Strategic Tech Communications Principal

MITRE; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 148,000 - 222,000; Full time

Job summary

MITRE in McLean, VA, seeks a senior, technically fluent communications leader to serve as the communications Principal for MITRE Technology and Engineering. You will develop end-to-end communications strategy and translate complex applied science and engineering into clear, credible narratives for sponsors, policy stakeholders, and partners.

This role demands executive-level credibility, hands-on writing, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams, measure impact, and advocate for reusable

Qualifications

• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 8 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 5 years’ experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications strategies for complex organizations, portfolios, programs, or mission areas, including narrative development, audience strategy, channel planning, content execution, executive communications, stakeholder engagement, and measurement.
• Experience translating technical, scientific, scientific, engineering, policy, or mission-oriented information into clear and compelling communications for non-technical audiences.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to produce executive-ready content under tight timelines.
• Ability to advise senior leaders and operate with credibility, discretion, and sound judgment in executive-level settings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the communications for MTE including audience planning, channel strategy, content execution, executive support, stakeholder engagement, measurement, and after-action improvement.
• Shape proactive communications campaigns around priority science, technology, and innovation topics including AI, quantum, cyber, space, engineering, labs, and platforms.
• Translate complex technical content into clear communications products, including executive messaging, talking points, briefing materials, web content, stories, releases, and FAQs.
• Serve as a strategic communications advisor to MTE executives, leaders, Fellows, and subject matter experts on messaging, stakeholder engagement, and risk.
• Coordinate across Communications and External Affairs to align messaging across channels and functions.
• Define and track practical measures of communications effectiveness, such as message pull-through and audience understanding.
• Operate as the embedded communications principal for MTE while connecting back to the broader Communications function.

Skills

Strategic communications

Executive messaging

Stakeholder engagement

Storytelling

Policy sensitivity

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field

Job description

MITRE in McLean, VA, seeks a senior, technically fluent communications leader to serve as the communications Principal for MITRE Technology and Engineering. You will develop end-to-end communications strategy and translate complex applied science and engineering into clear, credible narratives for sponsors, policy stakeholders, and partners.

This role demands executive-level credibility, hands-on writing, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams, measure impact, and advocate for reusable