Senior External Communications Specialist - Public Relations and Government Relations

Senior External Communications Specialist (Public Relations and Government Relations)

General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) has an incredible story to tell. We're a $9 billion, 28,000-person global IT services and technology company. We are a recognized leader in providing solutions for government and commercial sectors. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, we deliver mission-critical technologies that power government agencies, drive commercial enterprises, and secure the nation's most pivotal operations. The Senior External Communications Specialist (Public Relations and Government Relations) will play a key role in executing against the team's goals.

MEANINGFUL WORK AND PERSONAL IMPACT:

• Support the external communications strategy and execution, including planning, messaging, content creation, speaking opportunities, media relations, and government relations.
• Public Relations:
  • Support the development of press materials, including media pitches, press releases, talking points, executive quotes, FAQs, and briefing documents
  • Develop internal briefing materials for external engagements, including media interviews, event speaking opportunities, and briefings with government officials
  • Maintain media lists, track journalist activity, and research newsworthy opportunities or trends
  • Support executive visibility for senior leaders
  • Assist in issues and reputation management communications monitoring, documentation, and message tracking as needed
• Government and Analyst Relations:
  • Support government relations team with policy tracking, monitoring federal activity, preparing briefings for external engagements, and timely policy insights that can inform business decisions
  • Coordinate engagement with industry research firms like IDC, Forrester, and Gartner
• Awards and Recognition Program:
  • Oversee the GDIT awards program, coordinate, submit and track award submissions
  • Lead the promotion of awards externally
• Coordinate closely with the marketing organization teams to ensure alignment on messaging, timing, and priority initiatives
• Manage projects to keep tasks, deadlines, and cross-team collaboration organized and on track
• Deploy AI tools to drive efficiency in the execution of external communications activities

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED: Bring your initiative and drive for innovation to GDIT. The Senior External Communications Specialist must have:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, government, public policy, journalism, public relations, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in media relations, public relations, journalism, government, public policy or related field
• Comfort engaging with trade reporters and media contacts, including in-person and over the phone
• Strong writing and editing skills with attention to detail and clarity
• Familiarity with media monitoring tools; experience producing reports is a plus
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment
• Interest in federal government, defense, national security, technology, and workplace trends
• Location: Hybrid schedule requiring 3 days a week in Falls Church, VA - Headquarters office

Preferred, but not required:

• Experience with Asana or similar project management platforms preferred
• Experience with AI and integrating AI tools into workflows preferred
• Experience working in a government contracting or federal environment preferred