National Security Public Relations Lead

About the role

Guidehouse is seeking a Public Relations / Strategic Communications Lead to serve as a senior communications advisor and primary liaison between government leadership, program stakeholders, communications personnel, and the project team. The Lead will develop and execute communications strategies that advance program priorities and mission objectives for a federal government client.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated communications and public relations strategies, including key messaging, communications plans, stakeholder engagement strategies, public‑facing content, executive communications, outreach materials, talking points, presentations, and other communications products.
• Translate complex program and policy information into clear, accurate, and compelling messages tailored to internal and external audiences.
• Provide strategic counsel on communications, branding, reputation management, audience engagement, and communications campaigns.
• Coordinate closely with the Lead Graphic Designer and Visual Communications Analysts to ensure messaging and visual products are integrated, consistent, audience‑appropriate, and aligned with brand standards.
• Support communications surrounding high‑visibility initiatives, stakeholder engagements, events, program announcements, outreach campaigns, and emerging communications needs.
• Draft and review communications products; develop communications calendars; coordinate content approvals; monitor stakeholder feedback.
• Identify communications risks and opportunities and recommend approaches to improve effectiveness and reach.
• Operate effectively in a fast‑paced federal environment, managing multiple priorities and short‑turnaround requests while collaborating with senior government stakeholders.

Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD “Public Trust” (candidates must obtain approved adjudication prior to onboarding; active Public Trust or Suitability preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Affairs, or a related field.
• Five (5) or more years of professional experience in public relations, strategic communications, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, or a related field.
• Experience leading communications or public relations activities, including development and execution of communications strategies, campaigns, and stakeholder engagement efforts.
• Demonstrated experience creating high‑quality communications products such as communications plans, key messages, talking points, executive communications, briefing materials, web/digital content, outreach materials, and presentations.
• Experience translating complex, technical, policy, or mission‑related information into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences.
• Experience working directly with senior leaders and stakeholders to identify communications requirements, develop messaging, and coordinate reviews and approvals.
• Ability to manage multiple communications priorities, coordinate across cross‑functional teams, and deliver high‑quality products under tight deadlines.
• Travel requirement up to 10%.
• Clearance required (Public Trust).

Preferred Qualifications

• Active and maintained DHS Public Trust.
• Experience supporting communications, public affairs, or public relations activities within DHS, federal law enforcement, or another federal agency.
• Experience supporting large‑scale or high‑visibility communications and public outreach campaigns.
• Experience developing communications strategies targeting multiple stakeholder groups and public audiences.
• Experience supporting media relations, public affairs, executive communications, or external affairs functions.
• Experience developing communications calendars, campaign plans, messaging frameworks, toolkits, FAQs, talking points, and stakeholder engagement materials.
• Experience collaborating with graphic designers, digital communications professionals, and content developers to create integrated visual and written communications products.
• Experience supporting web, social media, digital communications, events, stakeholder outreach, or public information campaigns.
• Experience establishing processes for content development, review, approval, quality control, and release.
• Knowledge of federal communications requirements and experience working within a high‑visibility law enforcement or national security environment.

Benefits

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
• Discretionary variable incentive bonus (position may be eligible)
• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Basic Life & Supplemental Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short‑Term & Long‑Term Disability
• Student Loan PayDown
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Employee Referral Program
• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
• Emergency Back‑Up Childcare Program
• Mobility Stipend