Strategic Communications Analyst

Arenatechnologies; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) is seeking a Strategic Communications Analyst in Virginia to develop talking points, briefings and outreach materials for senior leaders and external audiences.

The role focuses on arms control, deterrence, and related topics, shaping the Air Force narrative with clear, impactful messaging. Requirements include a Bachelor’s in communications or related field, 8+ years in strategic communications or public affairs, and an active Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in communications, public affairs, international relations, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in strategic communications or public affairs, ideally defense/national security.
• Strong writing and storytelling skills for senior leaders.
• Active Secret clearance and ability to maintain it.

Responsibilities

• Plan and produce talking points, briefings, summaries, and outreach materials for internal and external use.
• Translate technical content into clear, compelling messages for senior decision-makers, Congress, and partners.
• Map stakeholders and tailor communication strategies to different audiences.
• Support planning and execution of events, workshops, and engagements related to arms control and foreign clearance topics.

Skills

Strong writing

Storytelling

Audience tailoring

Senior-level communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications or 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 SLA Analysis Group’s mission is to deliver objective analyses, plans and strategies to US Navy, US Marine Corps, USAF, other DoD, and Australian Defence Force clients to support technology development, acquisition, delivery and sustainment decisions. The group provides the core of SPA thought leadership on Undersea Strategy, Software Development and Cost Estimating, with additional benchmark capabilities in AI/ML & Decision Analytics, Modeling and Simulation, and Future Force Assessments.

SPA has a need for a Strategic Communications Analyst to develop and manage communication products that explain arms control, access, and deterrence issues to senior leaders and broader audiences. This role helps shape and protect the Air Force narrative on sensitive topics. #MC

Responsibilities

The Strategic Communications Analyst plans and produces talking points, briefings, summaries, and outreach materials for internal and external use. They translate technical and policy content into clear, compelling messages suited to senior decision‑makers, Congress, and partners. They help map key stakeholders and tailor communication strategies to different audiences. They also support planning and execution of events, workshops, and engagements tied to arms control and foreign clearance topics.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public affairs, international relations, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or related work, ideally on defense or national security topics
• Strong writing and storytelling skills, with experience preparing materials for senior leaders
• Active Secret clearance and the ability to maintain it throughout employment

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in strategic communications on defense, national security, or international policy issues
• Familiarity with legislative, media, or stakeholder engagement environments

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.

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 $130,000.00/Yr. - USD $180,000.00/Yr.