Director, Strategic Communications, National Security

Invariant; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Commissions

Medical, dental, and vision

HSA contributions

Retirement matching

Educational assistance

Professional development assistance

Unlimited time off

Job summary

Invariant seeks a Director to join our Strategic Communications & Public Affairs team in Washington, DC. You will lead integrated client teams across public affairs, earned media, digital strategy, and stakeholder engagement, serving as the strategic quarterback for measurable results.

You will develop strategies for technology companies in defense, AI, and policy areas, craft compelling narratives, mentor junior staff, and help drive business development.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of strategic communications experience, with technology, defense, or policy-driven sectors.
• Agency experience preferred.
• Strong writing and editing skills for executive memos, media pitches, thought leadership content, and social posts.

Responsibilities

• Lead integrated client teams across public affairs, earned media, digital strategy, and stakeholder engagement.
• Develop and execute communications strategies for cutting-edge technology companies—defense tech, venture-backed deep tech, and AI firms navigating policy landscapes.
• Craft narratives translating technical innovation into business value, policy impact, and media stories.
• Design and manage integrated campaigns blending traditional media with digital channels, content creation, events, and thought leadership.
• Mentor and develop junior team members while managing multiple fast-moving workstreams with deadlines.
• Collaborate to create pitch decks, presentation materials, briefings, and client deliverables.

Skills

Strategic communications

Public affairs

Media relations

Digital strategy

Leadership

Writing & editing

Policy knowledge

Business development

Tools

Cision

Meltwater

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

DescriptionDo you have a passion for building brands, positioning executives, and managing issues?

Invariantseeks a Directorto join our growing Strategic Communications & Public Affairs team. You’ll work with a diverse and energetic team of experts driving impact for clients.
Our clients range from well-known Fortune 500 companies to the most disruptive start-ups in the country. We help our clients solve complex challenges, create opportunities for growth, and break through busy news cycles, long social media feeds, and hectic calendars to influence audiences that matter most.
Invariant is a different kind of firm. We look at communications, public affairs, government relations, and business strategy holistically. You will do challenging, impactful work here. If that sounds interesting to you, come join us.

What You’ll Do

• Lead integrated client teams across public affairs, earned media, digital strategy, and stakeholder engagement, serving as the strategic quarterback who ensures seamless execution and measurable results.
• Develop and execute sophisticated communications strategies for cutting-edge technology companies — from defense tech to venture-backed deep tech and AI firms navigating complex policy landscapes.
• Craft compelling narratives that translate technical innovation into business value, policy impact, and media stories.
• Design and manage integrated campaigns that blend traditional media relations with digital strategy, content creation, event programming, and thought leadership to drive measurable outcomes.
• Mentor and develop junior team members while managing multiple fast-moving workstreams with competing deadlines.
• Collaborate with colleagues to create pitch decks, presentation materials, briefings, and informative client deliverables.

Who You Are

• 8+ years of strategic communications experience, with demonstrated expertise in technology, defense, or policy-driven sectors. Agency experience preferred.
• Deeply curious about technology and national security policy, with the ability to quickly master complex technical concepts and translate them for diverse audiences.
• A strategic thinker and creative problem-solver who sees around corners, anticipates client needs, and brings innovative approaches to traditional challenges.
• Digitally native and platform-savvy, with proven success developing integrated strategies that leverage new media, social platforms, and emerging channels to reach and influence target audiences.
• AI-proficient and forward-thinking about how emerging tools can enhance research, analysis, content creation, and client service delivery.
• An exceptional writer and editor who can move seamlessly between executive memos, media pitches, thought leadership content, and social media.
• A relationship builder with strong existing networks across media, policy, and technology communities.
• Comfortable in complexity, thriving in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where you're managing multiple clients, tight deadlines, and evolving priorities.
• A natural leader who can manage both up and down, providing clear direction to junior staff while earning trust with senior clients and firm leadership.
• Entrepreneurial and growth-minded, eager to contribute to business development, shape the firm's offerings, and help us continue our trajectory from startup to industry leader.
• Proficient in use of digital software and technology, including databases such as Cision and Meltwater, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

The target salary range for this role is $180,000-210,000 USD annually. The base salary will be determined based on skills, experience, and market data.

In addition, our total rewards package includes an annual discretionary bonus based on individual performance and that of the firm; commissions; robust medical, dental, and vision plans with employer HSA contributions; generous retirement matching; educational assistance; professional development assistance; unlimited time off; and other benefits.

Invariant is committed to creating a diverse culture and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.