Communication Strategist/ DOD Experience/ Washington DC Area

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview: 

The Communication Strategist will serve as a key onsite resource supporting our DOD client. This individual will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and executing strategic communication plans that advance DOD's mission, reinforce readiness, and strengthen public trust. The role requires a deep understanding of DOD's operations, messaging priorities, and the evolving global information environment. 

The ideal candidate will possess demonstrated expertise in public affairs, campaign planning, and stakeholder engagement, and will work closely with client's leadership, subject matter experts, and military units to synchronize messaging efforts across digital, traditional, and internal communication channels. 

 

Core Responsibilities:

Strategic Communication Planning 

• Develop, lead, and execute comprehensive, multi-channel communication plans aligned with DOD priorities and client's objectives. 

• Translate complex DOD initiatives into clear, compelling messages tailored to specific audiences (internal, public, partner, and adversary-facing). 

• Integrate strategic messaging across DOD campaigns, ensuring consistency, timeliness, and relevance. 

Stakeholder and Interagency Coordination 

• Collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders, including DOD commands, DoD counterparts, and interagency partners to ensure synchronized messaging. 

• Provide communication counsel to senior leaders and staff on policy rollouts, DOD programs, and public engagements. 

Messaging and Content Strategy 

• Draft messaging frameworks, themes, and talking points to support DOD campaigns, high-profile events, and strategic initiatives. 

• Shape content strategies for external-facing platforms and internal communication tools.

Monitoring and Evaluation 

• Monitor communication effectiveness using performance metrics, sentiment analysis, and stakeholder feedback. 

• Recommend adjustments to strategies and content based on real-time data, media coverage, and strategic assessments. 

Situational Response 

• Support rapid communication planning and crisis response efforts related to DOD operations, national security issues, or reputational threats. 

• Contribute to the development of contingency messaging, public statements, and internal communications during high-visibility incidents. 
  
   

Required Qualifications: 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Journalism, Strategic Communication, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. .

Experience: 

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in public affairs, strategic communication, or media relations. 

• Minimum of 5 years supporting military or federal agencies in a communication strategy or senior advisory capacity. 

• Demonstrated success managing multi-faceted communication campaigns. 

Skills & Competencies: 

• Strong understanding of DoD communication protocols, public affairs doctrine, and the information environment. 

• Proficiency in messaging development, campaign integration, and performance measurement. 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. 

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and in a highly collaborative environment. 

• Familiarity with digital platforms, social media strategy, and analytics tools. 

Desirable Attributes: 

• Previous experience working onsite at the Pentagon or within a DOD command headquarters. 

• Knowledge of DOD structure, chain of command, and key communication challenges. 

• Ability to distill complex policy or operational language into public-facing narratives. 

• Active Secret Clearance (preferred). 

Key Outcomes: 

• Delivery of effective strategic communication plans aligned with DOD priorities. 

• Enhanced public understanding and trust in DOD initiatives and capabilities. 

• Strengthened message integration across OCPA campaigns, DOD components, and external partners. 

• Rapid, credible, and unified responses during emerging communication crises. 

Clearance Required: Public Trust (or ability to obtain)

Location:  The Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

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