Stakeholder Engagement Lead

ACCIONA is a global company, leading in the development of regenerative infrastructure that creates a positive impact on society. Our workforce consists of more than 65,000 professionals, present in more than 40 countries across the five continents, all contributing in our mission to design a better planet. Are you a passionate individual who wants to make a difference, promote sustainable development, and find solutions to the biggest global challenges including climate change, overpopulation, and water scarcity? Come and join us in building the infrastructure our planet needs to achieve a sustainable future.

Acciona offers a competitive salary, relocation assistance where relocation is required and approved, 401(k) retirement plan, medical, dental, vision, life, short and long-term disability benefits, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and more.

The Stakeholder Engagement Lead or Manager will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive stakeholder and community engagement strategies for a large scale water infrastructure project in the United States. This role will serve as the primary interface between the project and its stakeholders including client and their representatives, local communities, government agencies, regulators, Indigenous groups, and interest organizations, ensuring transparent communication, trust building, and alignment throughout the project lifecycle. The position supports project success by proactively identifying risks, managing stakeholder expectations, and fostering positive relationships that enable timely project delivery.

The Stakeholder Engagement Lead or Manager will design, implement, and oversee stakeholder engagement initiatives aligned with company, client, contract and project goals, regulatory requirements, and corporate standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a Stakeholder Engagement Plan tailored to the project’s scope, timeline, and risk profile.

• Identify, map, and analyze stakeholders including community groups, government entities, and affected parties.

• Support community outreach efforts including public meetings, workshops, hearings, and one on one engagements.

• Act as the primary point of contact for stakeholder inquiries, concerns, and grievances and establish and manage a formal grievance mechanism.

• Collaborate with internal and external teams such as engineering, environmental, legal, and communications to ensure consistent messaging and alignment.

• Support permitting and regulatory processes by facilitating communication with relevant authorities.

• Monitor stakeholder sentiment and project reputation and proactively address risks and emerging issues.

• Prepare reports, briefings, and communication materials for internal leadership and external audiences.

• Ensure compliance with environmental and social governance standards including federal, state, and local requirements.

• Manage consultants and external advisors supporting stakeholder engagement activities.

• Contribute to crisis communication planning and response as needed.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Environmental Science, Political Science, Sociology, or a related field preferred (or +8 years of demonstrated relevant experience)

• Master’s degree preferred.

Experience:

• +8 years of experience in stakeholder engagement, community relations, or public affairs, preferably in large scale infrastructure projects such as water, transportation, energy, or utilities.

• Demonstrated experience working on complex, multi stakeholder projects in the United States. In addition, Mexico experience highly desired.

• Experience with public sector processes, permitting, and regulatory frameworks is highly desirable.

• Proven track record of managing sensitive community issues and building consensus among diverse stakeholder groups.

• Experience working with joint ventures or international organizations is a plus.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to define risks and develop mitigation strategies.

• Knowledge of environmental and social governance principles and social impact assessment practices.

• Ability to work in a fast paced, multidisciplinary environment.

• High level of cultural awareness and emotional intelligence.

• Proficiency in stakeholder mapping and engagement tools or software.

Other Requirements:

• Willingness to travel frequently to project sites and stakeholder locations within AZ, CA, Mexico and surrounding areas.

• Ability to work flexible hours to accommodate community meetings and events.

ACCIONA has been given the Top Employer 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025 certification in US, as well as the Top Employers North America 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025 seal, which certifies the company's commitment to excellence in human resources management and those who focus on putting their people first through their exceptional HR policies. As a company that values diversity as a source of talent, we work to foster an inclusive environment that promotes respect, belonging and engagement so that all people can participate on an equal opportunity basis. We invite everyone to apply regardless of origin, circumstances, background or condition.