Sr. Public Affairs / Communication Specialist

UIC Arctic Response Services, LLC; Maryland; On-site; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Bowhead is seeking a Sr. Public Affairs / Communication Specialist to support the NAVAIR contract in Patuxent River, MD. The role focuses on strategic internal and external communications to strengthen visibility, engage stakeholders, and maintain a strong public image.

The position requires a seasoned communications professional with expertise in strategy, content development, and program coordination, including drafting press materials and managing digital channels.

Qualifications

• Ten or more years of relevant experience in public affairs, communications, media relations, or related field.
• MA/MS degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public affairs, or related discipline.
• Ability to manage complex communication programs and produce high-quality written content.
• Strong understanding of media relations, internal communications, stakeholder engagement, and digital communication tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement internal and external communication strategies that support organizational goals.
• Maintain and reinforce the organization’s corporate image and identity through consistent messaging and branding.
• Assess advertising, promotion, and public engagement activities to ensure alignment with communication objectives.
• Create, curate, and publish a monthly CUI newsletter on SharePoint Online, including leadership messages and internal features.
• Draft press releases, speeches, talking points, and executive communication materials.
• Prepare content for distribution to media channels and respond to media inquiries.
• Manage digital and social media efforts to monitor engagement and assess public sentiment.
• Coordinate the organization’s internal awards program, including communication cycles and event support.
• Arrange interviews, briefings, and public appearances for senior leadership.
• Develop speeches or executive messaging to support major organizational initiatives and events.

Skills

Public affairs

Communications strategy

Media relations

Content development

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master's degree in communications or related field

Bachelor’s degree + 2 years experience substituting for Master’s

Tools

SharePoint Online

Job description

Overview

SR. PUBLIC AFFAIRS / COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST (NAVAIR):

Bowhead seeks a Sr. Public Affairs / Communication Specialist to support the NAVAIR contract located in Patuxent River, MD. The Sr. Public Affairs / Communication Specialist will provide strategic internal and external communications to strengthen organizational visibility, enhance stakeholder engagement, and maintain a consistent public image. This role requires a highly experienced communications professional with demonstrated expertise in communication strategy, content development, and program coordination.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute internal and external communication strategies that support organizational goals.
• Maintain and reinforce the organization’s corporate image and identity through consistent messaging and branding.
• Assess advertising, promotion, and public engagement activities to ensure alignment with communication objectives.
• Create, curate, and publish a monthly Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) newsletter on SharePoint Online, including:

• • A message from senior leadership
  • "Get to Know Us" spotlight features highlighting team or program personnel
  • A selection of 5-7 relevant news articles sourced internally and externally
  • Interactive engagement elements with a non-monetary prize system

• Draft press releases, speeches, talking points, and executive communication materials.
• Prepare content for distribution to media channels and respond to media inquiries.
• Manage digital and social media efforts to monitor engagement and assess public sentiment.
• Coordinate the organization’s internal awards program, including communication cycles, recognition activities, and event support.
• Support steering groups, leadership boards, or similar organizational committees, including scheduling, correspondence, documentation, and communication products.
• Arrange interviews, briefings, and public appearances for senior leadership.
• Develop speeches or executive messaging to support major organizational initiatives and events.

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten (10+) years of relevant experience in public affairs, communications, media relations, or a related field.
• MA/MS degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public affairs, or a related discipline. (Bachelor’s Degree plus 2 years additional work experience may be substituted for a Master’s Degree).
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex communication programs and produce high-quality written content.
• Strong understanding of media relations, internal communications, stakeholder engagement, and digital communication tools.
• Experience with SharePoint Online and multimedia content development.
• Ability to assess public sentiment and communication trends across digital platforms.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift up to 15 to 25 pounds
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
• Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

Target salary range is between $90,000 - $105,000 commensurate with experience.

Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Bowhead considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and business considerations when extending an offer.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to maintain a clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

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