Sr. Public Affairs / Communication Specialist

UICGS / Bowhead Family of Companies; Patuxent Highland (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Bowhead Family of Companies seeks a Sr. Public Affairs / Communication Specialist to support the NAVAIR contract in Patuxent River, MD.

The role develops strategic internal and external communications to strengthen visibility, engage stakeholders, and maintain a consistent public image. Responsibilities include creating newsletters in SharePoint Online, drafting press materials, guiding media inquiries, and coordinating leadership communications.

Qualifications

• Ten+ years of experience in public affairs, communications, media relations, or related field.
• Master's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public affairs, or a related discipline; Bachelor's degree plus 2 years’ experience may substitute.
• Experience with SharePoint Online and multimedia content development.
• Strong understanding of media relations, internal communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to assess public sentiment and communication trends across digital platforms.
• Ability to manage complex communication programs and produce high-quality written content.

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 align with objectives.
• Create, curate, and publish newsletters and executive communications for media channels.
• Prepare content for distribution to media channels and respond to inquiries.
• Manage digital and social media efforts to monitor engagement and sentiment.
• Coordinate the organization’s internal awards program and communication cycles.
• Support steering groups and leadership boards with scheduling, correspondence, and documentation.
• Arrange interviews, briefings, and public appearances for senior leadership.
• Develop speeches or executive messaging for major initiatives and events.

Skills

Strategic communication

Content development

Program coordination

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Social media management

Digital analytics

Education

MA/MS in communications or related field

Tools

SharePoint Online

Job description

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.

• 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.
• 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.