Strategic Communications Lead

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. Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

Comprising over 125 personnel, the Integrated Warfare Systems Group (IWSG) delivers expertise in program and project management, acquisition and contracting, systems and digital engineering, software development, test and evaluation, sustainment and life cycle management, cybersecurity, international/Foreign Military Sales, strategic communications, and IT services. These capabilities support more than 100 Above Water Sensor, Undersea, and Combat System programs and projects within the Navy's Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS), as well as clients in PEO Ships, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), and the Office of Naval Research (ONR).


Responsibilities

The candidate will support the Strategic Communications team within a major NAVSEA Program Office. This position serves as a trusted advisor supporting leadership and stakeholder engagement activities for a high-visibility, busy major weapons systems acquisition program. This role leads the development and execution of strategic communications supporting acquisition programs, modernization initiatives, congressional engagement, and organizational priorities.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Well-rounded, proactive communicator who identifies messaging gaps and applies solutions in a dynamic, collaborative environment; resourceful when facing knowledge gaps and able to quickly ingest new information and build trust and strong working relationships.
• Able to provide meaningful insight on effective internal and external stakeholder engagement, recommending specific messaging actions that advance program priorities with Congressional, industry, professional association, and media stakeholders, and contributes to strengthening these relationships by translating technical information into compelling messaging.
• Familiar with the inner workings of Congress and preferably has Capitol Hill experience; knowledge of the HAC/HASC/SAC/SASC, and the annual appropriations process, using this expertise to identify areas needing additional messaging supported by analysis to align with budget cycles.
• Proficient in monitoring media coverage to identify prevailing opinions, misconceptions, sentiment, and strategic opportunities; able to optimize communications by creating structured strategic messaging and engagement plans that foster alignment and informed decision-making.

The primary work location for this position will be SPA's Washington, DC office at 20 M Street, SE and will require regular visits to the client location at the Washington Navy Yard (WNY), though a hybrid work option is available for well-qualified candidates.

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.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.

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. DC Pay Transparency Range: $120k-$140k.


Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a technical or communications-related field.
• Demonstrated experience in Congressional budgeting and procurement processes, development, and oversight.
• 7+ years' 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.
• DoD Secret clearance, and the ability to maintain it throughout employment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience providing strategic communications support within PEO IWS Directorates or similar NAVSEA 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).