Strategic Communication and Legislative Policy Analyst

Systems Planning & Analysis; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) is seeking a Strategic Communication and Legislative Policy Analyst to support the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial and Investment Security.

The role focuses on strategic messaging, stakeholder engagement, and congressional liaison to advance program priorities. The candidate will monitor congressional correspondence, hearings, and reports, producing weekly updates and briefing materials while translating complex policy into

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, international relations or related field.
• 7+ years of strategic communications experience with media monitoring and messaging.
• Experience with Congressional budgeting/authorization processes and relevant committees.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Onsite work required at client locations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic communications and Congressional analysis for DoD-related programs.
• Develop internal/external messaging and engagement plans for stakeholders and Congress.
• Monitor congressional activity, prepare status updates and briefings.
• Translate technical information into clear, actionable materials.

Skills

Strategic communications

Congressional analysis

Media monitoring

Stakeholder engagement

Policy writing

TS/SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, international relations

Job description

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues. The Industry and Security Analysis Group (ISAG) within JOID provides analytical, technical, and program support to promote, grow, and protect the U.S. industrial base. ISAG’s support spans the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Commerce, and other agencies to deliver critical decision support to national security leaders. Our team informs policy decisions, enables execution of comprehensive strategies and monitors and reports on the effectiveness of implementation. This enables senior leaders to execute strategies for developing and sustaining a robust industrial base that meets our nation’s strategic resource objectives. From policy to practice, we are a team of economic and national security professionals providing innovative solutions for our Nation’s most pressing security challenges. We have immediate need for a Strategic Communication and Legislative Policy Analyst to provide onsite support out of the Mark Center or Pentagon.

Responsibilities

The candidate will provide Strategic Communications and Congressional analysis for the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial and Investment Security (I2S). This position serves as a trusted advisor supporting DASW (I2S) engagement with DoW leaders, Military departments, interagency stakeholders, and Congress. The candidate will assist I2S in developing effective internal and external stakeholder engagement, recommending specific messaging actions that advance program priorities with Congressional, industry, professional associations, and media stakeholders, and contribute to strengthening these relationships by translating technical information into compelling messaging. The candidate will monitor Congressional correspondence (letters from Members of Congress or committees, requests for information, requests for legislative proposal reviews), hearings, markups, and reports related to I2S. Will prepare weekly legislative status updates, synopsis reports, and ad-hoc briefings to explain how proposed legislation and oversight may impact I2S priorities, and maintain a central repository of official statements, responses to Advance Policy Questions (APQ), and Questions for the Record (QFR).

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, international relations, or a related field
• 7+ years of demonstrated experience in strategic communications that highlights proficiency in media monitoring to identify prevailing opinions, misconceptions, sentiment, and strategic opportunities; able to optimize communications by creating structured strategic messaging and engagement plans that foster alignment and informed decision‑making
• Demonstrated experience in Congressional budgeting and procurement processes, and knowledge of the HAC/HASC/SAC/SASC, and the annual defense authorizations and appropriations processes
• Strong research, writing, and synthesis skills, with the ability to turn complex concepts into clear, actionable products
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs

Desired

• Experience supporting DoD, a Service headquarters, or a Congressional committee with strategic communication expertise
• Familiarity with legislative cycles, authorization and appropriations processes, and Government Accountability Office (GAO), Congressional Research Service, and think‑tank reporting
• Experience with speechwriting for senior executives
• Familiarity with governmental public affairs policies and processes, specifically, The Defense Office of Prepublication and Security Review (DOPSR)

Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $150,000.00/Yr. - USD $170,000.00/Yr.