Research & Communications Analyst - Critical Infrastructure

nexightgroup; Silver Spring (MD); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid parental leave

HSA contributions by company

401(k) contributions by company

Profit sharing

Annual bonus program

Job summary

Nexight Group in Silver Spring, MD is seeking a Research and Communications Analyst to support federal clients in critical infrastructure protection. The role blends independent work with close collaboration, requiring quick learning across diverse technical topics and clear, engaging writing for executives, policymakers, and technical audiences.

This is a hybrid position with semi-regular client-site visits to Arlington, VA; fully remote work is possible case-by-case.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, History, English, Political Science, Public Policy, Economics, liberal arts, or related fields.
• Or a related scientific/engineering degree with demonstrated writing for non-technical audiences.
• At least 1 year of professional experience; or 5 years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Must attain Public Trust security clearance (US citizenship required).
• Strong attention to detail and entrepreneurial, self-driven mindset.

Responsibilities

• Develop knowledge and analysis in cybersecurity, resilience, and critical infrastructure topics.
• Write concise, engaging content for diverse audiences including technical experts and policymakers.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research to produce insightful synthesis.
• Draft and edit talking points, memos, meeting notes, presentations, and briefs.
• Support face-to-face client meetings with managers and executives.
• Demonstrate strong task, time, and project management.
• Collaborate effectively in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.

Skills

MS Office

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/Journalism/History/English/Political Science/Public Policy/Economics/Liberal Arts

Engineering/Mathematics/Manufacturing/related science degree with writing experience

Job description

Research and Communications Analyst - Critical Infrastructure

Nexight Group is seeking a recent graduate or early career professional with experience in research, synthesis, and writing projects and demonstrated skill in quickly becoming conversant in diverse technical subject matter.

This role will primarily support federal clients working in the field of critical infrastructure protection. Working both independently and in close collaboration with teammates and clients, the position requires excellent discretion and the ability to quickly convey information from an array of sources to deliver clear and compelling writing products. Successful applicants will have experience conducting open-source research, offering critical analysis, synthesizing information, and writing original and engaging content that accurately communicates complex information—from short summaries and talking points to in-depth studies.

Nexight Group is a small technical and management consulting firm that serves a variety of customers in many topic areas. Adaptability, critical thinking, curiosity, and taking pride in hard work are all equally important to skills and subject matter expertise. Nexight has curated a culture of professionals striving to do good work together. To learn more about the company, please visit our careers page.

Applicants should have the necessary skills to perform the following job responsibilities:

• Develop knowledge, expertise, and analysis in a variety of new subject areas related to cybersecurity, resilience, and critical infrastructure
• Write concise, engaging, and accurate content for a variety of products and audiences—including technical experts, executives, policymakers, and the general public
• Perform quantitative and qualitative research to develop accurate and insightful synthesis and analysis on a variety of technical subjects
• Draft, research, and edit talking points, memos, meeting notes, presentations, factsheets, summary reports, briefings, and other forms of stakeholder-facing products
• Support and participate in face-to-face meetings with clients, middle- or higher-level managers, and executives
• Exercise sound task management, organization, and time management practices
• Work effectively both independently and in collaboration with teammates in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment
• Demonstrate excellent communication and critical thinking skills

This is a hybrid position. Our headquarters is in Silver Spring, MD and staff are expected to make semi-regular visits to client sites in Arlington, VA. Fully remote work is permitted on a case-by-case basis.

Summary of Qualifications

Minimum

• One of the following combinations of education and experience:
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, History, English, Political Science, Public Policy, Economics, general Liberal Arts programs, or related fields
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, manufacturing, or related scientific fields with demonstrated experience writing for non-technical audiences
• At least 1 year of professional experience
• In lieu of degree requirements, the equivalent of 5 years of relevant professional experience
• Strict attention to detail with minimal oversight required
• An entrepreneurial spirit that realizes value in all tasks, large and small, likes to learn by doing, and desires continuous improvement and innovation
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Must be able to attain a Public Trust security clearance (including criminal and financial background check and proof of U.S. citizenship)

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in a writing-heavy discipline with more than 1 year of relevant experience
• Previous professional experience in a policy analysis, consulting, project management, client-facing role, or federal agency role
• Knowledge and previous use of style guides and editorial judgement
• Direct experience researching/writing on topics related to national security, cybersecurity, and/or critical infrastructure

Anticipated salary range is $65,000-$85,000 and subject to negotiation.

All full-time employees of Nexight Group receive a competitive salary and attractive benefits, including:

• medical, dental, and vison insurance
• paid parental leave
• company contributions to employee health savings accounts (HSAs)
• company 401(k) contributions
• profit sharing
• an annual bonus program