Communication Strategist

Position Overview: 

The Communication Strategist will serve as a key onsite resource supporting our client. This individual will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and executing strategic communication plans that advance our client's mission, reinforce readiness, and strengthen public trust. The role requires a deep understanding of government's operations, messaging priorities, and the evolving global information environment. 

The ideal candidate will possess demonstrated expertise in public affairs, campaign planning, and stakeholder engagement, and will work closely with clients' leadership, subject matter experts, and key steakholders to synchronize messaging efforts across digital, traditional, and internal communication channels. 
 

Core Responsibilities:

Strategic Communication Planning 

• Develop, lead, and execute comprehensive, multi-channel communication plans aligned with client's priorities and objectives. 

• Translate complex government initiatives into clear, compelling messages tailored to specific audiences (internal, public, partner, etc). 

• Integrate strategic messaging across clients' campaigns, ensuring consistency, timeliness, and relevance. 

Stakeholder and Interagency Coordination 

• Collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders and interagency partners to ensure synchronized messaging. 

• Provide communication counsel to senior leaders and staff on policy rollouts, programs, and public engagements. 

Messaging and Content Strategy 

• Draft messaging frameworks, themes, and talking points to support clients' campaigns, high-profile events, and strategic initiatives. 

• Shape content strategies for external-facing platforms and internal communication tools.

Monitoring and Evaluation 

• Monitor communication effectiveness using performance metrics, sentiment analysis, and stakeholder feedback. 

• Recommend adjustments to strategies and content based on real-time data, media coverage, and strategic assessments. 

Situational Response 

• Support rapid communication planning and crisis response efforts related to clients' operations or reputational threats. 

• Contribute to the development of contingency messaging, public statements, and internal communications during high-visibility incidents. 
   

Required Qualifications: 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Journalism, Strategic Communication, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. .

Experience: 

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in public affairs, strategic communication, or media relations. 

• Minimum of 5 years supporting federal agencies in a communication strategy or senior advisory capacity. 

• Demonstrated success managing multi-faceted communication campaigns. 

Skills & Competencies: 

• Strong understanding of communication protocols, public affairs doctrine, and the information environment. 

• Proficiency in messaging development, campaign integration, and performance measurement. 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. 

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and in a highly collaborative environment. 

• Familiarity with digital platforms, social media strategy, and analytics tools. 

Desirable Attributes: 

• Knowledge of government agency structure, chain of command, and key communication challenges. 

• Ability to distill complex policy or operational language into public-facing narratives. 

• Active Secret Clearance (preferred). 

Key Outcomes: 

• Delivery of effective strategic communication plans aligned with clients' priorities. 

• Enhanced public understanding and trust in clients' initiatives and capabilities. 

• Strengthened message integration across campaigns, agency components, and external partners. 

• Rapid, credible, and unified responses during emerging communication crises. 

Clearance Required: Public Trust (or ability to obtain)

Location:  Washington, D.C.