignment with PACS regional leadership, External Affairs, engagement teams, business units and project leadership.
• The individual must be familiar with a corporate environment, skilled in understanding project management, and able to connect communications activities to project approvals, public understanding, reputation outcomes and business priorities.
• Day-to-day interaction occurs through meetings and calls with communications colleagues, project teams, technical subject matter experts, Legal, regulatory, commercial, engagement, government relations, digital, employee communications and other corporate functions.
• Must be able to develop and execute strategic communications plans, project narratives, messaging frameworks, media materials, digital content and internal communications with minimal direct supervision
• Demonstrates flexibility to respond to quickly shifting priorities, emerging issues and high-profile reputational risk, and is willing to support communications to a variety of audiences when required
• Depending on project scope and scale, may manage or coordinate the work of agencies, external consultants and other communications support resources

Contacts (Working Relationships)

• Works with all levels of project management, project joint venture partners, client affiliates and representatives from business and functional units
• Works closely with Community & Indigenous Engagement, Stakeholder & Tribal Engagement, External Affairs, Enterprise Media Relations, Digital Centre of Excellence, Employee Communications, Enterprise Marketing, Legal, regulatory and commercial subject matter experts, project leaders and executive stakeholders
• Works with external consultants, agencies or other members of the Communications, Reputation & Marketing team on specific projects, issues, campaigns, content development and response materials
• May coordinate with stakeholder coalitions and third-party supporters to align messaging, advocacy tactics and supporting materials for project initiatives

 
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
PACS Competencies

• Strategic, critical thinker – connects communications to business outcomes; sharp analytical skills to quickly assess complex situations, determine key issues and messages, anticipate risk and recommend communications responses
• Persuasive communicator – exceptional writer and storyteller – clear, concise, and compelling
• Issues-savvy – anticipates risk and responds quickly under pressure
• Business literacy and commercial acumen – understands project economics, customer and commercial drivers
• Collaborative influencer – works effectively across functions and leadership levels
• Execution-focused – delivers high-quality outputs on tight timelines; ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks, manage content calendars and meet deadlines in a fast-paced project environment
• Audience-centric – understands diverse stakeholder needs (public, Indigenous communities, government, media, employees)

Knowledge

• A degree or diploma in communications, business, public relations, journalism or related field
• At least 8 years of communications experience with a preference toward supporting major projects, infrastructure, energy or regulated industries
• Strong knowledge of external communications, media relations, issues management, strategic messaging, stakeholder communications and integrated channel planning
• Solid understanding of external communication best practices and connection to peers in other organizations to research and apply evolving approaches and tactics
• Proven ability to communicate complex, technical topics clearly.
• Knowledge of communications measurement, media and social media monitoring, public sentiment tracking and performance reporting to support continuous improvement.

Personal Traits:

• Demonstrates integrity, safety and respect; embraces diverse people, thinking and styles; committed to high performance
• Reliable, open, considerate, and accommodating
• Commits to ethical action and acts with honor
• Team-oriented attitude; ability to work independently
• Ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization and influence across functions, leadership levels and project teams
• Consistently prioritizes safety and security of self, others, and personal data