Strategic Communications Advisor

Systems Planning & Analysis; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning & Analysis in Alexandria, Virginia is seeking a Strategic Communications Advisor to provide onsite support at the Pentagon. This role involves supporting the Assistant Secretary of War for Cyber Policy and developing strategic communications for defense-related programs.

The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and a Bachelor’s degree in a technical or communications-related field. Candidates must hold an active TS/SCI clearance.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Support the Assistant Secretary of War for Cyber Policy.
• Develop and execute strategic communications.
• Monitor media coverage to identify opinions and strategic opportunities.

Skills

Strategic communications

Stakeholder engagement

Messaging development

Organizational coordination

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. 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 War, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of War, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID offers 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, Department of Commerce, and other agencies to deliver critical decision support to national security leaders. 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, fast-moving office. This role leads the development and execution of strategic communications supporting Defense-wide cyber policy programs, initiatives and policy rollouts, stakeholder engagement, and organizational priorities. Apply proactive communication skills to identify messaging and strategy gaps and apply solutions in a dynamic, collaborative environment. 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. Contribute to strengthening these relationships by translating niche technical information into compelling messaging. Apply familiarity with the inner workings of Congress and preferably have Capitol Hill experience; knowledge of the HAC/HASC/SAC/SASC and the annual appropriations process to identify areas needing additional messaging. 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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, and strategies as they relate to acquisition of complex programs and initiatives.
• 5+ years of experience serving in senior military or departmental/agency staffs with primary responsibilities in organizational or interagency coordination.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Desired Skills and Experience

• 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).
• Familiarity with cyber policy, operations, and technologies.