Communications Specialist

Steampunk•McLean, VA

11d•$100,000 - $120,000

About The Position

As a Communications Specialist, you will contribute to the branding, messaging, and stakeholder communications strategy on behalf of our federal client's Office of Data and AI. You will build and maintain the office's identity and communications systems, produce recurring leadership communications and newsletters, and facilitate the engagement forums that connect the office's data, analytics, and AI initiatives to the stakeholders and end users who rely on them.

Requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Security Clearance
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field and 10+ years of experience in communications, marketing, journalism, brand strategy or a related field; OR Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field and 8+ years of experience in communications, marketing, journalism, brand strategy or a related field
Demonstrated experience developing brand identity assets, such as logos, templates, and style guides
Experience producing newsletters, briefs, or other recurring stakeholder communications
Experience facilitating meetings, workshops, or speaker series with senior stakeholders
Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and SharePoint; familiarity with graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail, including the ability to translate technical data, analytics, and AI concepts for non-technical audiences
Experience handling sensitive or personally identifiable information (PII) in accordance with data protection practices
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment
Experience working in a project-based, client-facing consulting environment

Nice To Haves

Previous work experience with a federal government client, ideally DoD/DHS
Familiarity with data, analytics, or AI concepts and terminology sufficient to communicate them to general audiences
Experience coordinating hackathons, challenges, or innovation events
PMP or equivalent certification

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain brand identity — logos, templates, and style guides — for the office and its data, analytics, and AI initiatives and products
Draft, design, and publish recurring newsletters and program updates on behalf of the office for senior client stakeholders
Plan and facilitate stakeholder engagement forums, including speaker series, working groups, and communities of practice, spanning data, analytics, and AI topics
Develop executive-level briefs, talking points, and presentation materials for senior leadership audiences
Support rollout efforts for office initiatives and tools, including go-to-market communications plans, user solicitation campaigns, and beta program coordination
Coordinate and synthesize user research and feedback sessions (e.g., interviews, demos) to inform product and communications strategy, including proper handling of sensitive/personal information
Design graphics and visual assets (icons, thumbnails, seals) to support application launches and office communications
Partner with cross-functional communications teams and client stakeholders to align messaging across multiple concurrent data, analytics, and AI initiatives
Maintain SharePoint sites, distribution lists, and internal collaboration spaces supporting office communications
Track and report on communication effectiveness (e.g., newsletter engagement, distro growth) to inform strategy adjustments
Ensure all deliverables across a variety of projects are produced at the highest quality