Senior Research Specialist - TS/SCI

Xcelerate Solutions; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Research Specialist to lead strategic communication efforts within the GovCon sector. This role involves collaborating with internal teams and external agencies to ensure message consistency and support for engagements. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in DoD policy, project management, and communication, with a strong ability to manage complex projects and provide technical guidance. Join a dynamic team committed to excellence and innovation, where your contributions will drive impactful communication strategies and enhance organizational capabilities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in DoD policy and logistics.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects and manage expectations.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic communication efforts for diverse audiences.
• Manage organizational communication to support strategic objectives.

Skills

DoD Policy

Project Management

Customer Service

Technical Guidance

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Job description

Senior Research Specialist

Location: Arlington, VA

Clearance: TS/SCI Clearance

Description

Join our award-winning organization and collaborate with talented professionals in the GovCon industry. As a Senior Research Specialist, you will coordinate with internal teams and external agencies to align communication efforts with strategic goals, ensuring message consistency and logistical support for engagements domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

1. Lead strategic communication efforts, including content recommendations, and oversee the creation of presentations, speeches, and papers, ensuring alignment with leadership's intent for technical and non-technical audiences.
2. Manage organizational communication to target audiences, ensuring messages support strategic objectives.
3. Develop and implement programs to increase awareness of organizational capabilities through publications, briefings, and reports.
4. Improve standard communication planning tools, adapting strategies based on leadership feedback.
5. Provide counsel on scheduling and prioritizing speaking engagements and events, coordinating with Public Affairs, General Counsel, and support teams.
6. Assess and optimize the effectiveness of communication initiatives, making adjustments as needed.
7. Lead and manage a team responsible for communications and logistics, ensuring project completion and resource efficiency.
8. Advise on technical content to enhance presentation effectiveness on DoD initiatives.
9. Collaborate with senior leaders to craft and refine briefings, speeches, and papers for diverse audiences.
10. Create draft products translating high-level guidance into clear, technical content.
11. Communicate organizational strategies, linking technical activities to broader missions.
12. Coordinate joint communication efforts with other agencies, ensuring alignment with leadership guidance.
13. Develop and oversee standardized communication tools to maintain consistency.
14. Monitor and evaluate communication effectiveness, providing feedback for improvement.
15. Adjust communication strategies based on leadership feedback to stay aligned with priorities.
16. Lead rapid response efforts to policy changes impacting strategic communication.
17. Draft organizational content such as weekly reports, Congressional testimony, newsletters, and strategy messages.
18. Guide messaging and logistics for organizational meetings like All-Hands or Town Halls.
19. Implement programs to raise awareness of organizational capabilities among internal and external audiences.
20. Coordinate logistics, security clearances, and communication for leadership engagements domestically and internationally.
21. Advise on prioritization and management of speaking engagements, ensuring strategic alignment.

Requirements

• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
• At least 10 years of experience in DoD policy, product support, and logistics
• Experience supporting senior executives, within DoD and federal agencies
• Proven ability to lead complex projects and provide technical guidance
• Experience managing customer expectations and working directly with clients
• Exceptional customer service, judgment, creativity, and confidence
• Ability to multi-task across multiple projects

Desired

• Master's degree from an accredited university

About Xcelerate Solutions

Founded in 2009, headquartered in McLean, VA, Xcelerate Solutions is recognized as one of America's fastest-growing companies, with multiple Inc. 5000 listings. We hold ISO 9001, ISO 27001, and ISO 20000-1 certifications, and our processes are assessed at CMMI SVC Level 3. We are committed to delivering excellence and fostering a strong company culture. Learn more on our YouTube Channel.

Xcelerate Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics. We provide reasonable accommodations for disabilities and religious beliefs. In accordance with EO 13665, we do not discriminate against employees or applicants discussing or disclosing pay information.

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a government clearance. US citizenship is required.