Senior Communications Specialist

Description DarkStar Intelligence is seeking Senior Communications Specialist onsite in McLean, VA. Supports the Intelligence Community customer by leading strategic communications support, including the development, preparation, production, coordination, and editing of high-visibility products. Serves as an independent self-starter and communications SME who can plan and execute work with minimal oversight. Responsible for end-to-end support for strategic communications requirements, including logistics, writing, collection, coordination, and delivery of the Weekly Activity Report, as well as internal and external event support. Collaborates closely with design and web teams to ensure accurate, timely information flow across platforms and products. Responsibilities Leads strategic communications support for customer requirements, including strategy and planning documents, leadership messaging, talking points, speeches, remarks, and executive communications. Owns the Weekly Activity Report lifecycle, including collecting inputs, drafting/editing content, coordinating reviews, managing version control, and delivering final products on schedule. Supports internal and external events by coordinating logistics, developing messaging and supporting materials, and producing post-event summaries or follow-on communications as needed. Serves as the primary author for fact sheets, articles, email messaging, newsletter content, marketing copy, website content, and other communications products, as required. Prepares assignments and drafts based on input from subject matter experts and leadership direction. Researches, writes, edits, formats, and conducts quality checks for products intended for hardcopy and electronic publication, including dissemination across multiple platforms. Ensures accuracy, consistency, readability, tone, and accessibility compliance appropriate to the medium and audience. Rewrites and refines submissions to improve organization, clarity, grammar, and flow while maintaining intent and tradecraft standards. Prepares and edits speeches, scripts, testimony materials, and formal statements for senior executives for live or recorded delivery. Advises and coaches leadership on messaging clarity and presentation delivery when requested. Requirements Active TS/SCI with CI-Polygraph security clearance. Bachelor’s degree and 18+ years of relevant experience, 10+ with a Masters or 24+ years of relevant experience without a degree. Demonstrated experience producing executive-level communications, including leadership messaging, talking points, speeches, and written products for senior audiences. Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly and simply. Proven ability to operate independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality products under time constraints. Experience coordinating across stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams, including design and web support. Familiarity with accessibility and publication standards and applying them to written and web-based products. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration tools (e.g., MS Teams, SharePoint). Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud tools to support content development and coordination. Salary Range $115,000 - $155,000 per year This pay range is a general guideline and not a guarantee of specific compensation or salary. When extending an offer, DarkStar Intelligence considers various factors, including (but not limited to) the job's responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, market data alignment, applicable bargaining agreements (if any), and other relevant laws. Who We Are DarkStar Intelligence delivers mission-critical support to national security operations across intelligence, cybersecurity, technology, and operational support domains. We partner with government customers to strengthen decision advantage, enhance operational readiness, and advance mission success in complex and evolving threat environments. Why Work at DarkStar? At DarkStar Intelligence, you’ll contribute directly to high-impact national security missions while growing your professional capabilities in a collaborative, performance-driven environment. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for continuous development within a mission-focused team culture. ADA Accommodations Statement DarkStar Intelligence is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement DarkStar Intelligence is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. E-Verify Participation DarkStar Intelligence participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees in accordance with applicable law. Benefits Overview DarkStar Intelligence offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include: Medical, dental, and vision coverage Paid time off (PTO) and holidays 401(k) retirement plan options Professional development and training opportunities #J-18808-Ljbffr