Manager of Strategic Communications

Peraton•Herndon, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Peraton serves as the prime integrator for modernization of the nation’s air traffic control system — a complex, highly visible federal transformation involving technology, safety, workforce change, public confidence, and congressional oversight. This role provides senior strategic communications leadership dedicated specifically to the BNATCS program, ensuring Peraton can shape perception, anticipate risks, and communicate effectively across FAA stakeholders, media, policymakers, and the aviation community. The Manager of Strategic Communications performs as part of the Stakeholder Engagement Team to develop and execute an integrated communications strategy that strengthens Peraton’s reputation, aligns internal and external messaging, supports FAA workforce change, and prepares the organization for high-visibility moments. This role functions as the program’s communications engine — connecting narrative, stakeholder intelligence, risk anticipation, media engagement, issue management, and executive visibility. This position is 100% on-site located in Herndon, VA. The BNATCS program’s scale, visibility, and complexity demand a proactive communications function capable of shaping perception, anticipating issues, and supporting FAA modernization. This role ensures Peraton is prepared, credible, aligned, and positioned to tell its story — and to support one of the nation’s most consequential infrastructure transformations.

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship Required
Must have the ability to obtain / maintain a Public Trust clearance
12+ years of professional experience in communications, strategic communications, public affairs, or a closely related field.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences under tight deadlines.
Experience developing messaging for public consumption aligned with customer-approved messaging.
Expertise in media relations, executive communications, crisis management, and stakeholder engagement.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience supporting FAA, DOT, or other Aviation programs, particularly within mission-critical environments.
Familiarity with FAA communication protocols.
Experience supporting communications for aviation, transportation, technology modernization, infrastructure, cybersecurity, or other complex technical programs.
Experience developing and executing strategic communications plans for complex, large-scale federal programs.
Strong experience with stakeholder engagement and management.
Experience translating complex technical, operational, or program information into clear and compelling messaging for non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated ability to manage high-visibility and time-sensitive communications while maintaining accuracy, consistency, and appropriate approval processes.
Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and presentation skills, with strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain an integrated communications roadmap connected to program, policy, stakeholder dynamics and reputational objectives.
Define program narrative architecture, proof points, and themes aligned to BNATCS Modernization objectives.
Ensure consistent messaging across internal and external channels, including speeches, executive communications, and thought leadership pieces.
Serve as connective tissue across National Aerospace leadership, FAA program leadership, Government Relations, Organizational Effectiveness, Corporate Communications, and Workstream teams.
Ensure early visibility into program developments and stakeholder perspectives to influence communications proactively rather than reactively.
Clarify FAA messaging boundaries and coordinate what Peraton can say about its role and program status.
Support change management efforts through coordinated messaging that addresses concerns, articulates modernization value, and reinforces alignment with mission, processes, and operational changes.
Develop communication approaches to address identified areas of resistance or misunderstanding.
Advise on the development of escalation protocols, spokesperson identification, foundational response materials, and rapid-response capability.
Guide the preparation of communications decision-making frameworks.
Prepare executives and SMEs for speeches, panels, conferences, and external forums, aligning engagements to program milestones and stakeholder value.
Actively monitor media and external community messaging.
Map priority reporters and outlets across national, aviation, government, and trade media.
Advise on the responses to inbound media inquiries and secure interviews for executives and government partners when appropriate.