Lead Social Impact Specialist/scientist

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is actively seeking an experienced, highly motivated Lead Social Impact Specialist/Scientist for immediate employment to support infrastructure projects across Canada. This role will provide national leadership for AECOM’s Social Impact practice, leading the Social Impact team across Canada and setting technical direction while supporting the growth and delivery of the practice.

Candidates with a strong set of experiences in socio-economic impact assessment, stakeholder and client relations, strategic planning, qualitative and quantitative social science analysis skills, and significant expertise in community engagement and Indigenous consultation will be prioritized. The successful candidate will be responsible for technical mentorship and coaching of Social Impact practitioners, supporting and leading business development activities, and providing senior project management and oversight on complex, multidisciplinary infrastructure projects.

This position will be part of the Planning & Permitting team within the Environment business line, supporting projects and collaborating with teams across Canada. We are seeking self-directing and accountable candidates who will work collaboratively to build, mentor, and lead technically strong, integrated project teams that deliver high-quality outcomes for our clients. Senior-level professionals with experience and confidence in communicating with clients and stakeholders—as well as the broader community, including Indigenous communities and organizations—are required. Strong project management capabilities, business acumen, organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams in a respectful and inclusive manner are essential qualities for this leadership role. This is a full time, newly created role. 

Responsibilities:

As part of our team, the successful candidate will lead projects and technical teams, manage and contribute to the development of work products and deliverables throughout a project lifecycle, including but not limited to:  

• Leading the development of qualitative and quantitative methodologies and workplans for socio-economic and social impact studies.
• Leading and contributing to the development of work products, including socio-economic baseline studies and analysis and reports – largely related environmental assessment and permitting applications, environmental screenings, environmental baseline and monitoring programs, and/or peer reviews.
• Overseeing field studies, surveys, and interviews with community and regional stakeholders, often as part of establishing socio-economic assessment baselines and social environment assessments.
• Reviewing technical documents, reports, and presentations.
• Lead the development and delivery of community engagement plans and Indigenous consultation strategies to contribute to understanding and social acceptance of infrastructure planning and design projects.
• Design and execution of Indigenous engagement and consultation and public participation activities including meeting and event planning, coordination, facilitation, and logistics.
• Collaborate with clients, stakeholders, other disciplines and consultants to guide planning and design processes, including Indigenous communities and government clients.
• Liaise with clients, the public, Indigenous groups, and regulators, as required.
• Project management responsibilities including work/project planning, execution, team management and closing. 
• Lead and contribute to business development efforts, including proposal writing and participation in industry associations.
• Participate and contribute to AECOM’s Technical Practice Groups.
• Option to be a staff manager of other Social Impact Specialists within AECOM Canada.
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s in Economics, Social Science (Sociology, Anthropology, Community/ Planning) Environmental Science (Sustainability, Human Geography), Business, or related social or environmental sciences disciplines.
• 10+ years of relevant consulting experience in socio-environmental / socio-economic impact assessment, Indigenous engagement or related field.
• Demonstrated experience engaging communities, stakeholders and building relationships with Indigenous communities in Ontario and / or across Canada.
• Knowledge of the provincial environmental assessment process, the federal Impact Assessment Act 2019 as well as other federal and provincial laws and regulations related to socio-environmental impact assessment, stakeholder engagement, and Indigenous consultation.
• Demonstrated experience in leading communications with clients and stakeholders as well as the broader community, including Indigenous communities and organizations.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), research and data analysis, and technical writing skills.
• Experience with proposal writing and ability to undertake business development activities.
• Experience leading teams collaboratively and ability to work well with people.
• Ability to plan and prioritize workload and manage multiple assignments at one time.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office 365 Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Class G driver’s license.
• Willingness to travel to local and remote communities to undertake field work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree preferred in Economics, Social Science (Sociology, Anthropology, Community/ Planning) Environmental Sciences (Sustainability, Human Geography), Business, or related social or environmental sciences disciplines.
• Experience and/or training in Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) considered an asset.
• Understanding of infrastructure planning, design and implementation processes.
• Rural, remote, and northern experience considered an asset.
• Proficiency with statistical and/or spatial analysis tools.
• Full or Provisional membership in a professional body.
• Knowledge of international best practices in social impact assessment, IFC and World Bank standards.
• Experience working with economic modelling and other related software.
• Facilitation experience.
• Bilingual (English and French) an asset.

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously.To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Artificial intelligence will be used to support the screening, assessment, and selection of applicants for this role. Final hiring decisions are made by the hiring team.