Public Affairs & Communications Specialist SME

ECS Tech Inc • Fairfax, VA

3h • Onsite

About The Position

The War Data Platform (WDP) is a key initiative within the U.S. Department of War's (DoW) AI-First strategy introduced in early 2026. The WDP separates business and financial data from operational warfighting data, aiming to accelerate the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) on the battlefield. The WDP extends to Unclassified, Secret, and Top Secret environments, and supports collaboration between Combatant Commands, Joint Staff directorates, Senior Executive Service leaders, and operational analysts. The Public Affairs & Communications Specialist SME serves as the senior strategic communications authority for the WDP Core Integration program, leading enterprise-wide messaging, stakeholder outreach, and communications planning across all classification domains to drive program transparency, mission adoption, and sustained enterprise engagement. In this role, the specialist functions as a cross-functional communicator and trusted advisor to program leadership, translating complex technical and operational developments into clear, mission-aligned narratives for audiences ranging from warfighters to Senior Executive Service leaders and Federal partners.

Requirements

• Current Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret (TS) security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
• 15 or more years of progressive experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or enterprise communications, with demonstrated experience supporting large-scale federal or defense programs.
• Proven ability to develop and execute enterprise-wide strategic communications plans, outreach campaigns, and stakeholder engagement programs aligned to organizational priorities and mission outcomes.
• Experience developing and delivering communications across multiple classification domains, including Unclassified/NIPR, Secret/SIPR, and Top Secret/JWICS environments, in compliance with applicable information security policies.
• Demonstrated experience authoring and producing a broad range of communication products, including program briefs, fact sheets, executive-level presentations, technical narratives, and visual media for diverse mission audiences.
• Proficiency with authorized Content Management Systems (CMS) for publication, archival, version control, and distribution of communication materials across government-approved platforms.
• Experience engaging directly with Senior Executive Service (SES)-level, General Officer/Flag Officer-level, or equivalent senior leadership audiences to validate messaging, present program updates, and coordinate strategic communications priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to apply structured feedback mechanisms, user analytics, and sentiment assessment tools to evaluate communication effectiveness and inform continuous messaging improvement.
• Experience coordinating communications across interagency partners, including other Federal departments and agencies, in support of enterprise program awareness and adoption initiatives.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, with a proven ability to weigh the relative costs and benefits of potential actions and identify the most appropriate solution.
• Highly developed interpersonal and oral/written communication skills, with the ability to effectively and professionally interact with a diverse set of stakeholders (from peers to end-users to executive management).

Responsibilities

• Develops an enterprise communications development timeline that aligns future War Data Platform (WDP) Core Integration capability releases, technical design updates, and operational milestones across Unclassified and NIPR, Secret and SIPR, and Top Secret and JWICS environments supporting CDAO leadership, Combatant Commands, Joint Staff elements, and Federal partners.
• Designs a strategic communications plan aligned to Customer Success Operations Plan objectives and integrated with Program Services Portfolio schedules approved by Government representatives.
• Builds digital communication materials, outreach artifacts, program briefs, fact sheets, visual media, and technical narratives accessible through an authorized Content Management System to support distribution, archival, and version control requirements.
• Conducts direct coordination with War Data Platform (WDP) Core Integration user communities, portfolio managers, technical leads, and mission stakeholders to validate messaging themes, strengthen alignment with enterprise objectives, and maintain cadence with evolving operational needs.
• Produces communication schedules that synchronize stakeholder engagements, strategic exchanges, product demonstrations, and mission-focused updates across all enclave classifications.
• Develops communication content supporting Department of War stakeholders, the Department of Homeland Security, and Federal departments and agencies to advance awareness of War Data Platform (WDP) Core Integration capabilities and upcoming modernization activities.
• Employs structured feedback mechanisms, analytic dashboards, and sentiment assessments to evaluate communication effectiveness and refine messaging for clarity, accuracy, and mission relevance.
• Serves as a member of the strategic communications team operating cross-functionally across security domains to deliver communication strategies, engagement analytics, and actionable recommendations that elevate War Data Platform (WDP) Core Integration program transparency, strengthen stakeholder trust, and maximize enterprise adoption.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed