Senior Communications Specialist (Poly required)

Idsinternational; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

IDS International, through its subsidiary ADG Creative, seeks a Senior Communications Specialist in Columbia, MD, to lead strategic communications and marketing for federal and commercial clients. The role emphasizes executive content, stakeholder engagement, and end-to-end program leadership.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years of experience, a TS/SCI clearance with Full Scope Polygraph, and strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in communications or related field.
• 8+ years of applicable experience preferred.
• Active TS/SCI Clearance with Full Scope Polygraph required.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic communications and marketing initiatives for federal and commercial clients.
• Develop communication strategies, messaging frameworks, and engagement plans for diverse audiences.
• Research, write, and edit executive-level communications products and materials.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to clients, stakeholders, and leadership teams.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to deliver high-quality communications deliverables.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and client relationships.

Skills

Excellent written communication

Client engagement

Project management

Strong presentation skills

Self-starter

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Title

Senior Communications Specialist

Why IDS?

IDS believes in resolving conflict and building innovative approaches to do so. Combining operational expertise with an intimate understanding of today’s greatest challenges, we bring our customers the solutions required for success in a complex and multidimensional world. IDS tailors solutions for a diverse range of government, military, nonprofit, and public-sector clients.

Locations

Columbia, MD

Shifts Available

This is a full-time, on-site position. Candidates must be flexible and available to support occasional evening, weekend, or holiday requirements based on customer and project needs.

Job Description

IDS is seeking an experienced Senior Communications Specialist for ADG Creative, an IDS subsidiary, to lead strategic communications and marketing initiatives for federal and commercial clients. The ideal candidate will serve as a trusted communications advisor, developing communication strategies, executive-level content, stakeholder engagement initiatives, and outreach efforts that support organizational and client objectives. This position requires exceptional communication skills, strong client-facing experience, and the ability to manage complex communications initiatives from planning through execution.

Key Duties

• Lead the development and execution of strategic communications and marketing initiatives supporting client and organizational objectives.
• Develop communication strategies, messaging frameworks, and engagement plans for diverse audiences.
• Research, write, and edit executive-level communications products, including presentations, briefings, white papers, talking points, articles, reports, marketing content, and outreach materials.
• Serve as a strategic communications advisor to clients, stakeholders, and leadership teams.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and stakeholders to develop high-quality communications products and deliverables.
• Lead communications efforts supporting change management, outreach, workforce development, and organizational initiatives.
• Facilitate discovery sessions, workshops, meetings, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Provide strategic guidance and recommendations to support communications and marketing objectives.
• Assist in managing project schedules, budgets, customer relationships, and service delivery requirements.
• Ensure all communications products align with brand standards and maintain consistency in style, quality, and messaging.
• Adhere to established standards, best practices, and processes for content creation, quality control, delivery, and content repurposing.
• Present communications strategies, concepts, and recommendations effectively to clients and senior leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant communications, marketing, public affairs, strategic communications, or related experience preferred.
• Active TS/SCI Clearance with Full Scope Polygraph required.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic communications initiatives.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and leadership.
• Strong organizational, project management, and client engagement skills.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.
• Self-starter with the ability to operate independently and provide strategic leadership.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Writing samples required.

Compensation

• $90,000 - $110,000 annually
• Benefits

Employee may be required to occasionally lift and/or move moderate amounts of weight, typically less than 20 pounds, but may vary depending on the position. Regular and predictable attendance is essential.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local law.

If you are unable to apply through the portal and need to speak to someone about necessary accommodations to apply, please email [e-mail] and we will follow up with you. Do not submit resumes and applications through this email.