Strategic Communications Lead and Deputy Program Manager

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support development of routine strategic communications plans for product rollouts and other initiatives by incorporating strategic messaging and tactics into External Affairs Guidance (EAG).
• Support execution plan rollouts to engage cybersecurity and infrastructure security stakeholders, customers, and the general public, educating each audience on the federal client's mission and products and services available to them.
• Support the development of an annual strategic communications plan to educate audiences on the federal client's mission and products and services available.
• Develop strategic communications engagement strategies and implement strategic marketing tactics and associated communications materials in support of the federal client's campaigns, programs, and events.
• Provide research/technical expertise on issues related to cybersecurity and infrastructure security communications strategies.
• Promote strategic partnerships with organizations at the national, regional, and local levels to advance cybersecurity messaging and to promote cybersecurity resources in innovative and impactful ways.
• Draft communication materials, as directed, including talking points, social media content, web content, leave-behind materials, and other public-facing content.
• Conduct measurement activities to evaluate the effectiveness of communications efforts towards achieving intended outcomes.
• Manage recurring daily, weekly, and monthly strategic communications activities to include reports tracking EA activities, look back reports for the federal client's leadership, development of EAG communications, and updating campaign trackers.
• Provide strategic support to External Affairs for new or expanding the federal client's programs and initiatives.
• Support the Account Director/Program Manager in managing a team of prime and subcontractors, ensuring their performance and establishing client relationships.
• Support program planning, staffing, resource allocation, and budget tracking across strategic communications activities.
• Develop a working knowledge of the federal statement of work and communicate with leadership and the client about scope, resourcing, and budget.
• Lead meetings, coordinate action items, and ensure timely completion of contract deliverables.
• Mentor and problem-solve/brainstorm with team.
• Assist in functional work when coverage is needed.
• Work to ensure quality of work meets clients’ and contract needs.
• Serve as Acting Program Director during absences or as delegated.

  QUALIFICATIONS

  • Currently holds, or can obtain, DHS Fitness Determination.
  • BS/BA in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, English, or a related field.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated experience: Assisting in the development of communications materials to build brand and product awareness through targeted media campaigns and engaging in advertising planning and placement for all media, both offline and online.

  PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Strong client relationship management, leadership, organizational, and project coordination skills.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior government leaders.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate cross-functional teams, and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong research skills.
  • Experience managing communications teams and supporting federal government contracts, preferably within DHS, or a government, agency, or consulting environment.
  • PR agency, corporate, or government agency experience preferred.
  • Self-starter with the ability to manage tasks and handle multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
  • Skilled at giving and receiving feedback internally and externally.
  • Accustomed to a client-facing role and experience briefing senior leaders.