Strategic Communications Lead (REMOTE)

Applications accepted through 11/12/26. This remote position prefers candidates in the Washington, DC area and requires an active Secret security clearance.

About the role

Koniag Emerging Technologies (KET), a Koniag Government Services company, seeks an experienced Strategic Communications Lead to join a dynamic application development team supporting a federal government agency. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and persuasive communicator who thrives at the intersection of technology and stakeholder engagement, with a passion for driving user adoption of internally facing applications. This individual will possess the ability to quickly learn complex software products and translate technical capabilities into compelling narratives for diverse audiences, including senior government leadership.

The Strategic Communications Lead will serve as the primary driver of communications strategy and user adoption initiatives for a portfolio of internally facing government applications, working closely with development teams, product owners, and government stakeholders to ensure applications are understood, embraced, and effectively utilized by end users.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategic communications plans to support application rollouts, updates, and ongoing user adoption efforts.
• Learn the functionality, purpose, and value proposition of each application well enough to confidently present and discuss them with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Create a variety of communications materials, including presentations, newsletters, talking points, FAQs, training aids, release notes, and marketing-style collateral tailored to government audiences.
• Serve as a liaison between the development team and government leadership, translating technical progress and product capabilities into clear, actionable, and strategic messaging.
• Plan and coordinate stakeholder engagement activities, including briefings, webinars, demos, and feedback sessions to drive awareness and adoption.
• Partner with Product Owners and Scrum Teams to stay current on application features, updates, and roadmaps.
• Design and implement user adoption strategies, including change management techniques, to maximize engagement and minimize resistance to new tools and processes.
• Monitor and report on communication effectiveness and user adoption metrics, adjusting strategy as needed.
• Coordinate with government Communications/Public Affairs offices to ensure messaging aligns with agency standards, tone, and policy requirements.
• Prepare executive-level briefing materials and presentations for government leadership and senior stakeholders.
• Act as a trusted advisor to leadership on communications best practices and strategic messaging approaches.
• Support internal team communications to ensure alignment between technical teams and stakeholder-facing messaging.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Business, or related field from an accredited college or university.
• 7+ years of experience in strategic communications, change management, or user adoption roles, preferably within a technology, software development, or government environment.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications strategies for technical products or platforms.
• Experience interacting with and briefing senior leadership and government stakeholders.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into clear, audience-appropriate messaging.
• Strong presentation skills, including comfort presenting to senior government leadership and large audiences.
• Ability to quickly learn and articulate the functionality and value of multiple software applications.
• Strong understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) concepts and terminology, sufficient to communicate effectively with technical teams.
• Experience creating a wide range of communications products: briefing slides, newsletters, FAQs, training materials, and promotional content.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport across technical teams, government leadership, and end users.
• Strategic planning skills, including the ability to develop phased communications and adoption plans tied to application release schedules.
• Familiarity with change management principles and user adoption strategies.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an Agile development environment.
• Ability to maintain a Secret Trust Clearance.

Desired Skills & Competencies

• Experience working within a federal government IT environment or supporting federal agency communications.
• Familiarity with Agile Development Methodology, especially Scrum.
• Experience with graphic design or multimedia tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) to produce polished communications materials.
• Experience developing training content or user adoption campaigns for enterprise software rollouts.
• Prior experience as a liaison between technical development teams and non-technical executive stakeholders.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• Life and disability insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Commuter benefits
• Tuition reimbursement