Media Relations & Outreach SME

AMSG•Washington, DC

9d•Remote

About The Position

AMSG is seeking a Media Relations & Outreach SME to provide Visual Communications & Multimedia Support to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science & Technology Directorate (S&T) Communications and Outreach Division (COD). The role involves increasing mission awareness through senior-level media relations, stakeholder engagement, and outreach support. This position is responsible for identifying, developing, and promoting compelling stories and accomplishments through proactive media engagement, strategic outreach initiatives, relationship management, and communications planning. The SME will serve as a primary liaison between organizational stakeholders, industry partners, media representatives, professional organizations, and other external audiences to enhance awareness, visibility, and understanding of organizational priorities, programs, accomplishments, and mission impact. The role requires close collaboration with writers, editors, graphic designers, multimedia specialists, web/content managers, technical subject matter experts, and leadership stakeholders to develop integrated communications campaigns supporting mission objectives and organizational outreach goals. The DHS S&T Communications Division supports its mission by translating complex research, development, testing, evaluation, and technology transition activities into clear, accessible, and impactful communications products for diverse stakeholder audiences.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience supporting public relations, media relations, communications outreach, stakeholder engagement, or strategic communications initiatives.
Experience developing and executing media outreach strategies and earned media campaigns.
Experience drafting press releases, media pitches, press kits, and external communications materials.
Experience building and maintaining professional relationships with media organizations, industry stakeholders, and external audiences.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex topics into compelling narratives.
Experience maintaining outreach databases, contact management systems, distribution lists, or stakeholder engagement tracking systems.
Ability to manage multiple communications initiatives and stakeholder relationships simultaneously.
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Minimum of 8 years’ experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting Federal Government communications, public affairs, research organizations, technology programs, or innovation-focused initiatives.
Experience supporting communications related to science, technology, cybersecurity, homeland security, research and development, or public-sector modernization.
Familiarity with media monitoring tools, CRM/contact management platforms, and communications analytics tools.
Experience supporting conferences, demonstrations, trade shows, speaking engagements, podcasts, or executive visibility campaigns.
Existing network of media, trade publications, or industry contacts relevant to government, technology, innovation, or public-sector communities.
Experience working in highly collaborative environments requires coordination among leadership, technical SMEs, communications teams, and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Identify, develop, and promote compelling stories, accomplishments, innovations, events, and mission impacts suitable for media coverage, stakeholder communications, and public outreach.
Research, evaluate, and prioritize media opportunities that align with organizational priorities, strategic initiatives, and communications objectives.
Develop and execute proactive media engagement strategies designed to increase awareness and visibility of organizational programs, research, initiatives, and accomplishments.
Draft and coordinate: Media advisories, Press releases, Press statements, Media pitches, Feature story proposals, Executive messaging, Event announcements, Media briefing materials.
Collaborate with technical SMEs and leadership stakeholders to translate complex technical, scientific, operational, or policy information into compelling narratives suitable for external audiences.
Support rapid response communications and time-sensitive media opportunities as required.
Proactively pitch stories, subject matter experts, events, demonstrations, research outcomes, and organizational accomplishments to media outlets, industry publications, podcasts, trade organizations, professional associations, and other external channels.
Identify opportunities for earned media coverage, contributed articles, interviews, speaking engagements, podcast appearances, and feature stories.
Coordinate media outreach campaigns that support organizational awareness, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications objectives.
Support executive visibility initiatives through strategic placement of leadership, thought leadership content, and external engagement opportunities.
Monitor media trends, industry developments, and communications opportunities that may support organizational priorities.
Develop, maintain, and distribute media kits and outreach packages that support organizational engagement activities.
Coordinate preparation of: Press kits, Media fact sheets, Organizational backgrounders, Executive biographies, Leadership profiles, Program summaries, Event materials, Photography and multimedia assets, Frequently asked questions.
Ensure media materials remain current, accurate, professionally branded, and aligned with organizational messaging.
Support media engagement activities, interviews, press briefings, conferences, demonstrations, and stakeholder events.
Build, maintain, and expand professional relationships with media representatives, journalists, trade publications, industry associations, professional organizations, conference organizers, community stakeholders, government partners, academic institutions, and industry partners.
Serve as a trusted communications liaison supporting external engagement and relationship-building efforts.
Identify strategic partnership opportunities that support organizational outreach, awareness, and engagement goals.
Coordinate stakeholder engagement activities that strengthen visibility and support long-term relationship development.
Develop, maintain, and continuously expand centralized media and stakeholder contact databases.
Track media contacts, engagement history, outreach activities, relationship status, publication interests, and communications opportunities.
Maintain organized distribution lists and targeted outreach lists supporting media campaigns, stakeholder communications, and event promotion activities.
Manage communications outreach calendars, engagement schedules, and follow-up activities.
Support reporting and metrics associated with media engagement, stakeholder outreach, and communications campaign performance.
Support integrated communications planning and campaign development efforts across web, social media, multimedia, events, publications, and stakeholder engagement activities.
Coordinate with communications personnel to ensure consistent messaging, branding, and communications objectives across all outreach activities.
Assist with the development of communications strategies supporting technology transition, innovation awareness, stakeholder engagement, and mission communications initiatives.
Provide recommendations regarding communications opportunities, outreach priorities, and stakeholder engagement approaches.