Communications Manager

Communications Manager (Public Safety) - Remote

We are seeking a strategic, highly collaborative Communications Manager to lead and evolve communications for a large Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) transformation program. This is a high-visibility role supporting a complex initiative.

This position serves as the primary communications liaison between the project team and the client, responsible for ensuring clear, consistent, and effective communication across a diverse stakeholder landscape. The Communications Manager will own and continuously mature an existing communications plan, ensuring it adapts to project needs, risks, and stakeholder expectations.

The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of the 9-1-1 ecosystem and PSAP community, combined with demonstrated experience leading communications for large transformation initiatives. This role requires influence without authority, strong judgment in high-stakes environments, and the ability to translate complex technical and operational topics into clear, actionable messaging.

What Will You Be Doing

• Lead the execution and continuous evolution of the project communications plan as a living document aligned to project milestones, risks, and stakeholder needs
• Provide strategic oversight for all project communications across a complex, high-visibility statewide transformation effort
• Serve as the primary communications liaison between the project team and the client, coordinating messaging, alignment, and communication-related escalations
• Develop clear, consistent communications for technical, operational, executive, and external audiences, translating complex program information into accessible messaging
• Create executive-level briefings, reports, and materials to support senior leadership, legislative engagement, and oversight activities
• Coordinate communications across internal teams, SMEs, and external stakeholders including PSAPs, public safety agencies, and partner organizations
• Support both internal and external communications efforts in alignment with client expectations and project objectives
• Lead communication strategies that support organizational change, stakeholder adoption, and readiness for NG9-1-1 capabilities
• Proactively manage sensitive or high-visibility communications
• Monitor communication effectiveness through stakeholder feedback and performance metrics, and adjust strategies to improve engagement and clarity
• Facilitate meetings, develop communication templates, and ensure consistency and quality across all project communications
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and best practices in all communications activities

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Own and continuously evolve the project communications plan as a living document aligned to project milestones, risks, and stakeholder needs
• Develop and deliver clear, consistent messaging tailored to technical, operational, executive, and public safety audiences
• Translate complex program developments into accessible communications that drive understanding and alignment

Stakeholder Engagement & Alignment

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all communications coordination between the project team and the client
• Build and maintain strong relationships across internal teams, the client, PSAP stakeholders, and partner organizations
• Facilitate alignment across diverse, and often independent, stakeholder groups

Change & Transformation Communications

• Lead communication efforts supporting organizational and operational change associated with project implementation
• Partner with SMEs and project leaders to develop messaging that supports adoption, readiness, and stakeholder confidence
• Anticipate and proactively address stakeholder concerns, resistance, and communication gaps

Executive & High-Visibility Communications

• Develop executive-level briefings, reports, and communication materials for senior leadership and oversight bodies
• Support communications related to stakeholder interest, audits, and external oversight activities
• Ensure messaging is accurate, timely, and appropriate for high-scrutiny environments

Issue & Escalation Management

• Coordinate and manage communication-related escalations between the project and client
• Support development of messaging for sensitive issues, risks, delays, or operational impacts
• Ensure consistency and alignment in messaging during high-pressure or time-sensitive situations

Collaboration & Content Development

• Partner with technical and operational SMEs to develop accurate and effective communications
• Leverage cross-functional input to produce high-quality deliverables
• Establish communication templates, standards, and governance processes

Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

• Define and track communication effectiveness metrics, including stakeholder engagement and feedback
• Continuously refine communication approaches based on data, feedback, and evolving project dynamics

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Administration, Business Administration, Emergency Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 7+ years of experience in public safety, emergency communications, or closely related environments
• Demonstrated experience supporting large transformation programs, preferably in government or public sector environments
• Strong understanding of the 9-1-1 system and PSAP community, including operational and stakeholder dynamics
• Proven ability to lead communications across complex, multi-stakeholder environments without direct authority
• Experience developing executive-level communications and supporting high-visibility initiatives
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to operate effectively in high-pressure, high-scrutiny environments with sound judgment and professionalism

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NG9-1-1 programs or similar large public safety technology transformations
• Background in or direct support of 9-1-1 communications centers (PSAPs)
• Familiarity with emergency communications technologies (e.g., CAD, radio systems, NG9-1-1 concepts)
• Experience with structured change management or communications frameworks
• Relevant certifications such as NENA ENP, APCO credentials, PMP, or change management certifications

Core Competencies

• Strategic Communications & Messaging
• Stakeholder Engagement & Influence
• Change & Transformation Leadership
• Executive Communication & Presence
• Issue Management & Decision-Making Under Pressure
• Public Safety Communications Acumen
• Program Alignment & Business Insight

Success Metrics

• Effectiveness and clarity of communications across stakeholders
• Stakeholder alignment, engagement, and satisfaction
• Successful navigation of high-visibility communications
• Timely and effective management of communication-related risks and escalations
• Continuous improvement and adaptability of the communications plan
• Contribution to overall program alignment and successful delivery of project objectives

The total compensation range for this role in the posted location is 102,459–163,935 USD.

Atos provides compensation range information in accordance with applicable national, state, provincial, and local pay transparency laws. The compensation range listed for this position reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation that Atos, in good faith, believes it may pay for the role at the time of this posting. This range may be subject to change as permitted by law.

The actual compensation offered to any candidate may fall outside the posted range and will be determined based on multiple factors permitted by applicable law. These may include, but are not limited to, geographic location, education and qualifications, certifications and licenses, relevant experience and skills, seniority and performance, market and business considerations, and internal pay equity.

It is not typical for candidates to be hired at or near the top of the posted compensation range.

Benefits: Medical insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Insurance, Telehealth, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 401(k) Retirement Plan, Legal Insurance, Pet Insurance, Wellness and discount programs