Public Affairs Officer (PAO) – Contractor Support

Advanced Computer Learning Company; Sumter (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

PTO & holidays

Deployment incentives

Clearance premium

Job summary

Advanced Computer Learning Company, LLC seeks a Public Affairs Officer to provide strategic communications support to USARCENT. You will plan, execute, and evaluate campaigns, manage media relations, and produce multimedia content for USCENTCOM audiences.

The role requires a SECRET clearance (Top Secret preferred) and on-site work in a DoD environment, with potential forward deployment to USCENTCOM AOR. A bachelor’s in PR/journalism/communications is required along with 5+ years of related

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in public affairs, journalism or corporate communications.
• Experience supporting DoD entities, US Army or USCENTCOM preferred.
• Active DoD Secret security clearance required at application.

Responsibilities

• Strategic communication: plan, execute and evaluate comms aligned with command priorities.
• Media relations: draft releases, respond to queries, prep spokespersons.
• Content creation: write/edit articles, captions, and social media content.
• Crisis communication: track crises, draft talking points, monitor news trends.
• Operational support: deploy to USCENTCOM AOR for joint exercises and ops.

Skills

AP Stylebook

Adobe Creative Cloud

CMS

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, or Communications

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Job description

ACLC, LLC is seeking a highly qualified Public Affairs Officer to provide professional, comprehensive communications support to the U.S. Army Central (USARCENT) Public Affairs Office. The successful candidate will plan, execute, and evaluate strategic communication initiatives, manage media operations, and produce multimedia content to inform domestic and international audiences about USARCENT's mission in the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR).

This is a full-time, on-site position, which requires a SECRET clearance. (Top Secret preferred)

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Communication: Develop, synchronize, and execute comprehensive communication plans aligned with USARCENT and USCENTCOM command priorities.
• Media Relations: Draft press releases, respond to media queries, prepare spokespersons for interviews, and facilitate media embedded opportunities within the AOR.
• Content Creation: Research, write, and edit news articles, feature stories, photo captions, and social media content for distribution across official military channels (DVIDS, web, and social media platforms).
• Crisis Communication: Assist in managing real-time crisis communication tracking, developing talking points, and monitoring regional and international news trends.
• Operational Support: Deploy forward into the USCENTCOM AOR as required to provide direct public affairs support for joint exercises and operations.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of public affairs, journalism, or corporate communications experience. Direct experience supporting DoD entities, specifically U.S. Army or USCENTCOM, is highly preferred.
• Military Knowledge: Deep understanding of military structure, Defense Information School (DINFOS) training principles, and visual information documentation standards.
• Clearance: Active DoD Secret security clearance is required at the time of application.
• Skills: Proficient in the AP Stylebook, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (Premiere, Photoshop, InDesign), and standard content management systems (CMS).

Benefits & Compensation:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance packages with company contribution. Short-term and long-term disability, alongside company-paid life insurance.
• Retirement Planning: 401(k) retirement plan with an immediate company match of up to 4% (100% vested from day one).
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 10 days of accrued PTO annually, plus 11 paid Federal Holidays.
• Deployment Differentials: Separate post-differential or hazard pay incentives apply during designated forward-deployment periods within the USCENTCOM AOR.
• Clearance Premium: Candidates holding an active Top Secret (TS/SCI) clearance may qualify for the upper tier of the listed salary band.

Advanced Computer Learning Company, LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.