Digital Communication Specialist

Peraton

45d

About The Position

Peraton is seeking a Digital Communication Specialist to join their team. This role provides strategic and operational communications support to advance public health priorities. The specialist will lead content development, digital strategy, campaign execution, stakeholder coordination, and emergency risk communications to ensure accurate, timely, and audience-centered messaging across internal and external platforms. Strong writing skills for both public and science are essential.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of experience or 12 years of experience and a HS degree.
Strong knowledge of current trends in digital and social media, including experience managing content across platforms such as Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, and Google using publishing tools (e.g., Sprout Social).
Experience developing health marketing or public health–related content and digital media products, including website and social media communications.
Demonstrated expertise in writing, editing, and proofreading digital content, with the ability to translate complex scientific and technical information into clear, compelling narratives tailored to diverse audiences.
Strong storytelling ability that advances public health messaging and enhances audience engagement
Advanced knowledge of grammar, punctuation, clarity of expression, organization, layout/design, and technical accuracy with strong attention to detail.
Proven ability to work collaboratively and diplomatically with multidisciplinary teams, including scientists, epidemiologists, medical professionals, web developers, communications staff, leadership including executive levels, and external partners.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Adobe products (Photoshop, Acrobat).
Must be a US Citizen
Must be able to obtain and maintain the required agency clearance

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting Public Health related projects
Knowledge of CDC culture, mission, and IT environment
Working knowledge of digital measurement tools (e.g., Adobe Analytics, Google Analytics)
Ability to interpret metrics to inform communications strategy.
Active CDC Clearance

Responsibilities

Develop and Execute Strategic Communications Plans: Lead development of communication strategies, key messages, and integrated campaigns supporting agency-wide public health priorities across digital, print, and multimedia platforms.
Create and Manage High-Level Content: Write, edit, and manage content including leadership presentations, talking points, fact sheets, policy summaries, newsletters, white papers, web content, social media posts, podcasts, webinars, and special publications.
Support Executive Communications: Develop slides, briefing materials, and talking points for senior leadership; coordinate meeting logistics; ensure timely preparation and message alignment for high-level engagements.
Lead Digital and Social Media Strategy: Manage and optimize digital communications, including social media channels; apply SEO best practices, keyword research, metadata development, and mobile-first content strategies to expand reach among healthcare and public health audiences.
Manage Web and Feature Content: Oversee planning, scheduling, development, and quality control of web features; ensure plain language standards, SEO optimization, and performance monitoring.
Provide Media and Press Support: Assist press officers in responding to media inquiries by coordinating with subject matter experts, drafting responses, and ensuring message accuracy and consistency.
Coordinate Content Clearance and Governance: Manage content clearance processes; initiate and track approvals with CDC stakeholders; escalate issues as needed to ensure on-time publication and compliance with policy requirements.
Support Emergency and Outbreak Communications: Provide crisis and emergency risk communication support during disease outbreaks and public health responses, including participation in preparedness exercises.
Conduct Audience Research and Gap Analysis: Use surveys, focus groups, metrics, and stakeholder engagement to identify audience needs, evaluate existing materials, and address gaps—particularly for high-risk or underserved populations.
Analyze Metrics and Report Performance: Collect, analyze, and report on digital media activity and campaign performance; translate evaluation findings into actionable recommendations to improve reach and impact.
Maintain Partner and Stakeholder Relationships: Build and sustain effective working relationships with senior leaders, scientific experts, immunization partners, state and local health departments, and medical organizations to facilitate collaboration and information dissemination.
Oversee Content Intake and Workflow Management: Triage, track, and manage requests for web, social media, and other communications updates; ensure accurate status reporting and timely task completion.
Apply Strategic Content Repurposing and Optimization: Identify opportunities to repurpose content across multiple channels; analyze content for alignment with communication goals, user needs, and format optimization.
Ensure Quality Control and Editorial Standards: Provide technical and non-technical editing, version control, plain language review, and guidance on best practices for managing public engagement and addressing negative feedback on open platforms.