Senior Communications Specialist
About The Position
DarkStar Intelligence is seeking a Senior Communications Specialist to provide onsite support in McLean, VA. This role is crucial for supporting the Intelligence Community customer by leading strategic communications efforts. The specialist will be responsible for the development, preparation, production, coordination, and editing of high-visibility products. This position requires an independent self-starter and a communications Subject Matter Expert (SME) capable of planning and executing tasks with minimal supervision. The role involves end-to-end support for strategic communications, encompassing logistics, writing, information collection, coordination, and delivery of the Weekly Activity Report, as well as support for internal and external events. Close collaboration with design and web teams is essential to ensure accurate and timely information dissemination across various platforms and products.
Requirements
- Active TS/SCI with CI-Polygraph security clearance.
- Bachelor’s degree and 18+ years of relevant experience, 10+ with a Masters or 24+ years of relevant experience without a degree.
- Demonstrated experience producing executive-level communications, including leadership messaging, talking points, speeches, and written products for senior audiences.
- Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly and simply.
- Proven ability to operate independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality products under time constraints.
- Experience coordinating across stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams, including design and web support.
- Familiarity with accessibility and publication standards and applying them to written and web-based products.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration tools (e.g., MS Teams, SharePoint).
- Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud tools to support content development and coordination.
Responsibilities
- Leads strategic communications support for customer requirements, including strategy and planning documents, leadership messaging, talking points, speeches, remarks, and executive communications.
- Owns the Weekly Activity Report lifecycle, including collecting inputs, drafting/editing content, coordinating reviews, managing version control, and delivering final products on schedule.
- Supports internal and external events by coordinating logistics, developing messaging and supporting materials, and producing post-event summaries or follow-on communications as needed.
- Serves as the primary author for fact sheets, articles, email messaging, newsletter content, marketing copy, website content, and other communications products, as required.
- Prepares assignments and drafts based on input from subject matter experts and leadership direction.
- Researches, writes, edits, formats, and conducts quality checks for products intended for hardcopy and electronic publication, including dissemination across multiple platforms.
- Ensures accuracy, consistency, readability, tone, and accessibility compliance appropriate to the medium and audience.
- Rewrites and refines submissions to improve organization, clarity, grammar, and flow while maintaining intent and tradecraft standards.
- Prepares and edits speeches, scripts, testimony materials, and formal statements for senior executives for live or recorded delivery.
- Advises and coaches leadership on messaging clarity and presentation delivery when requested.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
- 401(k) retirement plan options
- Professional development and training opportunities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
