Senior Director, Public Affairs

Avid Core • Washington, DC

2d • $155,000 - $175,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Avid Core is seeking a Senior Director, Public Affairs to lead strategic communications initiatives in support of federal clients and national-level programs. This role will provide executive-level counsel on messaging strategy, oversee media engagement and reputation management, and lead communications initiatives related to national security, defense, and public policy issues.
The ideal candidate will have significant experience supporting or engaging with the Department of Defense (DoD)/Department of War (DoW) and will be comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment where strategic communications and stakeholder engagement are critical.
This position will work closely with executive leadership, federal stakeholders, and communications teams to ensure messaging strategies align with policy objectives, operational priorities, and public accountability.
To Apply: Submit resumes and cover letters through this posting.
Candidates from all backgrounds are welcome to apply for our open positions and to join our bench of talented professionals.
Salary Range: $155,000 - $175,000, based on experience and qualifications.

Requirements

• 12–15+ years of experience in public affairs, strategic communications, government relations, or related fields
• Demonstrated experience supporting or engaging with the Department of Defense (DoD)/Department of War (DoW) is required
• Strong understanding of federal policy processes, defense programs, and national security communications environments
• Extensive experience managing media relations and working with national and policy-focused media outlets
• Experience providing communications counsel to senior executives or federal leadership
• Demonstrated success managing complex communications initiatives and reputation-management challenges
• Proven leadership experience managing communications teams and mentoring staff
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level messaging and strategic narrative development
• Experience managing high-visibility or politically sensitive communications initiatives
• Familiarity with digital communications, social media strategy, and modern communications analytics
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Experience supporting federal contract environments or government-contracting organizations preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and communications management tools
• A strategic communicator who understands complex federal policy environments
• Comfortable advising senior leaders and representing organizations in high-visibility settings
• Skilled at translating complex technical or policy issues into clear public messaging
• Experienced managing communications during sensitive or high-stakes situations
• Collaborative and able to coordinate across diverse stakeholder groups
• A confident leader who can mentor staff and elevate team performance
• Organized and capable of managing multiple communications initiatives simultaneously
• Analytical and able to evaluate communications effectiveness using data and metrics
• Adaptable and responsive in dynamic policy and media environments

Nice To Haves

• Experience with higher education communications is desired

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership on public affairs strategy, messaging, and communications planning
• Develop and oversee communications strategies related to federal programs, defense initiatives, and national policy issues
• Lead media relations efforts including engagement with national, regional, and specialized defense and policy media outlets
• Serve as a senior advisor on crisis communications, reputation management, and high-visibility communications challenges
• Develop executive messaging materials including talking points, speeches, op-eds, briefing materials, and media statements
• Support thought leadership initiatives including publications, panels, conferences, and strategic partnerships
• Oversee development of public affairs campaigns that advance policy understanding and stakeholder engagement
• Provide guidance on communications related to federal policy developments, regulatory changes, and national security issues
• Coordinate messaging across internal teams, clients, and external partners to ensure alignment and consistency
• Manage and mentor communications professionals and project staff supporting public affairs initiatives
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and oversee reporting on communications performance and impact
• Support stakeholder engagement including policymakers, partner organizations, advocacy groups, and industry leaders
• Advise on social media strategy, influencer engagement, and digital communications initiatives
• Coordinate communications support for major announcements, events, briefings, and public engagement activities
• Support proposal development and federal contract acquisition by advising on communications strategies and messaging
• Identify emerging public affairs risks and opportunities affecting federal programs and agency initiatives
• Provide training and guidance to clients and internal staff on media engagement and communications best practices
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Vision, dental, short-term and long-term disability
• 401K with employer match (after six months of employment)
• Federal and non-federal paid holidays
• Flexible paid time off
• Generous bonus program based on firm and individual performance
• An opportunity to learn and grow in an inclusive and supportive environment with a fun team

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior