Strategic Communications Advisor

Arenatechnologies; Alexandria, Arlington (VA, VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Arenatechnologies is seeking a Strategic Communications Advisor to provide onsite support in the Pentagon. The candidate will support the Assistant Secretary of War for Cyber Policy and lead the development of strategic communications related to Defense-wide cyber policy programs.

Applicants should have over 7 years of experience in strategic communications, knowledge of DoW acquisition processes, and an active TS/SCI clearance. This role requires exceptional stakeholder engagement skills and onsite presence based on client needs.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of demonstrated experience in strategic communications.
• Experience with DoW acquisition and legislative affairs.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Support the Assistant Secretary of War for Cyber Policy.
• Lead the development and execution of strategic communications.
• Provide meaningful insights on stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Strategic communications

Stakeholder engagement

Messaging development

Legislative affairs processes

DoW acquisition experience

Knowledge of DoD fiscal priorities

Congressional communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical or communications-related field

Job description

Overview

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.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of War, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of War, 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 War (DOW), 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 an upcoming need for a Strategic Communications Advisor to provide onsite support out of the Pentagon.

Responsibilities

The candidate will support the Assistant Secretary of War for Cyber Policy within the Office of Under Secretary of War for Policy. Serve as a trusted advisor supporting leadership and stakeholder engagement activities for a high-visibility and fast-moving office. This role leads the development and execution of strategic communications supporting Defense-wide cyber policy programs, initiative and policy rollouts, stakeholder engagement, and organizational priorities. Apply abilites as a proactive communicator who identifies messaging and strategy gaps and applies solutions in a dynamic, collaborative environment, and resourcefulness when facing knowledge gaps and able to quickly ingest new information and build trust and strong working relationships. Provide meaningful insight on effective internal and external stakeholder engagement, recommending specific messaging actions that advance organizational priorities with Congressional, Executive Branch, industry, defense thought leaders, media, and public stakeholders, and contributes to strengthening these relationships by translating niche, technical information into compelling messaging. Apply familiarity with the inner workings of Congress and preferably has Capitol Hill experience; knowledge of the HAC/HASC/SAC/SASC, and the annual appropriations process, using this expertise to identify areas needing additional messaging supported by analysis to align with budget cycles. Monitor media coverage to identify prevailing opinions, misconceptions, sentiment, and strategic opportunities; optimize communications by creating structured strategic messaging and engagement plans that foster alignment and informed decision-making.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in a technical or communications-related field.
• Demonstrable experience with DoW acquisition; Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution; and legislative affairs processes.
• 7+ years of demonstrated experience in strategic communications, targeted messaging development, funding proposal development, and key stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated understanding of DoD fiscal and resource priorities, processes acquisition of complex programs and initiatives.
• 5+ years of experience serving in senior military or departmental/agency staffs in which primary responsibilities included organizational or interagency coordination.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Desired:

• Experience providing strategic communications support within OSW or Defense secretariate-level organizations.
• Experience with other related Government and Government-adjacent stakeholders (e.g. White House Office of Management and Budget, non-profit public policy organizations/think tanks, and Fortune 500 defense contractors).
• Familiar with cyber policy, operations, and technologies.