Public Affairs Program Manager (Onsite)

North South Consulting Group; Quantico (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

North South Consulting Group is seeking a Public Affairs Program Manager to lead strategic public affairs campaigns for the Marine Corps System Command, leveraging media relations, crisis communication, and multi-media outreach.

You will manage a team, build relationships with media and stakeholders, coordinate events, and ensure messaging aligns with the command's mission while guiding communication plans from strategy to execution.

Qualifications

• Secret clearance required or able to obtain.
• Minimum of 10 years of public affairs or related field experience.
• DoD Public Affairs experience preferred (USMC).
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including reports, speeches, and press releases.
• Ability to think critically and develop effective strategies.
• Strong project management and ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive public affairs strategy aligned with the organization’s goals.
• Assess external environment and identify trends and opportunities.
• Build relationships with key media outlets, influencers, and stakeholders.
• Oversee crisis communication plans and responses.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and optimize multi-media approaches.
• Keep senior leadership informed of controversial and time-sensitive issues.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing public affairs team and manage resources.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging.
• Plan and execute high-profile events and media outreach.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Public affairs

Crisis communication

Media relations

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/Journalism/Public Relations

Master's degree in a related field

Tools

Media monitoring tools (Meltwater, Cision)

Content management systems

Social media management tools

Job description

The Public Affairs Program Manager, will lead and execute the support of strategic, public affairs communication plans and services that leverage all available communication media and emerging technologies to most effectively communicate Marine Corps System Command (MCSC) story and messaging.
This role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of public affairs, crisis communication, and media relations. The Public Affairs Program Manager will oversee all aspects of MCSC’s public affairs initiatives, from strategic planning to tactical execution, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive public affairs strategy that aligns with MCSC's overall strategic goals.
• Conduct regular assessments of the external environment and identify emerging trends and opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key media outlets, influencers, and stakeholders.
• Oversee the development and execution of crisis communication plans.
• Evaluating public affairs program effectiveness, efficiency, and economy to ensure the most appropriate and cost-effective multi-media communication techniques and approaches are employed.
• Keep senior management, and other required parties advised of controversial and time-sensitive issues.

Team Leadership and Management

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of public affairs professionals.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture.
• Allocate resources effectively to achieve strategic objectives.
• Monitor
and evaluate team performance and provide timely feedback.

Media Relations and Communications

• Support the release of all official information to the news and social media, user forums, communities of interest, as well as the general public.
• Preparing release of information, such as speeches, marketing materials, reports, news articles, feature stories, talking points, campaign plans, press releases, branding material, web and social media content to promote organization's mission and vision.
• Develop and execute proactive media relations strategies.
• Respond to media inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Manage social media channels and digital platforms.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging.

Event Planning and Execution

• Plan and execute high-profile events, such as press conferences, briefings, and community outreach initiatives.
• Manage event logistics, including venue selection, speaker coordination, and media outreach.
• Ensure events are executed flawlessly and achieve desired outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Possess or be able to acquire and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in public affairs, communications, or a related field.
• Mandatory experience in DoD Public Affairs, with a preference for USMC Public Affairs experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write clear and concise reports, speeches, and press releases.
• Ability to think critically, analyze complex issues, and develop effective strategies.
• Proven project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

• Experience in crisis communication and the ability to respond effectively to high-pressure situations.
• Proficiency in relevant software tools, such as media monitoring tools, content management systems, and social media platforms.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Relevant certifications in public relations, crisis communication, or project management.
• Proven leadership experience in managing teams and leading complex projects.
• Experience with media monitoring tools (e.g., Meltwater, Cision).
• Knowledge of government regulations and procurement processes.
• Experience working with the Department of Defense or other government agencies.