Communications Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

About Akoya

We’re a woman-owned small business that delivers big results in strategic communications. For 25 years, Akoya has thrived in the government consulting landscape helping agencies launch new programs, leverage internal and external support, and drive their missions forward. Our strategic approach to communications increases the quality of services and makes Akoya a comfortable home for motivated communications professionals who value and rely on the idea-sharing and collaboration inherent in our corporate culture.

Communications Specialist

We are hiring a Communications Specialist to support the Transportation Technologies Office (TTO) within the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI). Primary duties include drafting communications materials and executing on strategies that amplify TTO’s programs and research and development outcomes among key stakeholder groups.

The Communications Specialist will be part of an Akoya team reporting to a contract manager. This role is ideal for an experienced stakeholder engagement and communications professional with exceptional writing, external affairs, and strategic communications skills who is adept at translating complex technical topics for a wide range of audiences and liaising across multiple departments and external teams.

While this is a remote work position, the ideal candidate will be based within 50 miles of DOE’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. with the ability to work in the office at least twice a month without needing overnight accommodation.

What You'll Do

• Draft communications products, including press releases, newsletters, website content, event materials, and social media.
• Maintain evergreen webpage content and support the management of website inventory.
• Support the TTO Director with messaging, presentations, and event coordination.
• Contribute background, talking points, and topline messaging to briefing materials for CMEI leadership
• Review draft materials on behalf of National Laboratory staff for accuracy, tone, and message consistency.
• Track and shepherd leadership approvals in coordination with External Affairs and National Laboratories.
• Coordinate with National Laboratories and external partners on joint announcements and events.
• Field press inquiries and support spokespeople with talking points and media prep.
• Develop and/or edit PowerPoint presentations for language, flow, and design.
• Provide communications counsel for office program managers and National Laboratory teams, as needed.
• Demonstrate proactivity in developing stakeholder engagement strategies and proposing solutions for roadblocks.
• Adhere to standard operating procedures and follow Public Affairs guidelines.

Requirements

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least 7 years of experience. Alternatively, must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field and 5 years of experience.
• U.S. citizenship is required with verbal and written fluency in English
• Must be able to receive and maintain a federal security clearance (public trust level)
• Based within 50 miles of the Washington D.C. with the ability to work in the office at least twice a month without needing overnight accommodation.
• Expertise in writing for external communications with a track record of producing client-ready deliverables.
• The ability to work well in a team and manage strong client relationships.

Desired Qualifications

• Prior federal contracting experience is preferred.
• Relevant experience with stakeholder engagement.
• Familiarity with transportation sector issues and technologies is strongly preferred but not required.

Base Compensation

• Base compensation: $105,000 to $115,000 annually. Actual compensation is subject to variation due to factors such as location, education, years of experience, and candidate skillset.

Employee Benefits

Akoya provides generous benefits for its full-time employees including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and profit sharing
• Eleven federal holidays and paid time off
• And more!

Akoya is committed to an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible environment that has a positive effect on the hiring, retention, and ongoing support of all employees. Akoya is an Equal Opportunity Employer and, in compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations, affords equal opportunities for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, age, creed, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.